Houseplant similar to ficus. Ficus rubber Indoor plants of the ficus family

Among indoor plants grown at home, ficus plants occupy an important place. The genus includes hundreds of species, a few of which are the main popular houseplants. The genus Ficus includes more than 1000 species of plants, trees, bushes and vines. The genus belongs to the Mulberry family (Moraceae). Natural habitats are found in Asia, Africa, and Australia. The species are varied, all secrete a milky sap, which, in the case of sensitive people, may cause irritation upon contact with the skin.

At home, you can grow both large and smaller specimens. It is worth noting that in the warmer parts of Europe, in the Mediterranean countries, the Fig tree, or Fig (Ficus carica), can be found in cultivation. The fruits are edible and can be eaten raw or after processing.

IN this manual Some types and general rules for growing and caring for ficus plants at home will be described.

Kinds

– natural habitat, northern Australia, India, Malaysia. Under natural conditions it grows into a powerful tree; at home, it can reach several meters in height. There are many varieties, with beautifully colored foliage, characterized by smaller sizes. Ficus benjamina, is one of the most popular species, in addition to the whitish border on the leaves, it is characterized by thin, shiny, stiffer leaves. Hanging shoots look picturesque.

Ficus benjamina is a species that does not require too much care; it can grow in rooms with dry air due to its leathery leaves. The basis for caring for Ficus Benjamin is lighting; it should not be exposed to direct sunlight. If the room is too dry, the flower will shed its leaves. Do not expose the plant to drafts.

The plant is useful, absorbs chemical pollution in the room.

– interesting view, which is a climbing shrub. An original plant with decorative foliage. The variety "White Sunny" looks especially beautiful with leaves with a white edge. Natural habitats of the species are Japan and China. IN natural environment habitat, the stems of the plant are several meters long, at home they are much shorter, shortened by pruning.

Requires constant, high air humidity and does not like direct sunlight. Ficus dwarf is not demanding to care for at home, given the temperature. Grows well at room temperature and tolerates temperatures below 10°C.

Ficus Binnendijka– the species can reach large sizes and is characterized by narrow and long leaves. The plant must be provided with a well-lit place, without direct sunlight. The temperature in summer is approximately 20 °C, in winter it is not lower than 15 °C.

– decorative variety with original and large leaves, leaf length 40-50 cm. Leaves are green, shiny, leathery, lyre-shaped, wavy at the edges. Grows to large sizes in natural conditions ( West Africa) is a large tree. At home it requires a lot of space. It is a species that requires a lighted place, without direct sunlight. Air humidity that is too low will result in drying out of the foliage.

- is one of the most popular species grown at home. Characterized by large, shiny leaves, up to 20 cm long. Varieties are more often grown at home. In natural conditions a big tree. Characterized by rapid growth. Over time, it will require pruning and stimulate the plant to branch.

It is not a demanding species; optimal care should be taken to ensure that the plant is full of strength. Requires a well-lit place, especially variegated varieties, without direct sunlight. For varieties with green foliage, partial shade is more suitable.

Ficus creeping- an original species, distinguished by lanceolate leaves and adventitious roots. A flower grown at home does not reach large sizes. Variety ‘Variegata’ with decorative, variegated leaves.

It is not a species that purifies the air, does not require care, and grows well at room temperature.

Ficus deltoid– a species that does not require care at home. It is characterized by a looser cut, the leaves are not large, obovate. At home, the height can reach approximately 1-1.5 m. The plant looks decorative not only because of the leaves, but because of the greenish fruits, the size of a pea.

- an interesting tree-like species, more compact than Ficus benjamina. Often grown as a bonsai tree. Requires constant air humidity and grows well at home.

– a decorative species, in its natural habitat, it is a powerful tree. It has decorative, large leaves, oval-shaped, elongated, with noticeable venation.

Varieties

• Ficus benjamina "Barok" (Baroque) - F. Benjamin variety with leaves, slightly curled leaves. The variety reaches small sizes.
• Ficus benjamina "Starlight" (Starlight) - the F. Benjamin variety is decorative due to the beautiful, white color of the leaves. The brighter the lighting, the more intensely colored the foliage.
• Ficus radicans "Variegata" (variegata) is a rooting variety with white edges on the leaves.
• Ficus benjamina "Golden King" (Golden King) - F. Benjamin variety with white and yellow spots along the edges of the leaves.
• Ficus benjamina "Reginald" (Reginald) - F. Benjamin variety, reaches large sizes. Young foliage is golden yellow, later greenish.
• Ficus benjamina "Monique" (Monique) - a variety with green, slightly corrugated leaves.
• Ficus benjamina "Variegata" (variegata) - F. Benjamin variety with two-color leaves.
• Ficus elastica "Tineke" (Tineke) is a variety of F. rubbery, distinguished by a creamy edge on the leaves.
• Ficus benjamina "Judi" (Judi) is an ornamental variety of F. Benjamin with leaves with golden pigment spots.
• Ficus pumila "Sunny" (Sunny) – popular variety F. dwarf with a white border on the leaves.
• Ficus elastica "Decora" (Decora) is a popular variety of F. rubbery, the most common in cultivation. Characterized by shiny, green foliage.
• Ficus benjamina "Esther" (Esther) is a variety of F. Benjamin, characterized by bright green foliage.
• Ficus elastica "Tricolor" (Tricolor) is a F. rubber variety with very decorative leaves with shades of green, white, cream and light pink.
• Ficus pumila "Variegata" (variegata) is a dwarf variety with variegated foliage.
• Ficus binnendijkii "Alii" (Ali) - a variety of F. binnendijkii, popular, has long and thin shoots, green, lanceolate leaves.
• Ficus benjamina "Natasja" (Natasha) is a F. Benjamin variety with beautiful green leaves.

Care

Lighting, ficuses love the sun, especially Ficus Benjamin and varieties with variegated leaves. The rubber-bearing ficus, with green leaves, is less demanding on lighting, as well as the dwarf ficus.

The flower loves the sun, but direct sunlight should be avoided. An area that is too shaded will cause the leaves to drop and limit or stop growth. Ficuses do not like rooms with drafts and frequent movements from place to place.

As a substrate You can use universal soil with the addition of compost soil rich in humus. Ficus plants do not tolerate stagnant water; you need to use a well-permeable substrate. Vermiculite can be added to the substrate.

Transfer, young specimens are replanted annually, old ones every few years, in the case when the roots are visible through the lower holes of the pot. In the case of large samples, the top layer of soil can be replaced. When replanting plants in spring time, good drainage should be remembered.

Temperature, ficuses grow well at room temperature, within 18-24 °C. During winter, temperatures for most species should not fall below 15°C.

Fertilizer application– moderate, during the growth period twice a month, every two weeks with universal liquid fertilizers.

Watering and air humidity– depending on the room temperature, it is necessary to adjust the frequency of watering. Water with soft water, generously, so that excess water is removed from the stand. Before watering the plant, the substrate should dry slightly; it is better to check the moisture content of the substrate with your finger to make sure that the plant will not be flooded. Ficuses love a slightly moist substrate, not wet, and quickly respond to overwatering.

Ficuses, especially small-leaved ones, love spraying with soft, warm water, during irrigation, the leaves are cleaned of dust.

