Plants of the Ficus genus belong to the Moraceae family. This genus is represented by about 1,200 species found in all warmer regions of the world. Fig trees take the form of trees, shrubs or creepers. The common feature that connects different species is the content of milk juice in their tissues, from which rubber was once obtained. An interesting tree, reaching a height of 30 m, is the Bengal ficus Ficus benghalensis found in India. In older specimens of this species, long and strong adventitious roots are formed on their extensive, often horizontal branches, serving as a support, from which the so-calledderived stems.
Ficus sycomorus has spread in northern and eastern Africa. In ancient Egypt, its wood was used for various purposes (e.g. coffins for pharaohs). For centuries it has been cultivated primarily as a shade tree.
Common fig tree (fig tree, common fig) Ficus carica - one of the oldest and most long-lived fruit trees has the greatest utility significance. In the Old Testament, figs were one of the most consumed plant products, next to wine and oil. Nowadays, they are mainly used as dried fruit and nuts, but in other parts of the world, fresh or dried seed heads are an important part of a meal. Most fig trees are grown in the Mediterranean region.
Ficuses naturally grow in different parts of the world and boast a huge number of species. A dozen or so of them have settled in their homes as potted plants.
Fig trees for interior decoration erect habit. Lyre ficus Ficus lyrata comes from West Africa, where as a tree it reaches 30 m. It has thick, leathery, juicy green leaves, resembling a violin or lyre, with impressive sizes: 30 to 60 cm long and 25 cm wide. When trimmed, this ficus branches nicely and is very decorative. However, it needs a lot of space and light, falling best from all sides. It is sensitive to drafts, especially in winter. Too low air humidity and low temperature may cause brown spots to appear on the leaves.
Spring ficus Ficus elastica comes from India, where it grows as a tree up to a height of 30 m. Leaves are broad, leathery, dark green and glossy on the top, light green and dull on the underside. The new leaves slide out of the sharply pointed reddish sheath and are initially brownish in color. In apartments, it grows very quickly. Properly cared for, it forms a branched tree. Nice specimens with several shoots are obtained by pruning young plants above the third and fourth leaves.The following varieties are available for sale: the popular 'Decora' - with dark green leaves, 'Robusta' - with very large, broad and compact growth leaves. There are also plants with variegated or marbled leaves, such as 'Tricolor' which has irregular grayish green and straw yellow spots and pinkish veins, 'Variegata' with beautifully creamy and yellow edged leaves, and 'Schrijveriana' with an intricate marbled pattern . Spring ficus grows well in bright rooms. It should be remembered that the lack of access to light will limit its growth. These plants do not require too much heat, they grow well at room temperature. In summer they are watered quite abundantly, while in winter the soil is kept only moist. During the growing season, they are fertilized once every 2-3 weeks. Young plants are transplanted once a year in spring, and older plants only when necessary.
Large, yellow-brown spots with a red border may appear at the edge of the leaves. It is a fungus disease that needs to be de alt with by properly feeding and avoiding sudden changes in room temperature.
Ficus Binnendijka Ficus binnendijkii has long (15-20 cm) narrow lanceolate leaves. Plants branch well. They also look interesting in a pear form. They are suitable for decorating large interiors. In home growing, their requirements are similar to Benjamin's ficus. We offer two varieties: 'Alli' and 'Amstel Queen'.
Ficus Benjamin Ficus benjamina grows into large trees with spreading crowns. Indoors, it reaches a height of 5 m, its leaves are glossy, slightly leathery, 2-12 cm long and 2-5 cm wide (depending on the variety) and densely attached to light gray thin shoots. In florists and garden stores there is a large selection of nice varieties of Benjamin ficus, suitable for decorating various rooms 'Exotica', 'Indica' and 'Natasha'. Yellow or cream-colored varieties, such as 'Golden King', 'Golden Princess', 'Starlight', 'Variegata' and 'Hawaii', are also very popular. Benjamin's ficus grows best in bright (avoid the scorching sun) and warm rooms.If placed in a dark place, it loses its leaves. It is watered moderately, the frequency depending on the ambient temperature - in summer usually twice a week, in winter less often, remembering to always pour off the excess water on the base. Moving it should be avoided. Benjamin's Ficus likes sprinkling and gentle washing with lukewarm water. From early spring to the end of August, it is fertilized once every two weeks. It is transplanted in spring, when the roots have completely outgrown the soil in the pot (it can be kept in truncated form).
Ficus with creeping and hanging shootsClimbing ficus Ficus pumila forms thin, threadlike shoots and numerous sticking roots. Leaves are small, about 2 cm long and wide, ovate or heart-shaped in outline. It looks nice on arches or a stake wrapped in moss, as well as in hanging containers. It grows well in warm rooms with high air humidity. It does not tolerate direct sunlight, therefore the most suitable place is the position next to the window with an eastern or western exhibition, or in the back of the room.The creeping ficus tolerates pruning well. In spring and summer, it is watered moderately but regularly. Requires spraying with soft, warm water. In winter, watering is slightly reduced and no spraying is allowed, unless the plant is in a warm and dry place. Once every 2 or 3 weeks it should be fertilized with diluted fertilizer. It is best transplanted in the spring.
Clinging ficus Ficus sagitata has larger leaves, about 5 cm long, rounded at the petiole and pointed at the apex, with wavy edges. A well-known variety of it is 'Variegata' (leaves are edged with creamy yellow). This ficus has similar requirements to the climbing ficus. It is available in pots with a handle or hanging shoots.
