How to maintain a Ficus : Complete Guide

The family of Ficus includes many species, all famous for their majestic aspect and their luxurious leaves. There are well-known varieties such as Ficus elastica (or Rubber), Ficus lyrata (or Figuier lyre), and Ficus benjamina (or Weeping Figuier).

Native to tropical and subtropical regions d'Asia, d'Africa and d'America, these plants bring a touch of elegant greenery to your interior.

THE Ficus are particularly appreciated for their robustness and their ability to'adapt to different environments. Their various leaves offer a show of distinct shades, shapes and sizes depending on the species.

Although'they are robust, the Ficus require special attention in terms of light, d'watering, and d'humidity to prosper.

This article will guide you through the essential steps to maintain your Ficus in full health.

1. Exposure to light: Where to place your Ficus ?

The Ficus prefers one indirect and abundant light. Too intense exposure can burn its leaves while'too little light can cause leaves to fall.

Place your plant near'a window oriented to l'is or'west, where it can receive indirect light.

If your room lacks light, you can use a growth lamp for better growth.

2. Watering: Finding the right balance, how to water your Ficus ?

L'watering is crucial to maintain a healthy Ficus.

These plants n'really don't appreciate it'excess of'water and prefer the soil to be dry between two waterings. Excess d'humidity can cause root rot and leaf fall. Make sure the substrate is dry in depth before'water.

How do I know when to water ?

Insert your finger into the ground to check l'humidity. If the soil is dry under the first centimetres, c'is the time'water, if the soil is still damp do not water.Use'water at room temperature and do not leave'water stagnate in the saucer under the pot.

3. Temperature and Humidity: Create an Optimal Environment

The Ficus prefers a room temperature between 18°C and 24°C, which corresponds to most interiors.

A humidity of at least 50% is ideal, especially in winter when the'indoor air is drier.Maintaining adequate humidity can help prevent leaf browning and drying out.

4. Fertilization: Feeding your Ficus

To promote a vigorous growth, fertilizer your Ficus every two to four weeks during the active growth period (spring and summer).

Use a balanced fertilizer. In autumn and winter, reduce the frequency of fertilizer intakes, as the plant enters a resting period. Watch for signs of nutrient deficiency, such as smaller leaves or less bright colours, to adjust fertilization accordingly.

Benefit from the'use of'a specific and recognized fertilizer for plants'interior like our "Fertilizer Green Plants"for optimal nutrition.

5. Repotting: When and how to do it ?

For good development, the Ficus requires repotting every 1-2 years. If you see roots from drainage holes or if the plant looks crowded, it's time to repot it.

Choose a pot with holes slightly larger than the previous one and use a well draining soil. 

We recommend a mixture made up of potting soil enriched with essential elements perlite, , d'Coconut flakes and specific substrate for green plants.Having a pot with drainage holes is crucial to avoid'accumulation d'water.

The transparent pot allows you to'observe l'Development of the root system and easily monitor l'humidity of the substrate, thus helping to avoid excess'water or, on the contrary, periods of drought that are too long.

We advise you on repotting, we special aroid substrate.

6. Size and maintenance : Keep your plant in shape

The Ficus does not require much pruning but it is advisable to remove yellowed or damaged leaves to encourage new growth and maintain a neat appearance.

Use clean scissorsTo cut off unwanted stems or leaves.Light pruning also helps maintain a harmonious shape and control the size of the plant.Regular pruning will also encourage branching and denser growth.

For larger varieties like Ficus lyrata, pruning may be necessary to manage the height of the plant and make it more compact.

7. Why how to stake a Ficus ?

Although the Ficus are not climbing plants like Syngonium, Monstera, Philodendron, add a support such as'a stake can be beneficial, especially for varieties like Ficus elastica.

A tutor helps to maintain the structure and to avoid the stems bend under the weight of the leaves. This encourages vertical growth and keeps a port straight.

Use a bamboo or wooden guardian, preferably discreet so as not to harm'aesthetics of the plant. Attach the rods to the guardianThrough our flexible fasteners so as not to damage the rods and allow some flexibility in their movement.

8. How do I cut a Ficus ? Step by step guide for successful cuttings.

THE Ficus can be propagated by several cutting methods, including cutting of stems, on layering and the leaf cutting. Here is a complete guide for each method to help you succeed in your Ficus cuttings.