Small-leaved varieties will appreciate a shower wash during the summer, making it easier to keep the plants clean.

Other care procedures– if necessary, ficus trees can be trimmed.

Reproduction

Ficus trees are usually propagated vegetatively. In the case of rubber and dwarf ficus, reproduction should not be a problem. In other cases, it may be problematic and will require more attention and participation.

Reproduction methods:

• propagation using apical cuttings,
• propagation using stem cuttings,
• propagation by leaf,
• propagation by air layering.

The most common method of propagating ficus plants is the method using apical cuttings. The method can be used for propagation of the following species: F. Benjamin, F. lyre-shaped, F. microcarpa, F. sagittal, F. dwarf, F. rubbery, F. binnendii, F. goblet-stipule.

Apical cuttings cut in spring. Each cutting should have 2-3 leaves. The cuttings are placed in warm water until the milky juice stops oozing from the cuttings. It is necessary to prepare the soil, it must be permeable, a mixture of peat and sand (1:1). After stopping the flow of milky juice, the cuttings need to be dipped in a root formation stimulator. Previously, you need to remove excess leaves, leaving two leaves at the top. Place the cutting in a previously prepared hole and add soil. Then water and cover with film. The temperature during rooting should be approximately 25 °C.

Stem cuttings They also take root, but the part of the stem that has 2-3 leaves. The method allows you to get large quantity seedlings, since there are not too many apical cuttings.

Leaf propagation, the propagation method is suitable for F. dwarf, F. rooting, F. rubbery, F. lyre-shaped.

By using air layering Ficus rubber plant reproduces more often, the plant loses its lower foliage over time, this way you can get a new plant.

A longitudinal cut is made on the trunk under the leaf or under the place where the leaf was. Then the cut site is wrapped in damp sphagnum moss, wrapped with rope, and then covered with film. In a few weeks, roots should appear. When the roots are well developed, the plant should be cut off below the rooting site and planted in a separate pot.

In the case of propagation of species with large leaves, in order to reduce the evaporation of water from the leaves, it is necessary to roll the leaf and tie it, for example, with an elastic band.

Diseases

Diseases can be caused by various reasons; diseases are mainly fungal. The most common disease of ficus is anthracnose, which manifests itself as numerous inclusions from yellow to brown, located at the top of the leaf, sometimes covering the entire leaf. The fight against the disease consists of repeated spraying with a fungicidal agent, after first removing the affected leaves.

Another fungal disease, gray rot, can be defeated by spraying with a fungicidal agent.

Pests

Among the pests, the most common problem is spider mites, scale insects, false scale insects, thrips, mealybugs and even aphids.

In the case of spider mites, yellowish spots appear on the leaf, leading to curling, drying and falling leaves. Spider mites feed on sap by piercing the leaf blade from the underside. Ticks are small and easy to recognize by their characteristic web.

You can try to fight the pest with home remedies, for example, increase air humidity by first isolating the ficus from other plants. Spraying helps clean the foliage; to maintain constant air humidity, you can cover the plant with film for several days.

Spider mites– difficult pests, to completely remove it is necessary to use appropriate means. Spraying with the product should be repeated several times, after about 7 days.

Scale insects and false scale insects Easily distinguished by the rounded shields, the pests will appear along the main stem. The female is hidden under the shield, difficult to remove, resistant to most agents. The attack of scale insects leads to a delay in the growth of ficus, yellow spots on the leaves, over time the leaves dry out.

Fighting scale insects - control newly acquired plants so as not to bring home pests from outside.

If the population is small, the pest can be dealt with manually by removing insects with a cotton swab moistened with denatured alcohol. First, remove the shield in one motion, then new cotton swab, soaked, wash the leaves in one motion. Application of the method will help prevent the spread of eggs and larvae pests that are under the shield.

Another way to combat the pest is to remove the scutes and wash the leaves with a soapy water solution.

In case of a massive attack, it is better to use a chemical agent.

Aphid, leads to leaf curling, you can fight it with a mixture of water and laundry soap, spray and wash the leaves.

Thrips, love dry air and substrate, which promotes the emergence of pests. A thrips attack will appear as thin, whitish-yellow spots on the leaves, becoming more silvery over time, and the spots will cover most of the leaf. Dark pest excrement will be visible on the leaves.

The pest can be controlled using a special chemical.

Thrips are difficult to control. If not used chemicals, you can try removing it with a cotton swab or brush, then wipe with denatured alcohol.

Other problems

When growing ficus plants at home, you can encounter many problems, depending on the growing conditions.

The most common problems:

• Root rotting, occurs with excessive watering;
• Falling leaves– change of location, change of temperature, too dark place, drafts, too much watering, low temperature;
• Yellowing of leaves– too much watering;
• Wilting leaves– substrate is too dry;
• The plant grows poorly or is stunted, leaves are pale, thin - the plant requires feeding and replanting;
• Dark spots on leaves– the ficus is too cold.

Application

The types of ficus are extremely diverse; it is easy to choose the type suitable for use in the living room, office or bedroom. When choosing plants, you should be guided not only by aesthetics, but also by care conditions. Available types of ficus require different care at home; it is easy to grow, for example, rubber-bearing ficus; you can purchase species that are more difficult to care for, ficus lyrera.

Variegated ficus trees can become a successful architectural accent. The texture of variegated leaves looks good in various compositions. You can buy ficuses with small leaves, ficus dwarf, with large leaves, ficus lyreate.

Lanceolate, oblong leaves are characteristic of the ficus binnendijka; it has numerous varieties with variegated foliage. There are really many species and varieties; you don’t have to limit yourself to just one ficus.

Concluding remarks

To highlight the beauty of plants, pay attention to pots. Pots with low aesthetic value interfere with the aesthetics of plants and do not allow their beauty to be fully revealed. The flower pot and the plant should form a cohesive duet, harmoniously complementing each other.

Very loved and popular among flower growers of all kinds different varieties ficus. They have long settled in apartments, greenhouses, offices, and shops. By planting such a plant on your windowsill and properly caring for it, you will be able to admire the green beauty for many years. True, many varieties of ficus are gigantic in size, so they require a spacious room. But there are a lot of varieties of ficus, and everyone can choose a plant for their apartment or office based on size, color or leaf shape.

Ficus: types, photos and names

Beautiful evergreen ficus belongs to the mulberry family. Plants growing naturally in New Guinea, Southeast Asia and the Solomon Islands can be either trees or shrubs. Depending on the type, ficuses can have green or bicolor leaves up to 70 cm in size. The small flowers of the plant are located on simplified perianths.

In nature, ficus trees can grow up to 40 meters in length, and their trunk diameter can reach 5 meters. There are climbing and creeping plant species. In total there are more than 1000 varieties of ficus. However, much less is grown at home. Today we will look at ficus plants known in amateur floriculture in our article.

Popular types of ficus

Rubber-bearing ficus is one of the most popular and unpretentious species this genus of mulberry plants. He characterized by a weakly branching trunk, which at home can reach two meters. The leathery and glossy elliptical leaves are slightly pointed at the tip. The grayish-green crown of the tree is rough and mottled with horizontal grooves. In wet areas the tree produces aerial roots. This type of ficus has different varieties, which mainly differ in the color of the leaves:

1. The Black Prince variety is a plant with black leaves.
2. The “Doecheri” variety is distinguished by the presence of pink spots and a red vein in the middle of the leaf.
3. The variety "Variegata" has beautiful green leaves, along the edges of which there is a cream edging.
4. The Robusta variety is a plant with large, glossy leaves of a rich green color.

