The genus of ficus is very diverse and has more than 1000 species. These plants are evergreen and deciduous, grow in the tropics and temperate climates. There are also species that are suitable for growing indoors. One of these, the sacred ficus, will be discussed in this article.

What does it look like

Ficus sacred is also known by other names: religious, sacred fig, Bodhi tree. It belongs to the evergreen species. The countries of its distribution are India, China, Nepal, Indochina, Sri Lanka. Ficus loves to grow in mixed and evergreen forests in the plains and mountains. This plant forms a strong strong trunk and branches. In the wild, it can reach a height of 30 m. At home, its size is much smaller - up to 3 m. The crown of a wild plant can spread over 10 m in diameter.

Did you know? In tropical conditions, people build bridges from the aerial roots of ficuses. Amazingly, they have the strength and durability. Some of them serve for 400 years.

The bark of the stem and shoots is gray. The leaves have the shape of hearts with smooth edges, a pointed end and distinctly visible veins. They are arranged in the next sequence. They are light green in color. Their length is from 8 to 12 cm, width is 4–13 cm. Inflorescences are formed in the form of a pot. Mating in food is unsuitable. They are painted in purple. From ancient times, it was known about the beneficial properties of ficus. Funds were prepared from its organs for the disposal and prevention of diabetes, asthma, digestive system diseases, inflammation, and infectious diseases.

What conditions do you need to create at home

Since ficus is a native of the tropics, he loves light, heat and high humidity. For the normal growth, development and preservation of decorativeness, it is important to choose the right place for its growth, maintain the recommended temperature and humidity indicators.

Location selection

Sacred fig is most often grown in spacious rooms, greenhouses, conservatories. It should be placed in a well-lit place, but sheltered from direct sunlight. It is better to grow it near windows located in the western or eastern direction. If this is not possible, then you can place a flower near the southern window opening, however, at a distance of at least 2 m, or subject to the presence of curtains or blinds that scatter light.

Did you know? Epiphytic ficuses grow in the wild, which are called asphyxi - they braid the host plant so tightly and tightly that they bring it to death.

On the north side, the plant will be too dark, so it will significantly reduce decorativeness. In winter or when growing on the north side, it is recommended to install additional artificial lighting. Since ficus is thermophilic, when choosing a place for its cultivation, it should be borne in mind that it does not tolerate drafts. Therefore, the pot should be placed in a corner where, when aired, the plant will not be exposed to air currents.

Content temperature

In summer and spring, ficus feels good at + 20 ... + 25 ° C. In winter, it is possible, but not necessary, to place it in cooler conditions, not lower than + 15 ° С. In this case, it will be necessary to increase the duration of daylight hours. Sudden temperature changes affect the ficus negatively.

Air humidity

Too high humidity ficus is not needed. It is recommended to maintain it at the level of 50-60%. Daily spraying should be done in the heat and during the heating season. The rest of the time it will be enough to spray the flower every other day. Water for spraying is taken warm and soft. You can avoid the spraying procedure if you install a humidifier that will maintain the necessary humidity level in the room constantly.

Also, the pot can be placed on a pallet with moistened expanded clay, pebbles. But in this case, you need to make sure that the container in which the ficus grows does not come in contact with water, since this significantly increases the risk of rot of the root system. Regularly wipe the leaves of the plant with a damp cloth. It also moisturizes them and eliminates settled room dust.

Did you know? The oldest ficus in the world grows in Buenos Aires (Argentina). Its landing was carried out in 1781. He has a name - the Tree of Homer.

How to care at home

Caring for ficus does not involve any complicated procedures. Regular moisturizing, top dressing, transplanting and pruning, as well as attentiveness to the appearance of the plant will be required.

Watering

Watering is strictly regular and plentiful. Ficus does not tolerate drought and waterlogging. When to make the next watering, the condition of the soil will tell. Watering is necessary as soon as the surface layer dries. Pour ficus on top, slowly. Before moistening, it is advisable to loosen the ground. For irrigation use water heated to a temperature of +20 ... + 25 ° C. It should be recruited from the tap, but previously defended for at least 1 day.

Top dressing

Ficus needs additional nutrition from the beginning of the growing season in the spring to September. They are made every 2 weeks. To feed the ficus, they use fertilizers specially developed for this culture, mineral complexes with a high content of nitrogen and potassium, and organic matter (mullein). Fertilizers are applied in strict accordance with the dosage specified in the instructions for use, and always after watering.

Pruning

Sacred ficus needs pruning. Every spring, before the start of the growing season, it is necessary to cut off too elongated branches with a sharp disinfected secateurs. As you grow, young shoots need to be pinched. Sacred figs may well be cultivated by bonsai art lovers. With the proper skill, the imposition of a wire frame and correctly carried out pruning from the plant, you can form an interesting mini-tree with a powerful crown.