Tipes bottling

1. Stem Choice: Choose a healthy stem with at least 2 to 3 nodes.Let the stem dry for about an hour before planting to prevent fungal infections.
2. Cut: Use clean scissors or a disinfected scissor to cut under a knot. The cut must be clear and precise.
3. Preparation: Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes.The nodes are where the roots will grow.
4. Rooting in l'Water: Place the cutting in a container filled with'clean water. Change l'water every 3-5 days to avoid the development of bacteria. The cutting should develop roots within 2 to 4 weeks.
5. Rooting in the Terreau or in sphagnum : Plant the cutting directly in a light potting soil and well-draining.Water lightly and cover the pot with'a plastic bag to hold it'humidity.
6. Transplantation: Once the roots measure about 5 cm, transplant the cutting into a permanent transparent hole pot with a suitable substrate.

Marcottage bottling

1. Branch Selection: Choose a healthy, sturdy branch.This method is particularly suitable for larger Ficus trees such as the Ficus lyrata.
2. Incision: Make a circular incision around the branch, removing a section of'Bark 1 to 2 cm wide.
3. Implementation of'Rooting Hormone: Apply l'hormone d'rooting on the open wound to promote root development.
4. Development: Wrap the injured area with moist sphagnum moss and secure it'together with plastic wrap.Keep the sphagnum moss moist throughout the process.
5. Expectation: Wait 4 to 6 weeks for roots to develop.Once the roots are clearly visible through the plastic, cut the branch below the rooted area and plant it in a pot.

Leaf cuttings

1. Sheet Selection: Choose a mature and healthy leaf with a piece of stem.
2. Preparation: Immerse the cutting of the leaf stem in a hormone d'roots to increase the chances of success.
3. Planting: Plant the leaf in light potting soil, making sure to bury the stem up to'At the base of the leaf.Keep the substrate slightly moist.
4. Interview: Cover the pot with a plastic bag or mini-serre to create a humid environment. Place it in a bright place but without direct sunlight.
5. Monitoring: Roots should begin to develop within a few weeks. Once the new plant shows signs of active growth, remove the plastic cover and treat it as a mature plant.

Using these methods, you can propagate your Ficus and enjoy strong, healthy new plants.Each method has its advantages and can be chosen based on the variety of Ficus you have and your personal preferences.With patience and care, your cuttings will quickly become magnificent plants d'interior.

9. Common Problems and Solutions

The Ficus it is a hardy plant, but it can present problems if the growing conditions are not correctly respected.

If you notice any yellowed leaves, this can be caused by excess'water or lack of light. To l'inverse brown leaves may indicate a lack of'humidity or insufficient watering.

Follow recommendations d'watering and light mentioned above to avoid these problems. Regular monitoring of substrate and environmental conditions is essential to prevent common diseases such as leaf spots.

Tip: THE Ficus may be susceptible to parasites such as mealybugs, aphids and red spider mites.

Inspect regularly to prevent possible signs of'infestation.In case of'infestation, treat with natural and biological methods such as black soap or neem essential oils.

Find on our product sheet black soap for plants our organic recipe to fight pests. For more d'efficiency, we recommend'apply the solution with our pair of microfiber plant cleaning gloves.

It will allow you to'Gently remove undesirables.

If you are facing a invasion of flying pests as the earth flies or the thrips, our glued yellow traps are a solution very effective to fight them.

Conclusion

The Ficus is a multipurpose plant and easy to maintain which can bring a touch of natural fascination to any interior space.

By following these practical advice, you ensure that your plant stays healthy and thriving, while beautifying your environment.

N'remember that each Ficus has its specific needs, then regularly monitor your plant and adjust care according to its development.

HERE ARE OUR EXPERT ADVICE:

1. Place your Ficus near d'a window, avoiding direct sun.

2. Water that when the soil is dry under the first layer of soil to avoid excess'water.

3. Maintain a ambient temperature, important, avoid currents'air.

4. Use a well-draining potting soil, as our "Arrated substrate" to promote its development.

5. Staking your Ficus to remind her of her natural environment and stimulate her vertical growth.

6. Close easily From healthy stems to multiply your plant.

7. Inspect regularly leaves to prevent infestations.

8. Clean the leaves for stimulate photosynthesis thanks to our pair of microfiber gloves and keep the plant in good shape.