Ficus benjamina is evergreen tree with thin shoots in nature can grow up to 10-20 meters. At home, the bush reaches a height of three meters. The gray-beige branched crown of the plant has regular shapes. The oblong sheets reach 5-20 cm in length and 2-5 cm in width. They can be single-color or two-color, oval, ovoid, or spiral-shaped. The crown of the tree is so thick that sometimes the trunk is not visible because of it. Thanks to the aerial roots growing from their shoots, you can beautiful bindings and give the tree unusual shapes.

Ficus repens is a miniature creeping shrub characterized by long stems on which additional roots are formed. A net-like pattern is formed on the green surface of its heart-shaped, hard leaves. yellow tint. Thanks to its suckers, the plant can grow on trees or supports.

Ficus dwarf or Pumila white is a vine with long, creeping shoots. The asymmetrical leaves are oval-heart-shaped and are located on stems 5 cm thick. The rough and wrinkled surface of the leaves is covered with a mesh pattern. The plant completely covers the soil with a carpet, growing to the ground with its numerous roots.

Ficus lyre-shaped is distinguished by large leaves of a light green hue. In young plants they are covered with wax and are shaped like the silhouette of a violin. Each leaf reaches 60 cm in length and 30 cm in width. Green leaves with a white speck in the middle have a pronounced vein. The erect trunk of the plant in nature grows up to 12 m.

Ficus rubiginosa or rusty leaf It is a small spreading tree with red shoots. Aerial roots form in the lower part of the crown, and bright pink pubescent buds grow at the top of the tree. The rather large leaves of the plant are dark green on top and reddish-brown on the underside.

Ficus variegata got its name due to the fact that on its branches you can see leaves of completely different shapes. The shrub, growing up to one meter, has a tree-like stem and leathery leaves. On their dark green background there may be brown spots. The shrub bears fruit resembling olives, which under no circumstances should be eaten.

Ficus Melanie is considered a sacred tree in Indonesia. The young plant has an underdeveloped crown. The trunk of the plant is covered with leathery, elliptical dark green leaves and aerial roots reaching to the ground. At home, the plant does not bloom, but produces syconium fruits.

Ficus carica or indoor fig is a small deciduous shrub with a spreading crown. It is distinguished by a thick brown-gray trunk and jagged, irregularly shaped leaves. Each leaf is covered with light yellow or white veins. With proper care at home, you can achieve flowering and fruiting of figs. The flowers of the plant are barely noticeable, but the fruits or wine berries resemble spherical fruits. In autumn, this type of ficus may shed its leaves.

How to care for ficus at home?

Houseplants unpretentious, therefore very popular and loved by gardeners. Caring for ficus at home consists of good lighting, regular and proper watering and suitable temperature. However, there are still some nuances of growing, especially certain types of plants.

Lighting

The best option for placing ficuses is a well-lit place no direct sunlight. small plant can be placed on a western or eastern window sill, and a tall bush or tree placed on the floor or stand near the window. It is not recommended to move the plant deeper into the room. In the shade, the bush will slow down and shed its leaves.

During the warm period, ficuses can be taken out onto the loggia or balcony, placing them so that the plant does not receive direct sunlight. In winter, light-loving plants suffer from short daylight hours, so it is recommended to additionally illuminate them several hours a day.

Temperature and humidity

In summer, the optimal temperature for growing ficus maybe within 25-30C. In winter, it is recommended to keep the plant at an air temperature of 16-20C.

Ficus plants also do well at room temperature. The only thing they don’t like is the dry air coming from the heating radiators. Therefore, it is recommended to spray the plant with water two to three times a day. room temperature. Otherwise, dry air can cause damage to the tree by pests or diseases.

Watering and water procedures

When caring for a ficus, regular watering is required, which depends on the air humidity and temperature in the room. Water the plant only after the top layer of the soil mixture has dried thoroughly. Too much frequent watering Maybe lead to rotting of the root system. It is also necessary to ensure that water does not accumulate in the pan.

During the dry period, it is recommended to bathe ficuses twice a month in the shower, having first covered the soil with a waterproof film. In the absence of a shower, the leaves of the plant can be periodically wiped, first with a dry and then with a wet cloth.

To ensure that tree leaves have a rich green color, experienced flower growers wipe them with a special solution:

• two tablespoons of mayonnaise are diluted in half a glass of water;
• a dry and clean cloth is moistened in the resulting solution;
• leaves are rubbed until complete removal dirt and dust.

Feeding ficus

When caring for ficus at home, fertilizing is done only in summer time. It is recommended to alternately use mineral and organic fertilizers for this purpose. Plants are fed every ten days.

In winter, when there is little light and warmth , fertilizers are not used. But for the plant to feel good, you can feed it with tea leaves by burying a small amount of them in the ground.

Transplantation and soil for ficus

Young, actively growing plants need replanting every year. Old trees and bushes are replanted once every few years. This must be done in order to renew the soured and settled soil.

For replanting, neutral or slightly acidic special soil for ficuses sold in flower shops is suitable. Young plants need a specific soil mixture, which can be prepare from equal parts:

• peat;
• sand;
• leafy soil.

Mature trees are transplanted into denser soil, so humus and turf land.

The plants are watered about a day before planting. For young bushes, new pots should be about 2 cm larger than the previous ones. First, drainage is poured onto the bottom of the container, and then a small layer of soil. A plant pulled out of an old pot along with a lump of earth installed in a new container and sprinkled with soil.

Ficus benjamina: home care, photo

A small tree with small leaves requires more attention and some care. Otherwise, the leaves begin to fall off and the plant becomes completely bald.

Ficus benjamina naturally lives in conditions of high humidity, so it does not tolerate too much light or dry air. Therefore, it is recommended to grow it away from direct sunlight and spray it several times a day. A very good option to increase humidity is to use a special humidifier.

If, however, the ficus Benjamin leaves started to fall, then the reason could be:

1. Acclimatization of the plant to new growing conditions.
2. Watering with cold water.
3. Lack of light.
4. Uncomfortable temperature for the plant (above 23C or below 17C).
5. Drafts and sudden temperature changes.
6. Dry air.
7. Excessive or insufficient soil moisture.

All these reasons must be eliminated when caring for Ficus Benjamin. The plant is placed in a bright place away from sunlight and drafts, regularly watered, sprayed and fed. Also, do not forget to periodically loosen the soil in the pot and replant the young plant annually.

The simplest and most common method of propagating ficus trees is cuttings.

To obtain cuttings in the spring, shoots are cut from the bush under the lower node, which should have at least 2-3 leaves. The bottom leaf is removed, the cut is washed, and the cutting is placed in damp sand or water. The plant section is generously sprayed and covered with a transparent plastic bottle or another cap. In this form, the cuttings are placed in a warm, shaded place and ventilated daily. As soon as the plant takes root and begins to grow, it can be safely planted in a pot filled with earthen mixture.

