Ficus (lat. Ficus) is a plant genus with 800 – 1,000 species of trees, shrubs or climbers from the mulberry family (Moracea). They are mostly evergreen plants, but some also belong to the deciduous group. Ficus originates from tropical areas and those with a warmer climate and is a frequent inhabitant of jungles and rain forests, so about 511 species originate from the Indo-Australian area that includes parts of India, Australia, Papua New Guinea, parts of New Zealand, Asia, approx. 132 species originate from Central and South America, while about 112 species originate from Africa.
Due to its relatively easy cultivation and visually attractive appearance, ficus is one of the most popular plants today, especially as a house plant. Many species of ficus are grown as bonsai. The ficus tree is rich in milky juice, the leaves are alternate, and of the ficus trees that are grown outdoors, Ficus carica, i.e. fig, is probably the most famous in our country, a deciduous tree that produces nutritious and healthy fruit, while the best known among indoor plants is Ficus benjamin.
However, in addition to figs, which are cultivated here on the coast and in general in the Mediterranean, some other more exotic types of ficus have fig fruit, so for example Ficus aurea, which is widespread in the area of Florida, the Caribbean and Mexico, has the fruit of the so-called golden figs and is pollinated exclusively by one species of wasp Pegoscapus mexicanus.
Almost all ficuses have similar requirements when it comes to lighting. They do not like too weak or too strong light, so the ideal place for them is one that gives good morning light, such as a window facing east. Due to their tropical origin, they require a lot of water, and of course you should be careful not to overwater them, and they can be very sensitive to changes in location.
Types of ficus
Almost all types of ficus are hardy and long-lived, and their abundance can be attributed to the knowledge and efforts of numerous professional experts and plant lovers, which resulted in a huge number of variations. With their glossy, often fleshy leaves and light gray trunk, ficuses aesthetically decorate interiors and are an excellent choice for the home.
Ficus gum
Ficus elastica or rubber ficus is a very resistant plant that is adorned with alternating leaves up to 35 cm long and 15 cm wide, and although it originates from southern tropical Asia, it is grown here exclusively as a houseplant. Given that it grows quickly, regular pruning helps to maintain and control the size of this plant, and you should avoid keeping this plant in direct light.
There are numerous varieties of this type of ficus, among which we should mention Ficus elastica decora (a cultivar with dark leaves), Ficus elastica robusta (has larger leaves than the Decora cultivar), Ficus elastica black prince (almost completely black leaves) and many other variations. It is relatively easy to maintain, and care should be taken not to overwater it, that the plant is not exposed to strong sunlight and low temperatures, and it is not recommended to change its position often.
Ficus benjamina
Ficus benjamina or ficus benjamina is one of the most popular types of ficus and, unlike other indoor cultivars, it has smaller leaves. Although it is known as an air purifier, it is also one of the allergens, which is definitely important information that should be taken into account before buying this plant.
It likes high air humidity and well-drained soil and should be protected from drafts and too direct sunlight. This ficus is not recommended to be kept in a draft. It is recommended to plant it in a smaller container in such a way that every second or at least third year it is transplanted into a larger container, and it is very easily propagated using cuttings in the spring. In order to achieve a more beautiful shape of the crown, it is advisable to prune it, while avoiding contact with the white liquid that appears at the place of cuts, as it can cause an allergic reaction.
Creeping ficus
Ficus pumila or creeping ficus is also called dwarf ficus and it is an evergreen creeping shrub that is 2.5 – 4 m high. The plant is distinguished by young delicate thin shoots with small leaves and native thick shoots. Its roots are quite invasive and can enter the trunk of another plant, and the fruits are tiny, yellow and dark red in color. It tolerates lower temperatures and high humidity quite well, and it should be planted in fairly wide containers because it is a plant that grows and branches extremely quickly.
Lyra ficus
Ficus lyrata or lyre ficus is a plant with beautiful leaves that grow up to 45 cm in length and 30 cm in width. In home conditions, it reaches a height of up to 3 m and requires a lot of light and moderate moisture. It likes indirect light and it is very desirable to spray its leaves and prune it regularly, and it is recommended to trim its top during the growing season so that it branches out. It likes the company of other ficuses, such as gum tree, and the large fleshy leaves should be regularly cleaned of dust, preferably with a damp cloth.
