Houseplants decorate homes and make the environment more cozy and welcoming. Many of them are so commonplace that people have forgotten their true origins. The true homeland of this popular houseplant is the tropics. Nearly 2,000 species of ficus grow in forests, and only 20 of them can grace a windowsill. Each indoor ficus species has its own distinctive features.
General characteristics of the plant
The genus belongs to the Moraceae family. Most representatives are evergreen, and only 10% are deciduous. Both domestic and wild species have entire leaves. Stipules are usually large and fall off quickly.
Ficus is distinguished by its characteristic spherical or pear-shaped inflorescences. The buds form on the inner surface, and the flowers themselves are small and light in color. They can grow singly or form into clusters.
Ficus trees are distinguished by their aerial roots and, accordingly, reproduce vegetatively. Over time, aerial roots form, descending to the ground and growing into sturdy supports for their massive crown. The roots of some species entwine the trunk of the host tree, causing it to wither.
Representatives of this genus differ from other plants in that they contain milky sap in all their parts. In the wild, ficuses grow as trees, shrubs, or vines. Most species grow up to 5 meters in height under favorable conditions. Indoor varieties reach 1-2 meters and can be smaller.
Homeland, history and description of ficus species
About 800 species of this family can be found in the tropics. About 100 species grow in subtropical latitudes. Some heat-loving plants live in Mediterranean countries. Most species are distributed on the islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, in western Africa, and in Latin America.
The history of ficus trees is quite long—today, you can admire tombs from Ancient Egypt made from the African species of this plant. Over many thousands of years, many forms of the plant have evolved, from giant to dwarf. Some ficus trees are considered sacred by Muslims: these include the fig tree and the fig tree.
The ficus is often called the rubber tree. This is explained by the unique composition of the milk found in its leaves and stems. The plant is used industrially, as its sap is 15% rubber. In the wild, many animals eat ficus leaves.
You may be interested in:In Africa and Mexico, the leaves of large trees are used in construction, lining roofs. In some countries, living bridges are made from ficus trees. This involves throwing bamboo across a moat and wrapping it with the plant's aerial roots. Over the course of about 10 years, the vines grow around the supports. Such a structure can support the weight of 50 people standing on it at once.
Benjamin
This evergreen plant grows to 10-20 meters in height. Indoors, it grows as a bush, no taller than 3 meters. The regularly shaped crown is grayish-beige in color. It is so dense that the trunk is difficult to discern. An unusual tree shape can be created by carefully connecting the plant's aerial roots.
The leaves of the Ficus benjamina are oblong, ranging from 5-20 cm long and 2-5 cm wide. They can be either single-colored or bicolored, depending on the variety. Many superstitions are associated with this type of ficus. Some claim it aids in conception, and for this reason, the plant is placed in the bedroom.
Rubber-bearing
The most popular variety requires little care. Its trunk has few branches and can grow up to 2 meters tall indoors. Its pointed, elliptical leaves have a glossy finish. Different varieties have different foliage colors.
The rubber plant 'Black Prince' features black leaves. Small pink spots combined with red veins in the center are found in the 'Doecheri' variety. If classic green with a light cream outline appeals, 'Variegata' is worth a closer look. 'Robusta' varieties, with their large, fleshy, rich green leaves, often adorn windowsills.
Creeping
This species most commonly grows in the humid subtropics of China and Japan. The shrub is distinguished by its beautiful and graceful shoots, each with additional aerial roots. The rough leaves have a reticulated pattern and can reach approximately 10 cm in length.
This ficus behaves like a vine. The lower part of the stem has special suckers that allow the plant to twine around any surface. It is used for ornamental purposes and produces beautiful inflorescences. The receptacle forms a ball with an opening at the top and flowers inside.
Goblet-stipulate
This African species can grow up to 2 meters tall indoors. The evergreen plant features a massive crown of large, oval-shaped leaves. The leaves can reach up to 7 cm in width and 20 cm in length. The soft skin features a light-colored central vein.
The tips of the branches are covered with brown scales. At an early age, it produces small yellow fruits that are not edible. The plant is undemanding and tolerates shade well, unlike other members of the genus. However, watering should be especially careful.
You may be interested in:Bonsai
Ficus can be grown using this technique, as a miniature. The tree must have certain characteristics to be suitable for bonsai cultivation. Choose a tree with a branched root system and a massive, curved trunk. The ficus should have small leaves, otherwise, it won't be possible to create a miniature. A major advantage of this plant is its rapid growth; a bonsai can be grown in just 2-3 years.
The Benjamin ficus is commonly used for cultivation. This ficus should not be wired, but it tolerates pruning well. This sacred variety has a beautiful trunk and branches. The attractive leaves of the Panda ficus also make it suitable for decorative miniature cultivation.
Bonsai is divided not only by species but also by form. The most popular varieties are:
- Tekkan with a straight trunk of regular shape.
- Moegi is distinguished by its curved trunk that grows upward.
- The syakan has slightly inverted roots. The trunk lies on its side.
- Hokidati is notable for the fact that the branches and roots diverge equally.
Creating natural conditions during cultivation
The indoor ficus is easy to maintain, making it easy and hassle-free to care for. The plant enjoys light but doesn't tolerate direct sunlight. It's best to place it on a west- or east-facing windowsill. If this is the only option, a south-facing window should be shaded. In winter, artificial lighting should be provided.
Maintain the air temperature between 23-27°C in summer and 15-20°C in winter. This genus is very sensitive to drafts, and the root system should be kept from becoming too cold. In summer, it's best to move the plant to the balcony. It's important to wait until the nighttime temperature doesn't drop below 18°C. Remember not to move the pot frequently.
When watering, be guided by the soil condition. Water the plant when the soil dries out to a depth of 1-2 cm. A large plant in a floor pot can be watered 2-3 times less frequently. Use only purified, warm water. It is recommended to let the water sit for 12 hours beforehand.
This tropical plant loves moisture, so give it a light shower periodically. Species with small leaves respond better to misting than those with larger leaves.
You may be interested in:Frequently asked questions about growing
Caring for a ficus isn't difficult, but you need to be careful. The slightest deviation from ideal conditions will cause the leaves to fall off. Various difficulties may arise during cultivation:
Heat-loving ficus trees of various species grow primarily in tropical and subtropical latitudes. Tall trees and branched shrubs are found in forests across many countries. Popular indoor varieties are easy to care for, making them suitable even for busy people. The plant is completely safe for pets and children.
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