You can also take a large ficus leaf as a cutting, cutting it off along with the heel. The leaf rolled into a tube is rooted in damp peat or sand. A support is installed next to it for stability. The sheet is sprayed and covered with a flask. During rooting, it is necessary to ventilate the cuttings and moisten the peat. After the roots appear, the leaf planted in a small pot. As the plants grow, they are transplanted into larger pots.

True ficus lovers find caring for their pet at home quite easy. By fulfilling just a few conditions, you can admire the beautiful greenery of a small bush or a magnificent and spectacular mature tree all year round.

Ficus benjamina

Most indoor ficus plants do not require special treatment. Therefore they are bred in home environment and installed in offices. Among the varieties of ficus there are plants that differ in the color and shape of the leaf and trunk. Perhaps someone will choose the most suitable option for themselves. Let's look at the varieties of ficus with photos and names.

Ficus bengal (Banyan)

The countries of Southeast Asia are considered the homeland of this type of ficus. It has a very amazing crown - several trunks seem to grow out of the ground. In fact, this is just one plant belonging to special forms of flora - banyans. During the process of trunk formation, roots form on the horizontal trunks of the ficus. Some of them, not receiving the necessary moisture, dry out. Those that “get” to the ground take root, forming a new trunk.

Subsequently, they also start to shoot. Thanks to this cyclicity, the ficus grows in breadth. The plant has ovate or oval leaves with a leathery, veiny surface. During the flowering process, syconia appear. These are spherical inflorescences, orange color. Their diameter is 2-3 cm. To have a Benjamin ficus, you need a large area and special conditions. For small rooms choose the shape of bonsai plants.

Ficus benjamina

The plant looks like bonsai. The ficus crown is branched, gray-beige in color with a smooth surface, and has regular shapes. The trunk of the plant is low, with drooping shoots, overgrown with aerial roots. The oblong-oval shape of the Benjamin ficus leaf has a pointed end. Their width is 2-5 cm, and their length is 5-20 cm. The crown of the plant is so dense that sometimes the trunk itself is not visible behind it. Depending on the conditions of care, it can reach a height of up to 3 meters.

Ficus Binnendijka

A plant with a long, rough trunk, along which tubercles of roots hang down. The leaf shape is lanceolate - oblong with a pointed tip. They have different colors of green shades. The edges of the leaves are white and the surface may be spotted. As plants grow from below, they fall off, exposing the crown. The maximum width of the leaves is 2 cm, length 30 cm.

Ficus Ginseng (ginseng)

Most often, when such a ficus is grown in the house, it is formed in the form of a bonsai. Refers to the forms of banyan. Above the many trunks grown from lateral roots, a lush crown of small branches rises. The shedding plants have an oval, slightly pointed shape. The yellow color of ficus fruits becomes dark red after ripening. Once every three years the plant completely changes its foliage.

Ficus montana (Montana)

In tea plantations, this creeping, low-growing shrub is considered a weed. In indoor conditions, ficus montana is grown as a ground cover or hanging plant. Its brown-green thin shoots have a smooth surface. If you touch the leaves of the plant, it will seem that they have roughness. This is due to the bristly hairs with which they are covered. Their shape is similar to oak leaves. Their maximum width is 5 cm and length 8 cm. The diameter of the slightly pubescent ficus fruits reaches 1.3 cm. Their color ranges from yellow to speckled red.

Ficus deltoid (variegated)

The name of this plant comes from the Greek letter delta. This is due to the special shape of the leaf. It resembles the letter delta or triangle. The plant is characterized by heterophylly. That is, the presence of leaves different sizes and forms on one plant. This can be observed even on one shoot. The surface of the leaves is leathery and glossy, with a slight convexity. The color of the bark is gray-brown, the crown has a sinuous shape.

Ficus Dracaena

A tree-like plant that can reach three meters in height. The tall, strong trunk of this ficus ends in a lush crown. It consists of narrow long leaves. After they fall off, a characteristic scar forms at the site of growth. There are varieties of Ficus Dracaena, differing in the color of the crown.

Ficus carica (indoor fig)

The name of this plant corresponds to the region of Asia Minor in which it was grown. The rather thick, brown-gray trunk of the ficus Carica is not very tall. The unevenly toothed leaves are covered with hairs underneath. They have a specific smell. All parts of the ficus, with the exception of ripe fruits, are capable of secreting milky juice. Once on human skin, it can cause irritation.

Ficus lyreformes

Found naturally in tropical Africa. Ficus lyre-shaped received its name due to its resemblance to a musical instrument. Characterized by the absence or small number of aerial roots. Therefore, it is not classified as a banyan tree. The rough crown of the plant has a gray-brown tint. The glossy, slightly wrinkled, leathery leaves of the ficus have wavy edges round shape. In the middle there is a clearly defined vein with 3-5 branches. The color of syconium is green with white speckles.

Ficus Melanie

In Indonesia, which is the homeland of the ficus Melanie, these plants are considered sacred. The first time after planting, it has an unbranched, woody crown. Then aerial roots form on the trunk, which, upon reaching the ground, form a banyan tree. The leathery, dark green leaves are epiliptically shaped and slightly pointed at the end. Indoor plants do not bloom, but produce syconium fruits. Its parts secrete poisonous juice.

Ficus Parcella

Stands out as unusual among the ficus family appearance. It is a small bush with dense foliage and drooping branches. The crown color is brown-yellow. The leaves of Ficus Paracella are oval in shape with a tapered tip, light green in color and have a pattern of irregular spots of yellow-white color.

Ficus ivy

An interesting plant with a thin, weaving trunk. Dark green, three-lobed leaves grow from it along its entire length. Their edges are painted white-yellow color. For this plant, space and the ability to float on some surface are important.

Ficus creeping

A climbing, creeping plant. Numerous additional roots form on its long stem. With its suckers it can attach itself to a crack, another plant or support. The hard, oval leaves are heart-shaped. A yellow mesh pattern is formed on its dark green surface.

Ficus Pumila White

The plant owes its name to its small leaves. Pumila means small in Latin. This is a vine with long creeping shoots. Adventitious roots are formed along their entire length. The thickness of the stems of an adult ficus can exceed 5 cm. Oval-heart-shaped asymmetrical leaves are arranged in two rows. Their wrinkled, rough surface is covered with a mesh pattern.

Ficus varifolia

The name of this plant was given due to the fact that on its branches you can find leaves of various different shapes. The length of the thin tree-like stem of indoor ficus does not exceed 1 meter. Its oval-rounded leaves have a leathery surface. On the dark green background of the leaf there are small brown spots. The decorative fruits of the plant are similar in size and color to olives.

Ficus Retuza

Due to its thick, oddly shaped trunk, this plant species is often used for growing bansai. He is also known as bay tree or Cuban ficus. The plant's air exchange is carried out through reddish spots on its crown. The leaf shape of this ficus is ovoid with a sharp tip. Its dark green surface has a leathery texture.

Ficus rustifolia (Rubiginosa)

Escapes young plant reddish in color. The aerial roots of this ficus are formed in the lower part of the crown. The leaves are large, leathery and can reach 25 cm in length. Their color is dark green. At the bottom of the leaf and on its petiole you can see a reddish-brown fuzz. This is why the ficus is called rusty-leaved.