Transfer

Normal growth, development and maximum decorativeness can be achieved only with periodic transplantation and the correct selection of soil. Young plants are transplanted 1-2 times a year. Adults - once every 3-4 years. Once the plant reaches such a size that it needs a pot with a diameter of 30 cm, transplants are no longer made, only the top soil layer changes to a depth of 3-4 cm. The procedure is planned for late February - early March.

The soil for ficus should be nutritious, moist, with good moisture and air conductivity, slightly acidic or neutral pH-6.5-7 reaction. This can be purchased at a specialized store (Ficus, Palma is suitable) or mixed with your own hands. For young plants, a lighter substrate will be required, including soddy soil, humus, sand, peat. For mature - the soil needs to be made denser: from leafy soil, humus and sand.

Important! Clay soil is not suitable for growing ficuses. Moisture often stagnates in it, which can lead to decay of the root system and death of the flower.

Do-it-yourself sanitized land must be disinfected: pour boiling water or potassium permanganate, calcine in the oven (microwave), hold it over steam. The capacity for planting a houseplant should be selected 4-5 cm more in diameter than the previous one.

The transplant technology is as follows:

1. At the bottom of the pot, lay a high layer of drainage.
2. Sprinkle with prepared soil mixture.
3. Water the flower well and carefully remove it from the pot.
4. Without destroying the earthen coma, install the plant in the center of the new tank without deepening the root neck.
5. Cover the voids with earth.
6. To water.

After transplanting, ficus is especially necessary to protect from sunlight. It will take some time for the flower to adapt. During this period, growth will be slowed down.

Video: Ficus transplant

How to propagate at home

Typically, ficus is propagated in 2 ways: using cuttings and seeds. The second method is considered simpler and more accessible, since cuttings often do not give roots.

Cuttings

Cuttings are cut in the spring. You need to choose strong shoots and cut from them for 8-10 cm. Dry the cut and process with a rooting agent. Then plant the cuttings in moist soil from a mixture of peat and sand and create a mini-greenhouse by covering it with a plastic bottle or film. Shelter is removed daily to give an influx of fresh air and prevent the development of fungal diseases. As necessary, the soil must be moistened. The roots should appear after 2-3 weeks. Shanks with strong roots are transplanted into pots.

Video: propagation of ficus by cuttings

Seed cultivation

Seeds and soil, consisting of sand and peat, are purchased in a store. You can also buy a landing tank or use the one at hand. Suitable wooden or plastic box, pallet.

The sowing process is as follows:

1. Soil is placed in a container for planting.
2. Humidify from a spray bottle.
3. Make small holes 1-1.5 cm deep.
4. Put 1-2 seeds in each hole.
5. Fall asleep with soil.
6. Cover with a film.
7. They put in a room with a temperature of + 25 ° C and bright lighting.
8. Daily airing and humidification as needed.

After the emergence of the shoots, after about a week, the shelter is removed. When 2 leaves appear, the plants are planted in separate pots. They are periodically moistened, transplanted into large containers and nipped.

Video: Ficus seed propagation

Growing difficulties

If mistakes are made in the care or an unfavorable microclimate is created, the plant reacts with changes in appearance.

Important! Chemical treatments of indoor plants are resorted to only in case of severe infection. Conduct 2-3 sprayings with an interval of a week. At the same time, do not forget to use personal protective equipment.

Here are a few problems that a grower may encounter when growing a sacred ficus:

Of the pests, ficus can affect:

1. Spider mite. Appears on a plant if it grows in too dry and hot conditions. This small sucking insect can be black or red. The main symptom of infection is a spider web on shoots and stems. Since the insect dies at high humidity, it is controlled by increasing this indicator - by frequent spraying, the operation of an air humidifier, etc. After spraying, you can put on a ficus a plastic bag and keep it in this state for several days. With severe infection, you will have to use the help of insecticides. Ticks fight such drugs as Apollo, Borneo, Flumayt, Akarin, Actellik, Fitoverm.
2. Shield. This insect can usually be seen on the trunk. It feeds on the flower juices. It is small in size and has a shell on its back. If the scabbard settles on the plant, then the trunk becomes sticky. With a small number of parasites, they are scraped off with a brush manually. In case of severe infection, they are treated with chemicals, for example, Fitoverm, Aktellik, Metafos.
3. Mealybug. You can recognize this parasite by white coating on the body. In the process of its harmful activity, it leaves white secretions on the plant and soil. To combat, wipe with a soap solution, spraying with a solution of green soap, tobacco, garlic infusions, cyclamen broth, tincture of calendula. Of the insecticides used are “Aktara”, “Biotlin”, “Calypso”, “Confidor”, “Fitoverm”.

So, sacred ficus is an interesting large-sized plant that is suitable for growing at home. Caring for it is simple, so the flower can be grown by novice florists. When creating favorable conditions and conducting quality care, the plant will delight the eye for 10-15 years.