An ordinary fig
Ficus carica or ordinary fig is a deciduous tree that grows up to 10 m in height, likes a sunny position and is not particularly demanding when it comes to soil quality. The leaves are alternate, and the flowers are unisexual, monoecious, gathered inside a fleshy thickening so that they are not visible from the outside. They are pollinated by the fig wasp, and the fruits have exceptional nutritional value. All parts of the plant contain thick milky juice. Common fig is propagated by grafting, cuttings, and less often by seeds. The lifespan of an ordinary fig is up to 200 years.
Holy fig
This fast-growing tree, whose Latin name is Ficus religiosa, is a good choice for growing in warm, humid regions. It likes sunny, well-lit places very much, which makes it somewhat different from other types of ficus, and its leaves are heart-shaped, 10 – 17 cm long. The fruit is a small fig, crimson in color when ripe. It is found in the territory of India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and southwestern China. In nature, it can reach a height of 30 m and can often be found grown as a bonsai, by fans of this technique.
Ficus deltoidea
It is a perennial variety of ficus with thick waxy leaves, and its Latin name is Ficus deltoidea. In our country it is also known as small-leaved ficus. Its tree is like a bush and grows up to 2 m in nature. Its fruits are small figs the size of peas that turn red in strong sunlight.
Indian laurel
Indian laurel also belongs to the ficus species. It is a dioecious evergreen tree that can grow up to 10 m in height. The leaves are aromatic, sometimes with a wavy edge, and its Latin name is Ficus microcarp. The flowering season begins in March and April, and the fruit is a berry that takes on a dark color when ripe. This is a herb that likes a warm and moderate climate, nutritious soil and good drainage because it does not tolerate too much moisture.
Ficus benghalensis
This species has the Latin name Ficus benghalensis, and although in nature it reaches epic proportions of 20 m in height, it grows up to 3 m in a container. It has emerald green leaves with a velvety texture, about 10 cm wide, and a solid, bright trunk that grows in size with age. It is an evergreen plant that is dormant during the winter and loves warmth and moisture.
Ficus cultivation
As a houseplant, ficus grows slowly, but with proper care it can live for decades. Although there are certain specificities related to certain types of ficuses, in general, indoor ficuses do not like too high or too low temperatures (ideally it would be 16 – 27°C), nor direct exposure to the sun, if these parameters are respected, they can be successfully grown in gardens and that’s exactly what facts should be taken into account if you want your plant to be long-lived.
Matching cultures
Considering its tropical origin, ficus gets along well with plants that like similar growing conditions, so indoor plants from the palm family – Dieffenbachia and Schefflera – are such a good company for ficus. In addition to ficus, a plant from the creeper family can be planted – golden creeper or begonia.
Watering
Too much watering of the ficus will result in the leaves rotting rapidly, while a lack of watering will lead to drying out of the leaves. The substrate must be well drained and watering is done when the upper part of the substrate is dry. In this direction, it is best to feel the upper part of the substrate with your finger, and when it is dry at a depth of 2-3 cm, then you should water the plant. In winter, the watering of ficus should be further reduced.
Fertilization
Ficuses like nitrogen-rich fertilization. Water-soluble and liquid fertilizers with a slow release of nutrients and a constant flow of nitrogen are the best choice. Ficuses do not need to be fertilized during the rest period, it is best to start fertilizing and top dressing in the spring and fertilize them once a month until the end of summer or the beginning of autumn.
A good choice for feeding ficus is nettle tincture, which is made by putting freshly picked nettle halfway into a container and then filling it with water so that the liquid reaches about 7 cm from the edge of the container. After standing for two weeks, it is diluted with water and thus used for watering the substrate.
Ficuses can also be fed with wood ash tincture by adding 2 tablespoons of wood ash to 1 liter of water, after which the infusion must be left for a week. The tincture obtained in this way is rich in sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium.
Propagation
Ficuses are propagated by cuttings, by cuttings of branches or individual leaves. If the ficus is propagated by leaves, then we harvest it together with the stem, and before planting it in the ground, it should be rolled up and fixed with an ordinary elastic band, because in this way we protect it from dehydration.
The cuttings can be placed directly in the ground or they can be placed in water first, and then planted in the ground when they develop roots. If the cuttings are placed directly in the ground, they must first be dipped in hormone powder for better growth. The cuttings are stored at a temperature of 24°C. A special way of propagating ficus is with the help of cuttings that are attached to the parent plant, which requires a much higher level of knowledge.
Transplantation
Ficus transplanting is best done in the spring, and it should be emphasized that the right time for transplanting is when the substrate is dry and the roots are visible on the surface. Young plants are recommended to be transplanted once a year for the first 4-5 years, and older ones once every 2-3 years. Before transplanting, the plant should be well watered and allowed to stand for an hour, then carefully separate the soil lump with the roots from the container. In the new pot, you should first put a thicker layer of drainage on the bottom, then 1 cm of substrate, then lay the ficus and cover it well with the remaining soil.