Ficus sacred (Sacred fig)

Buddhists consider this plant sacred because it was under it that Prince Gautama was transformed into Buddha. Its lower part of the crown is covered with aerial roots. The heart-shaped leaves of the ficus form a drip point at the end. When it changes Atmosphere pressure one can observe the “crying” of the sacred tree. This is when juice appears at the end of the leaf. Their shade is greenish-blue with a yellow-white axial vein.

Ficus triangularis (triangular)

Woody shrub with a brown crown, native to Africa. Covered with leathery leaves triangular shape, attached to the trunk at the top. In the middle there is a depressed vein with branches. Fruits abundantly with spherical syconia of green or yellow hue.

Ficus rooting (dwarf)

Thin curly shoots are abundantly strewn with foliage. India is considered the birthplace of this ficus. The plant takes root using nodes on its stems. Can braid large areas. The lance-shaped, smooth leaves have a leathery texture. They are attached to the stem using short petioles. The dark green shade of the leaves is diluted with a yellow-white pattern along the edges.

Ficus elastica (rubber-bearing)

It has a weakly branching trunk, which at home can reach two meters. Its juice contains rubber, which gives the plant its second name. In sufficiently damp rooms it produces aerial roots. The rough crown of the plant is grayish-green in color and dotted with horizontal grooves. The elliptical leaves have a pointed tip. Their surface is glossy and leathery. Syconia appear when there is sufficient moisture. They are spherical in shape and yellowish-green in color.

Most ficus trees do not require special care at home. The main thing is to determine one place for them and not move them. They love lighted places, but without direct sunlight. It is very important that there is sufficient humidity in the room.

Ficus is a member of the mulberry family, which are evergreen plants with a tree or shrub appearance. It can also grow as a vine. There are over 900 species of ficus in the genus to which the plant belongs, some of which are grown at home.

General information

Ficus can be found not only in houses or apartments, it has long become an integral part of the interiors of offices and large companies. In addition to his decorative look, it helps purify the air and enrich it with oxygen.

Its demand as a pot crop is due to its unpretentiousness and ease of cultivation. If you follow all the rules for caring for the plant, the flower will delight its owner with beauty and elegance for many years, bringing a special flavor to the interior.

Ficus varieties with photos and names

Is popular indoor variety ficus, which has oblong leaves with different colors and a length of up to 12 centimeters. The plant has a voluminous crown covered with gray bark with horizontal brown stripes.

Ficus of this species does not like waterlogged soil, direct sunlight and shade, as this causes its leaf plates to fade and get burned.

This variety of ficus has massive leathery leaves of a dark green hue. When growing it indoors, it branches poorly. However, with proper care, this flower will have a luxurious crown, reaching a height of up to two meters. The juice of this plant is used to produce rubber.

It is a tree-like plant, which in natural conditions reaches 25 meters in height and has a dense crown. It has long, shiny elliptical leaves of a dark green color.

Ficus initially develops as an epiphyte, eventually crushing the trunk of the plant on which it grows. When grown in a pot, the plant resembles an exotic, miniature bonsai with unusual roots and a beautiful, lush crown.

In nature it grows up to 10 meters in height. When kept at home, it is very miniature and has a height of 40 to 50 centimeters. This variety was brought from Ceylon.

The flower has a flexible, branching trunk of medium thickness with a dense crown, making the ficus easy to shape. The leaf plates are up to 3 centimeters in size. They have a glossy surface with a tip bent down. The color can be either light or dark green. This ficus is used to create miniature bonsai.

The plant got its name due to the appearance of its leaf blades, which look like musical instrument lyre They are quite large, slightly compressed, reaching a length of 50 centimeters, with pronounced veins.

At home growing the flower should be created with a microclimate similar to the one in which it grows in wildlife, only in this way will it be possible to grow a beautiful and healthy plant.

The variety of this plant is distinguished by large, dark green leathery leaf plates. Ficus has weak branching, but at the same time it has a dense crown, reaching a height of up to 2 meters. The milky sap of the flower is used in the production of various rubber products.

Represents quite unpretentious plant, having thick leaf plates that have a characteristic color for the species. The flower can reach up to 2 meters in length, thanks to which it has excellent decorative properties, and also acts as a natural air filter for premises.

The plant has branching shoots, which over time form an aerial root system. It has leathery, dark green leaf blades arranged alternately. Young foliage has a reddish-brown tint, which is not typical for ficus trees. When growing ficus, you should not allow the soil to dry out, as this will negatively affect its growth.

In nature, it begins to develop on large trees. It has an aerial root system, which eventually descends to the soil, and when rooted, it becomes the trunk of the plant. It has oval dark green leaves with light veins, a medium-thick trunk and a luxurious, lush crown.

This variety differs from all other varieties of ficus by its miniature size and variegated, light green leaf blades with a beige edge.

This ficus variety is considered sacred by Buddhists. In nature it grows on trunks big trees, and after some time, when its root system reaches the ground, the ficus becomes an independent deciduous plant.

At home, it is grown as a bonsai with an unusual shape. The plant has heart-shaped leaf blades of a dark green hue. It loves heat very much, so when growing it, temperatures should not be allowed to drop below 12 degrees.

It grows naturally in the Philippines, China and Japan. Ficus is also grown as a houseplant. He looks tall compact bush with dense bright green leaf blades. The plant has decorative qualities, so it can often be found in modern interiors.

A plant of this variety can reach a height of up to 1 meter, but it grows extremely slowly. Its peculiarity lies in its lanceolate, variegated, elongated leaf blades with a pointed end. The edges of the leaves are slightly wavy. Ficus is easy to shape, so you can grow a bonsai from it.

Thanks to its bizarre trunk, it is grown indoors as a bonsai. This variety ficus branches well, which allows the formation of a dense crown. It has shiny, green, egg-shaped leaves. It is unpretentious to living conditions.

It grows naturally in China, Australia and Thailand. It is very similar to a tree with small leaf blades. At the tip of each leaf blade there is a groove for draining moisture, thus the plant adapts to frequent rains in natural conditions. It is quite easy to grow, so even beginners can handle this ficus.

This ficus variety is distinguished by its variegated leaf blades, which was obtained by crossing different species to create original greenhouse compositions.

This plant differs from other varieties of ficus by the presence of purple and pinkish hues on the leaf blades. The leaves of this flower are large, elongated and pointed at the ends. Ficus can reach up to 1 meter in height.

The plant has medium-sized, long leaf blades that are boat-shaped with a slightly bent end and wavy edges. They have a bright green tint and a white border around the edge. The plant can reach up to 1 meter in height. This variety grows very quickly and is easy to care for.

The plant is native to India, Indonesia and Nepal. It mainly grows in tropical forests, growing up to 40 meters in height. Household ficuses can reach the very ceiling, and if they are not allowed to grow upward, they begin to branch.

They have glossy, large, dark green leaf blades with a burgundy tint, in the center of which there is a red vein. The plant is very light-loving, but does not tolerate direct sunlight.

This variety differs from other types of ficus in the color of its leaf blades. They have a milky white tint with small green streaks. The plant is native to the tropics, where it reaches a height of up to 10 meters. At home, it branches well and has a luxurious lush crown and extraordinary decorative properties.

It grows naturally in Indonesia on the island of Java, growing up to 20 meters in length. The leaf blades have an elongated shape with wavy edges. They are shiny, drooping and curved along the main vein. When grown at home, the plant can grow up to 2 meters and, with proper care, has lush foliage. However, this variety does not bloom when grown in pots.

