Growing plants is a fascinating hobby. It will take a lot of knowledge and patience. But it's worth it, since the results bring a lot of emotions and satisfaction. A huge number of plants from around the world can be successfully grown indoors. Each grower will surely have favorites. And very often these are ficus. They are represented by several species. Rubber-bearing ficus has been popular for a long time and is successfully grown at home. It is a symbol of family happiness. In the past, in almost every house, he occupied the most honorable place.
Rubber-bearing ficus - an inhabitant of the tropical forests of India, belongs to the Mulberry family. In its natural habitat, this plant is a giant tree, reaching 30 m in height. Naturally, this representative of the flora in the apartments would feel uncomfortable, but special undersized forms were developed for indoor floriculture. They are perfect for landscaping small rooms.
Rubber-bearing ficus is an evergreen plant that has dense large oval-shaped leaves. They are shiny, leathery. The leaves reach a length of 25 cm and have a pronounced bright vein in the middle. They have a different color. Variegated species are especially spectacular.
This thermophilic plant with good care will please its rapid growth. Place rubbery ficus on well-lit windows that are protected from drafts. However, direct sunlight should not fall on it. Also, for the normal growth of this tropical representative, the thermal regime should be observed. The plant normally develops at a temperature of 22 degrees Celsius.
Rubber ficus is demanding on air humidity. The leaves of the plant are sprayed or moistened with a napkin dipped in warm water. Water the flower regularly. When caring for ficus , warm water is used. In order to stimulate the rapid growth of young plants, in the cold season, with a regularity, warm baths are made once a week. To do this, the pan for pots is filled with water having a temperature of 45 degrees Celsius. In the spring and summer periods, fertilizing with a solution of mineral fertilizers is carried out.
When growing, you should pay attention to the formation of the crown of rubber ficus. In order for the flower to get a beautiful look, you need to be patient. Without outside interference, rubber ficus does not form lateral shoots. Pruning and plant formation is carried out throughout the entire growth period. Pinch the top of the ficus at a meter and a half plant height. After about two years, side shoots will appear, which in turn will also undercut. In order for the shoots to develop evenly, the rubbery ficus is periodically rotated. With the intensive formation of shoots, some of them are removed. During trimming of ficus, milky juice is secreted. They get wet with a napkin. The cut points are sprinkled with activated carbon powder.
Cuttings of ficus obtained by pruning are an excellent material for reproduction. Having wet the milk juice and dried for an hour, they are placed in a container with warm water or in pots with peat for rooting. Planting material will be ready in a month. Rooted cuttings are planted in small pots.
With long-term cultivation, rubber ficus can lose attractiveness. If over time the plant has a bare trunk, perform air layering that will help rejuvenate it.