Rejuvenation
Ficus rejuvenation is done by pruning the plant, where the upper part of the plant is pruned. Care should be taken that the part of the plant that is cut is not thinner than 1 cm. The place where the cut was made should be protected with moss and then wrapped with transparent kitchen foil. In this way, the plant will spread nicely in width.
Ground
The best choice for ficuses is a mixture of garden soil, loam, with the addition of coal and a little sand. The soil must be extremely well drained and neutral or slightly acidic with acidity parameters of 6.5 – 7 pH. Ficuses have a particularly hard time tolerating dense clay soils as well as marshy soils because any excess water has a harmful effect on the roots.
Climate
Although it is originally a tropical plant, ficus is very adaptable and likes a lot of light, but not direct sun, so in winter temperatures of 10 – 15°C suit it. Therefore, indoor ficus should not be transplanted into gardens where the winter temperatures are lower than those mentioned above. It is advisable to wash the leaves occasionally with a cloth soaked in water, because in this way the plant is both cleaned and hydrated. Ficuses do not like exposure to drafts or a windy position, and due to its ability to like partial shade and a high level of air humidity, Ficus fumila is an excellent choice for decorating the interior of bathrooms.
Planting ficus
For planting ficus, it is necessary to prepare a new substrate, protect the area with a suitable nylon cover and prepare all the necessary materials.
Planting time
Ficuses are best planted in the spring, when young shoots with roots are separated, which need to be planted in the ground and then watered well. The shoots planted in this way should be placed in a bright, but not too sunny position, protected from the wind. Within 2 – 3 weeks, the shoots should take root.
Choosing the substrate for planting
Young ficus plants grow better in denser soils, while older plants prefer fertile soil with more nutrients and good drainage. The best combination of soil is a mixture of ordinary soil, peat and humus in equal parts, with the addition of fine sand and gravel.
Planting from seed
Given that ficus grows relatively slowly, it takes a certain amount of time to grow this plant from seed. Before sowing, seeds that have been purchased in a suitable specialized store should be kept for a day in a growth-promoting solution. It is preferable to sow it in light and permeable soil, at a depth of 0.5 cm and respecting the spacing of 1.5 cm.
The soil should be moistened well, and then the place of planting should be protected with a transparent film, and in such a mini-greenhouse, while maintaining a temperature of 23 – 25°C, shoots will appear very quickly. It is necessary to keep the soil constantly moist and make sure that the mini-greenhouse is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Planting from a seedling
The seedling should not be smaller than 15 cm and should have at least a few leaves on it. The cut on the seedling is made at a right angle and the cutting is placed in water for a couple of hours, where you can treat it with suitable phytostimulants, and after removing it from the water, the cut parts should be protected with activated carbon and a hormonal agent to stimulate growth.
After it germinates, the cutting should be planted in a loose substrate mixed with ordinary soil and provide it with all the conditions mentioned earlier.
Cultivation in the garden
Given that the indoor ficus is a plant that cannot tolerate low temperatures, nor too much exposure to the wind, it is not recommended to plant it in the garden. However, if you still decide to do so, then gradually adapt it to the outdoor conditions so that in the spring, after the frost period has passed, you occasionally take it outside for a few hours.
Growing in a greenhouse
Ficus is not suitable for growing in a greenhouse, and if you do decide to do so, you must provide it with the following conditions: optimal temperature 23 – 25°C, humidity with regular spraying, sufficient amount of light.
Cultivation in containers
Cultivated ficus is primarily intended for growing in containers, and it can be grown from seeds or from cuttings in the manner previously described. With the provision of the necessary soil quality, appropriate level of humidity and proper lighting, growing in containers will result in a beautiful plant that will be a decoration of any room.
Maintenance and care
In order to be able to enjoy the beauty of your ficus for a long time, it is necessary to maintain and care for it in a proper way, which is done by thinning and pruning the plant.
Resting phase
Ficus is dormant in winter, and then watering should be reduced and occasionally sprayed with lukewarm water when it is noticed that the substrate is dry.
Thinning
Ficus should be thinned once every year in order to remove damaged and dead leaves and dry branches. The ficus crown should be thinned inwards and outwards, where it is necessary to trim the top shoots, shorten the side branches and direct the growth in a certain direction. Shaping ficus by squeezing it can be done with wire and ropes.