A very beautiful, but very demanding variety of ficus to care for. The plant can reach a height of up to two meters, but it grows very slowly. Ficus branches well and has a lush and dense crown with white and white-green small leaf plates. With a lack of light, it loses its decorative effect and its foliage acquires a standard dark green hue.

The plant has long, wide, medium-sized leaf blades. They have a light green color with dark green, yellow, light green and gray stripes. The plant can reach up to 2 meters in height. It grows 5–7 centimeters per year.

Ficus care at home

Only proper care of the plant will help ensure its healthy appearance and decorative qualities. This exotic representative of indoor plants is quite light-loving, so it should be provided a large number of light, which should not be direct, but diffuse.

If the gardener cannot place the plant on a windowsill facing south or east side, then he should place it in partial shade so that the direct rays of the sun do not harm the flower. It should also be noted that ficus plants do not like drafts and strong temperature changes. IN growing season the plant needs to be provided with a temperature of 20 to 24 degrees. In winter, it should not be below 15 degrees.

Crassula or Money Tree belongs to the Crassulaceae family. It can be grown with care at home without much hassle if you follow the rules of agricultural technology. All necessary recommendations You can find it in this article.

Watering ficus

For irrigation, filtered or settled water should be used. In summer, the plant should be watered once a week. Spraying should be carried out several times a month. With the onset of winter, watering should be carried out only when the top soil layer dries out.

To improve the color and shine of leaves, experienced gardeners advise wiping them with a solution of water and mayonnaise. To prepare it, take a glass of filtered water and 3 teaspoons of mayonnaise. Wiping the leaf plates with this composition should be done once every two months. It is only suitable for varieties with rich green leaf blades.

Soil for ficus

In order for the ficus to grow and develop normally, it is necessary to prepare a slightly acidic or neutral soil, which includes deciduous and turf soil, sand and humus. All ingredients must be used in equal proportions. You can add some compost flour to the soil.

If you cannot prepare the soil yourself, you can purchase it from flower shop, ordering a special soil for ficus from the seller.

Ficus pot

For ficus, you should choose a pot made of ceramic, clay or plastic. Large wooden pots are ideal for adult plants. Bonsais should be grown in small flat clay pots.

The container for growing the plant should be changed as it grows. The most an important condition The key to choosing a pot is to have drainage holes in it that will prevent water from stagnating in the soil.

Ficus transplant at home

An adult ficus must be replanted every three years to avoid compaction and souring of the soil mixture. Young trees require annual replanting, since during active growth young trees greatly deplete the soil and build up a root system that needs additional space. The pot for replanting is selected depending on the size of the plant. The larger the ficus, the larger the pot you should choose.

When replanting a ficus, you need to pay attention to the drainage layer, which will prevent water from stagnating at the bottom of the pot. Expanded clay or small broken shards are used to form it.

Fertilizer for ficus

In summer, the plant must be fed three times a month, that is, once every ten days, with mineral or organic fertilizers designed specifically for ficus. These fertilizers should be applied alternately.

IN winter time year, the plant should not be fed at all or use light fertilizer like tea leaves. For this purpose, you need to make a hole in a pot with a plant, put a few black tea leaves in it, after which they need to be sprinkled with earth. This feeding will be enough to provide adequate nutrition for the wintering period of the ficus.

Ficus flowering

Some varieties of ficus also bloom at home, but you should immediately warn that you won’t be able to see luxurious inflorescences like those on their wild counterparts. The flowers of the plant are called syconia, resembling small peas in a lemon, green or orange hue. There is a hole on top of the inflorescence, and there is emptiness inside the bud.

In nature, this hole is necessary for pollination by special insects, but since we do not have such insects, the inflorescences do not change either shape or color, gradually withering and crumbling.

However, it should be taken into account that syconia have a negative effect on the ficus, as they take away a lot of its vitality, therefore, if they suddenly appear, they should be cut off so that the plant does not die over time.

Ficus pruning

Ficus pruning is carried out only when the plant is in the vegetative period. Pruning can be done for the following purposes:

• Sanitation - it is performed to remove diseased and damaged shoots.
• Formations - carried out to form the crown.
• Rejuvenation - performed for rejuvenation after the plant has suffered a stressful situation such as overdrying or hypothermia.
• Pinching - is based on pinching the tops for the growth of second-order branches.

Sanitation It is mainly carried out if the plant is sick and needs to remove diseased branches in order to protect the ficus from spreading infection to healthy branches. Can be done at any time. It is also necessary to remove old leaves that have lost their appearance, as they greatly spoil the decorative appearance of the plant.

Anti-aging pruning — it is considered to be cardinal. It is used for frostbite or drying out of the ficus by cutting the plant at the root, leaving only a small stump.

Thanks to this haircut, you can awaken dormant buds, which will give new shoots. You can grow a renewed plant either with one trunk or leave all the grown branches to create a lush bush.

Pincing - carried out only with young plants for the development of lateral branches. To obtain a fork, gardeners develop side branches. For this purpose, they cut off the top of the selected branch, having previously examined the stem.

This is necessary in order not to miss the growth of new branches under the cut, which is why it is important to track how the buds are located.

Ficus crown formation

The formation of the crown is carried out using formative pruning, which is performed during the growing season, that is, until mid-summer. The branches are cut with disinfected pruning shears. You can remove no more than ¼ branches at a time. However, this rule does not apply to anti-aging pruning.

The cuts are made horizontally above the bud so that the resulting tall stump does not spoil the decorative qualities. The milky juice is carefully wiped off the cut site and treated with ground charcoal to avoid infections.

In addition to pruning, gardeners also change the location of branches using spacers. Spacers are inserted between the trunk and side shoots or between two branches. The ends of the spacer are wrapped with cloth to prevent damage to the bark. When the branch accepts required position, the spacer must be removed.

An alternative to the spacer can be thin wire with a rigid structure. They braid the necessary branches with it and bend them in the desired direction. When the branch takes the desired position, the wire should be removed so that it does not grow in.

Ficus trees with flexible branches lend themselves well to intertwining trunks. This procedure is necessary to give the plant a decorative appearance. To intertwine the stems, you should plant several young ficus plants in one pot close to each other and carefully intertwine them. As they grow, they will form intricate patterns that look simply extraordinary.

Ficus care in winter

In winter, the plant enters a dormant period, so it will require more careful care. Since the plant may not have enough sun during the cold season, additional lighting can be created using a phytolamp.

Watering should be reduced by about half, watering the ficus only when the top layer of soil dries out. There is no need to fertilize the ficus, but if the gardener so desires, tea leaves can be used instead of fertilizers, as described above.

Spraying can be replaced by wiping the leaves, which should be done twice a month. The temperature should also be reduced to 15 degrees, but care must be taken that it does not fall below this figure.

Ficus propagation by cuttings

The plant is propagated by cuttings, layering and seeds. Propagation by cuttings and seeds is most often used, so these two methods will be discussed below.

The most common method of propagation is cuttings. It is carried out as follows. In the spring, take young branches with leaves and cut them off under the lower node with an oblique cut. The lower leaf blades will be removed.

