How to maintain a Ficus: Complete Guide

The family of Ficus includes many species, all famous for their majestic aspect and their luxurious leaves. We find well known varieties such as the Ficus Elastica (or rubber), the Ficus Lyrata (or Fig Tree Lyre), and the Ficus Benjamina (or Cream Fig).

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

The Ficus are particularly appreciated for their strength and their ability to'adapt to different environments. Their varied leaves offer a separate shades, shapes and sizes show according to species.

Although'they are robust, 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 prefer a indirect and abundant light. An extent too intense can burn its leaves while'a too weak light can cause a fall of the leaves.

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

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

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

THE'watering is crucial to maintain a healthy Ficus.

These plants no'do not really enjoy the'excess of'water and prefer that the soil is dry between two watering. An excess of'moisture can cause the root rot and falling leaves. Make sure the substrate is deep in depth before'water.

How to know when watering ?

Insert your finger into the floor to check the'moisture. If the earth is dry under the first centimeters, c'is the moment of'sprinkle, if the soil is still wet not dry. Use from the'water at room temperature and do not let'water stagnate in the saucer under the pot.

3. Temperature and humidity: create an optimal environment

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

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

4. Fertilization: Feed your Ficus

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

Use a balanced fertilizer. In the fall and winter, reduce the frequency of fertilizer inputs because the plant is between rest period. Monitor the Nutrition Failure Signs, such as smaller leaves or less bright colors, to adjust fertilization accordingly.

Get the'use'a specific and recognized fertilizer for plants'interior like our "Green plant fertilizers"For optimal nutrition.

5. Reprange: When and how to do it ?

For a good development, the Ficus requires a repotation every 1 to 2 years. If you see the roots come out of drainage holes or if the plant looks congested, it's time to win it.

Choose a slightly larger bored pot that the previous one and use a well-draining soil. 

We advise you a mixture composed of potting soil in essential elements, of perlite, , of'Coconut flashes and specific substrate for green plants. Have a pot with drainage holes is crucial to avoid'accumulation'water.

The transparent pot allows you to'observe'Evolution of the root system and easily monitor the'moisture of the substrate, thus helping to avoid excess d'water or, on the contrary, periods of drought too long.

We advise you for repotting, we araceful special substrate.

6. Size and maintenance : Keep your plant fit

The Ficus does not require much size but it is advisable to remove yellow or damaged leaves to promote new growth and maintain a neat appearance.

Use clean scissorsTo cut stems or unwanted leaves. The light size also makes it possible to maintain a harmonious shape in the plant and control its size. By cutting regularly, you will also encourage more dense branching and growth.

For large varieties such as Ficus Lyrata, it may be necessary to cut to handle the height of the plant and make it more compact.

7. What for put a guardian to a Ficus ?

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

A tutor helps keep the structure from the plant and to prevent the stems from curving under the weight of the leaves. It promotes a vertical growth and retains a right port.

Use a bamboo or wood guard, preferably discreet not to harm'aesthetics of the plant. Attach the stems to the tutorThanks to our flexible fasteners to avoid damaging the stems and allow some flexibility in their movement.

8. How to cost a Ficus ? Step by step guide for successful cuttings.

The Ficus can be propagated by several slating methods, whose shutling stems, the layering and the shutter. Here is a complete guide for each method to help you succeed in your cuttings of Ficus.

Shining

1. Choice of the stem: Choose a healthy rod with at least 2 to 3 knots. Leave the rod to dry for about an hour before planting it to avoid fungal infections.
2. Cup: Use clean scissors or disinfected secators to cut under a node. The cup must be clear and precise.
3. Preparation: Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes. The nodes are the places where the roots will grow.
4. Rooting in the'Water: Place the cutting in a filled container'clean water. Change the'water every 3 to 5 days to avoid the development of bacteria. The cutting should develop roots in 2 to 4 weeks.
5. Rooting in the soil or in sphagnum moss : Plant the cutting directly into a light soil and well draining. Water slightly and cover the pot of'a plastic bag to maintain the'moisture.
6. Transplantation: Once the roots are about 5 cm, transplanting the cutting into a permanent transparent pier with a suitable substrate.

Touture by marcotage

1. Selection of the branch: Choose a healthy and robust branch. This method is particularly suitable for ficus greater like Ficus Lyrata.
2. Incision: Make a circular incision around the branch, removing a section of'Bark from 1 to 2 cm wide.
3. Application of the'Shutling hormone: Apply from the'hormone'rooting on open wound to promote root development.
4. Wrap: Wrap the injured area with wet sphagnum and secure the'together with a plastic film. Keep the sphagnum moist throughout the process.
5. Waiting: Wait 4 to 6 weeks for the roots to develop. Once the roots are clearly visible through the plastic, cut the branch under the rooted area and plant it in a pot.

Shutter

1. Selection of the sheet: Choose a mature and healthy sheet with a piece of stem.
2. Preparation: Immerse the cutting of the sheet stem into a hormone d'rooting to increase the chances of success.
3. Planting: Plant the sheet in a light soil, making sure to bury the stem up to'At the base of the sheet. Hold the slightly wet substrate.
4. Interview: Cover the pot with a plastic bag or a mini-greenhouse to create a wet environment. Place everything in a bright place but without direct sunlight.
5. Follow-up: The roots should start growing in a few weeks. Once the new plant shows active growth signs, remove the plastic cover and treat it as a mature plant.

By using these methods, you can propagate your ficus and enjoy new strong and healthy plants. Each method has its advantages and can be chosen according to the variety of FiCus you own and your personal preferences. With patience and care, your cuttings will quickly become beautiful plants of'inside.

9. Common problems and solutions

The Ficus is a robust plant, but it may have problems if the culture conditions are not properly respected.

If you notice yellowish leaves, it can be caused by an excess of'water or lack of light. At'inverse brown leaves can indicate a lack of'moisture or insufficient watering.

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

TIP: The Ficus can be sensitive to parasites such as chanets, aphids and red spiders.

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 the product sheet of our black soap for plants our biological recipe to fight against pests. For more'effectiveness, we advise you to'apply the solution with our pair of cleaning gloves for microfiber plants.

It will allow you to'Smoothly eliminate unwanted.

If you face a invasion of flying harmful like the potting fly or the thrips, our filled yellow traps are a solution very effective to fight them.

Conclusion

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

By following these practical tips, You make sure your plant remains healthy and prosperous, while embellishing your environment.

NO'do not forget that every Ficus has its specific needs, then regularly monitor your plant and adjust the cares depending on its development.

Here are our expert advice:

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

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

3. Hold a ambient temperature, IMPORTANT, AVOID THE CURRENTS D'air.

4. Use a soil well draining, like our "Thread"To promote its development.

5. Tutting your FiCus to remind him of his natural environment and stimulate its vertical growth.

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

7. Inspect regularly the leaves to prevent infestations.

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