Pruning
Pruning is very important for ficus because without it the tree would not be able to develop properly, and the risk of plant diseases would increase. Pruning is most often done in the spring or summer when the ficus tree has the highest growth, and in the fall it is done only exceptionally, for sanitary purposes, when the plant has been attacked by a pest or disease. The ficus is cut obliquely, with a previously disinfected tool, and the plant must be protected with a coating of activated charcoal at the cut site. If you want the ficus to grow in width, the top is trimmed, while in a situation where you want to achieve an elongated growth of the plant, then the side shoots are trimmed.
Diseases
Although ficus is a very resistant plant, it is susceptible to certain diseases that are mainly caused by fungi or excessive watering of the plant. The most common diseases are anthracosis, bacterial leaf spot, branch dieback and foliar nematode.
In order to prevent the occurrence of diseases or pests, it is necessary to take certain preventive measures. A new plant purchased from an authorized dealer must be kept in quarantine for a while, and if no disease appears after a few weeks, the plant can be placed near other plants. Plants should be kept at a certain distance from each other, to prevent any possible spread of infection. Ficus leaves should be washed once a month with soapy water, especially if it has been in the garden or outdoors. It is necessary to disinfect the soil with a mild solution of potassium permanganate.
Anthracosis
Anthracosis is a disease caused by fungi from the genus Colletotrichum glocosponoides Penz and occurs as a result of plant exposure to excessive humidity. The leaves are first covered with dark green spots that turn dark over time, the branches become completely brown. and then gray. It occurs at a time when high air humidity is combined with lower temperatures.
Bacterial leaf spot
This disease is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. Initially, small yellow and black dots appear on the leaves, which eventually turn dark brown and fall off. Leaves affected by the disease must be removed and it is recommended to pour water directly into the soil because excess moisture promotes this disease.
Death of branches
This disease is caused by a fungus from the genus Phomopsis. The leaves turn brown and wither, and then the branches also die and turn black. This disease is also caused by excess moisture, so ensuring good soil drainage is a good prevention. All parts of the plant affected by the disease must be removed to prevent its spread.
Foliar nematode
This disease is caused by the Aphelenchoides parasite, which penetrates the leaves of the ficus tree from where it draws nutrients. Black, yellow or white spots begin to appear on the leaf and the leaf gradually dies.
Pests
The most common pests that attack ficus are aphids, mealybugs, thrips, whitefly, red spider.
Shield ears
Aphids are small brown insects that feed on plant juices and leave a specific honey-like trail. If the ficus is exposed to the attack of these pests for a long time, it can lead to the destruction of the entire plant. In the case that aphids have attacked the ficus, it is necessary to wash the plant thoroughly under running water, and each leaf individually, until all the aphids have been cleaned in this way. If necessary, this procedure should be repeated.
Mealy bugs
Mealybugs are small insects whose bodies are coated with wax that looks and feels like cotton. Along with the use of certain insecticides, it is also recommended to thoroughly wash the plant and clean it of these pests.
Thrips
Thrips is an insect from the bedbug family that attacks ficus plants in the summer. The infection can be recognized by damaged leaves that have silvery tears on them. Thrips are successfully destroyed with the insecticide abamectin.
White fly
Whitefly infection can be recognized by the presence of white eggs similar to small grains of rice laid on the back of the leaf. Leaves turn yellow, shoots stop growing. This parasite is very stubborn and if it multiplies excessively, it should be controlled with an insecticide based on the active substance Spirotetramat.
Red spider
The red spider or Tetranychus urticae is a widespread pest that hibernates at a depth of 10 cm under fallen leaves or tree bark. The damage to the plant is caused by the larvae but also by the adult insects when feeding, first white dots appear on the leaf and eventually the whole leaf collapses and dries up.
The use of ficus
The only ficus that is used commercially is the rubber ficus, thanks to the high concentration of latex contained in its trunk and from which rubber is made.
Interesting things
It is believed that ficus trees are very old on the planet and that they appeared 60 – 80 million years ago. The oldest ficus tree is found in Sri Lanka and was planted in 288 BC.
During the eighties of the last century, the ficus was a favorite, almost a status plant, especially of the middle class, and an indispensable part of the interior. Although today its popularity has declined a little, it is still very common in homes due to its resistance and beauty, and recently the favorite species among interior designers is Ficus lyrata.
Ficus religiosa is considered a sacred plant and legend says that Siddhartha Gautama sat under this tree when he experienced enlightenment.
Photo: Julio Pablo Vázquez / Pixabay