It is necessary to wash off the juice from the cutting site and place the cuttings in water or damp sand. Then the cuttings should be sprayed and covered with caps made of plastic bottles. After that planting material move to a shaded, warm place for rooting. From time to time, the caps need to be removed and the plants ventilated.

Once your ficus plants begin to grow, they can be transplanted into pots containing ficus soil for further growth, caring for them as you would regular plants.

Cuttings can be obtained not only from branches, but also from leaf plates, cutting them off along with the “heel”. To root the leaves, they should be rolled up and buried in damp sand, placing sticks nearby for support.

Then they are sprayed and put on caps made from plastic bottles. From time to time they should be removed for watering, ventilation and spraying. Once the cuttings have taken root, they can be transplanted into pots to continue growing as young plants.

Ficus from seeds at home

Seed propagation is carried out differently. To obtain young plants, the seeds should be placed in flat bowls and covered with a mixture of sand and deciduous turf. Then the crops need to be watered and covered with glass so that they constantly grow in a moist environment. The seedlings are ventilated twice a day for thirty minutes.

When the first leaves appear, the young plants are picked up and transplanted into pots with the same soil mixture, and when they grow enough, they are transferred to permanent pots, planted in the ground for ficus.

Ficus diseases

The plant is susceptible to fungal diseases, and it can also be attacked by some pests. Diseases affecting ficus are presented:

• Leaf fungus - affects leaf blades and leads to the appearance of dark spots on them and death.
• gray rot - looks like gray mold appearing on the trunk and leaves. If you shake the plant, a gray cloud will rise into the air. The disease occurs due to excessive watering and excess heat. To get rid of it, you should remove the affected leaves and branches, and also reduce watering to a minimum.
• Sooty fungus - This disease is characterized by the appearance of a gray coating on the leaf blades. To remove it, you need to wipe them with a soapy sponge or, in case of severe damage, simply remove the leaves.
• Root rot - with this disease, the ficus acquires grey colour and fades. In this case, the plant will not be able to be helped and will simply have to be thrown away.

Ficus pests

Thrips - thrips infestation leads to the appearance of brown spots on the leaves. To eliminate these pests, the ficus should be sprayed with the Actellik insecticide.

Shchitovka - when a ficus is infected with scale insects, brown spots appear on the leaf blades. They also become sticky. Wiping with a soap solution and treating with the Aktara insecticide will help get rid of the pest.

Mealybug — leaf plates, when attacked by a mealybug, are covered with small pseudo cocoons, similar to cotton balls, and it is in them that the pests live. Spraying with Aktara will help destroy them.

Spider mite - this pest feeds on the sap of the plant, leading to the appearance of gray spots on the leaf blades. To destroy it, the ficus should be sprayed with garlic solution.

Improper care and ficus problems

In addition to diseases and pests, the plant can suffer from improper care.

If the ficus leaves began to curl up, dry out and fall off , then this indicates that it lacks moisture, which means the plant needs to be watered more abundantly.

The appearance of brown spots on ficus may indicate hypothermia; if its signs appear, then the plant needs to be moved to a warmer place and given careful restorative care.

Ficus withers , this can occur from a lack of moisture, fertilizer, and also as a result of rotting of the root system. In the first two cases, the plant can be helped by changing the rules for caring for it, but in the latter, most often not, since the affected root system of ficus trees is very difficult to treat.

If ficus doesn't grow , then most likely the grower is not caring for it correctly. By changing the watering, temperature regime By choosing the right soil and pot, you can restore the plant to its former beauty and power.

Ficus signs and superstitions

IN magical properties plants are believed by many gardeners. However, ficus can not only have a positive impact on the life of its owner, but also, as some believe, harm him under certain circumstances.

The benefits of ficus in the apartment

Abroad, ficus is considered a flower that strengthens family well-being, protects against divorce and creates harmony in the family. In Thailand it is found in almost every home, since there it is considered sacred flower bringing good luck. The Chinese believe that ficus gives comfort and tranquility, solves financial problems and makes wishes come true.

It is planted in offices to improve the microclimate in the team and the performance of company personnel. In addition, the plant is a natural filter that cleanses the air well from compounds harmful to health.

Ficus growing in the kitchen can reduce your appetite and lose weight. A pot of ficus in the bedroom helps childless couples to conceive children faster. It is useful to grow ficus for people prone to depression and stress, since the plant is able to absorb negativity, turning it into creative energy that gives peace, wellness and a positive attitude.

Ficus is harmful to humans

The only disadvantage of this plant is that it supposedly does not allow single women and men to create a family, and also attracts envy and gossip towards its owner. In practice, the effect is the opposite.

It does not affect the finding of the other half, and especially does not attract negativity into life. Therefore, you can safely replenish your flower kingdom with another exotic representative of the flora, the beauty and decorativeness of which is impossible to resist.

Ficus in a dream

Why do you dream about ficus? This question is asked by those people who had to see this magnificent plant in a dream. In general, it promises peace and well-being.

• Ficus in a dream growing in a pot portends changes in life for the better.
• Receive a plant as a gift for a quick home renovation.
• If you dream that a plant is losing leaves , this is an omen of mental anxieties and the approach of a dark streak in life.
• And planting ficus in the ground , on the contrary, portends a change in life for the better, an improvement in financial situation and perhaps even new love.

Despite the signs and superstitions, dreams and magical properties of the plant, you should definitely have it in your apartment, not only because it brings good luck and cleanses the air of harmful radicals, but also because it is decorative, beautiful and easy to care for , something that many domestic crops do not have. Therefore, if you want to get an unusual plant that does not require a lot of time to care for, ficus is the ideal option for you.

Even experienced flower growers sometimes find it difficult to imagine how numerous the varieties of ficus are; photos with names and descriptions of plants will help you form your own opinion about them. In the traditional view, established in the middle of the last century, ficus is a large evergreen bush or tree covered with large dense leaves of almost oval shape. Ficuses were found in abundance in apartments and in all kinds of institutions due to their unpretentiousness.

Today, lovers of indoor crops have at their disposal not only the well-known rubber-bearing ficus, but also a host of other even more spectacular views, as well as variegated varieties and hybrids.

Ficus elastica

He can rightfully claim the title of the most famous among his relatives. It was this that at the beginning of the last century was considered a sure sign of philistinism and a bourgeois lifestyle unacceptable for a citizen of the USSR.

In the wild, somewhere in the tropical forests of India or Malaysia, this ficus looks completely different from how it is usually imagined. The average height of large trees is 30 meters, and individual specimens reach 60 meters in height. The diameter of the trunks reaches two meters, and thin aerial roots hang from numerous shoots, providing the powerful plant with additional nutrition and, if possible, taking root.

Ficus has recognizable leathery leaves, reaching 30 cm in length and having an almost elliptical shape. The central vein is clearly visible and is somewhat pressed into the leaf blade. Under natural conditions, the rubber-bearing ficus blooms, after which small, rounded fruits containing many small seeds are formed.

At home, flowering is extremely rare, but the flower grows very actively. Therefore, the crown must be trimmed, otherwise the reluctantly branching shoots lengthen immensely and lose their shape.

Among the available varietal plants Ficus Robusta is the leader in popularity - attractive large plant with powerful green leaves and few branched shoots.

In addition to varieties with even green foliage, breeders also offer spectacular variegated forms. Large leaves Such plants are chaotically colored in all shades of green, white and even pink. Moreover, pink or purple reflections are better visible on young shoots and just unfolding foliage. On some ficus rubber plants, this color disappears as the foliage matures.

There are also tricolor forms, the upper leaves of which are greener and have a bright pink vein, while the lower leaves acquire a bluish-purple hue.

Among the rather miniature varieties, one can distinguish ficus Melanie with dark glossy leaves up to 20 cm long. Young, willingly bushing shoots and foliage of the plant are colored in rich reddish-brown tones. The leaves are more pointed than those of the Ficus Robusta.

Ficus benjamina

Ficus brilliantis is better known in the world as from the photo of which it is difficult to assume that it is the closest relative of the previously described species. The plant attracts with its elegant shape of thin branches, which over time form a spreading, somewhat drooping crown, as well as foliage that is thinner and smaller than that of the rubber ficus.

Native to southern Asia and the northern regions of Australia, Ficus Benjamin in nature is a tall tree up to 25–30 meters high.

At high air humidity, aerial roots formed on shoots can reach the ground and take root successfully. As a result, one tree forms a living gazebo or banyan tree occupying a huge area.

This is one of the small-leaved ficus. The leaf blades, pointed with a smooth edge, do not exceed 10 cm in length and can be either plain or variegated.

Today, many varieties with a more compact crown, low stature, and small decorative foliage are being developed for growing at home.

Among the latest achievements of breeders are plants with spectacularly curved, as if twisted, foliage. An example of this is the Curly variety, whose leaf blades are not only curved, but also colored light green and white. The Buklee variety has larger leaves and is completely green, but also looks like an unusual tight curl. Monique and Golden Monique varieties have beautifully curled foliage along the edges.

Ficus Benjamin Natasha is a well-known small-leaved variety with rich green leaves, a compact crown and medium growth. The plant lends itself well to shaping and is quite easy to care for.

The Wiandi variety is similar to the one pictured on Natasha, but due to its natural tendency to bend the stems, it will be a real gift for beginner bonsai lovers. The plant has small foliage and a slow growth rate, which is a significant advantage for the crop.

Variegated Ficus Kinki is another common variety of Ficus Benjamin. Feature This variegated plant has a torn colored border along the edge of a pointed leaf blade. This edging can be greenish, white or even cream.

Ficus microcarpa

The spreading powerful tree in the photo is another popular indoor type of ficus. It is difficult to imagine that a tree about 25 meters high is grown at home as a miniature pseudobonsai or a dense shrub that is regularly shaped.

Ficus microcarpa is classified as a small-leaved variety. Oval dense leaves of a rich green color with a leathery smooth surface sit on short petioles. Numerous crown shoots are densely strewn with foliage up to 15 cm long.

Ficus microcarpa is called the strangler. Such a terrible epithet is associated with the plant’s way of life in nature. Young specimens of ficus settle on the trunks and branches of other tree crops, but as they grow, the ficus entwines them and literally strangles them with its roots. Although the ficus microcarpa does not become a banyan tree, such a device helps the plant to strengthen and receive additional nutrition.

Ficus ginseng or ginseng is so named because of its external resemblance to the famous oriental herbaceous plant that forms bizarre rhizomes. Unlike ginseng in nature, ficus microcarpa is not capable of forming such thickenings protruding above the soil. Ficus ginseng is a truly man-made plant, obtained by feeding the seedling with special hormones and preparations that stimulate root growth.

Unfortunately, such a plant cannot be propagated at home, but the gardener is guaranteed many years of admiring an almost real bonsai. When caring for the ficus crop, be sure to cut it and ensure compliance with the feeding schedule. Lack of nutrition is primarily reflected in thickened rhizomes, which shrink and can dry out completely.

The bush form of ficus microcarpa is classified as a special variety. Ficus moklame is easily distinguished by its graceful shoots, densely covered with leaves, forming a very dense evergreen crown. The desired shape of such a plant should be maintained by regular spring pruning.

Ficus benghalensis

Among the varieties of ficus, whose photos and names are well known among lovers of exotic crops, ficus bengal occupies a special place. A characteristic feature of the plant is its ability to form a banyan tree. This term refers to the growth of one tree to the size of a real grove due to the rooting of numerous aerial roots.

Ficus bengal has light brownish bark, smooth oval-ovate leathery leaves and small reddish-orange fruits.

Ficus lirata

Ficus lyreforme got its name due to the unusual shape of the foliage. Resembling a musical instrument. However, this plant cannot be called a small-leaved ficus. The length of the leathery, slightly compressed leaf blade can reach 50 centimeters.

A large species is not very often found in gardeners' collections. However, Ficus lyreata is very interesting to grow. Slowly growing shoots branch poorly, but from below to top they are densely covered with luxurious foliage.

Ficus sacred or religious (Ficus religiosa)

The ficus sacred tree differs from its relatives in that during the dormant period it completely or partially loses its foliage. The plant grows quickly, and in nature there are often specimens up to 30 meters high.

The heart-shaped leaf plate of this variety of ficus would be quite simple, if not for the gracefully elongated tip, equal in length to the entire 20-centimeter leaf. Smooth leaves with clearly visible veins sit on long petioles. During the rainy season, the sacred ficus is able to remove excess moisture. Its drops can be seen on the tips of beautiful leaves.

Between them on the shoots you can see many small round fruits. When ripe, they turn red or purple; they are inedible for people, but birds readily peck them.

Ficus sacred in nature actively uses its aerial roots, which descend to the ground and form additional stems of the plant.

The name of this variety of ficus can be easily recognized from the photo. experienced florist, and a follower of Buddhism. It is under sacred ficus Buddha indulged in meditation, gained enlightenment and became a symbol of faith and universal wisdom for millions of people.

Ficus binnendijkii Alii

Ficus binnendica is often called willow leaf due to its linear, elongated leaves, very reminiscent of the foliage of willow or weeping willow.

The ficus variety Ali, as in the photo, is very popular among gardeners. At home, the plant reaches one and a half meters in height. And with the help of annual pruning, the crown can be given any shape.

In addition to the Ali variety, flower growers can have a variegated ficus binnetdika in their home. It must be remembered that varieties with bright white or yellow-green leaves are more capricious and require special lighting conditions.

Like the variegated plants in the photo, Ficus Ali grows well in a residential area, in winter garden or greenhouse.

Dwarf ficus (Ficus pumila)

Among the giant varieties of ficus, whose photos and names are presented above, ficus pumila or dwarf cannot even be called a tree. This is a perennial climbing or groundcover species, the lower parts of the shoots of which gradually become woody, and the young stems are flexible and tenacious. The ficus is helped to spread along vertical surfaces and soil by aerial roots that form along the length of the entire shoot.

The leaves of Ficus pumila are smaller than those of closely related species. The length of the ovoid, slightly wavy leaf blade does not exceed 7 cm. Moreover, on young shoots the leaves are smaller, and on mature stems they are much larger. In addition to ordinary plants with green foliage, today varieties have been developed with a white or yellowish-cream border along the edge of the leaf. In nature, ficus flowers and bears fruit. But growing in indoor pot In this specimen, you won’t be able to see the pear-like orange fruits.

Ficus collection - video