How to water your Ficus?

Ficus is a very popular green plant among indoor gardeners . Its metabolism adapts very easily to the interior of houses, apartments and offices. It is a very popular plant because it is easy to maintain.

Ficus is also used for interior decoration . It is an affordable and accessible way to bring greenery into a designer apartment.

Its air filtration and pollution control properties also make it a useful tree for everyday use!

It is surely for all these reasons that the Ficus has inspired so much religious and mythological beliefs around the world.

If you have a green thumb and want to bring your home to life, adopt one! It will brighten up your home for many years to come!

Let yourself be guided, we will help you discover the Ficus in all its forms!

1) THE ORIGINS OF THE FICUS:

A) BOTANICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Ficus is the Latin name for the Fig tree . It is part of the large Moraceae family.

The Ficus tree grows in a variety of forms. Depending on the variety, its trunk can take the form of a tree , a shrub , or a vine . The variety of appearances this plant can take greatly contributes to its success.

Some shapes are quite spectacular. They can be natural or man-made, as the plant grows.

• Braided vines
• Gridded vines

A Ficus can reach 30 meters in height in its natural environment.

Rest assured, however, your shrub will adapt its growth on its own if you grow it indoors ;)

Some varieties, such as the Ficus Religiosa (Banyan) , spread over large areas, particularly in India and Sri Lanka. Their aerial roots and multiple trunks and stems can make it appear at first glance that they are several trees, when in reality they are only one!

This spectacular sprawling appearance has long fueled legends, myths and religious stories (details below).

The largest Ficus is a Banyan tree , located in the Kolkata Botanical Gardens. This over 200-year- old tree started its growth in the crown of a date palm, before experiencing an impressive expansion. While its diameter of 131 meters may seem inconceivable for a traditional tree, this is made possible thanks to its vigorous aerial roots . These support the tree by connecting the large branches of its trunk to the ground. This allows the tree to spread over considerable areas. It can thus find its energy resources and nutrients over a much larger area than a conventional tree. This spectacular fig tree from India alone has 1775 aerial roots .

Paradoxically, there are also Ficus trees in bonsai format ! If you ever think of letting one of them tempt you, you'll be spoiled for choice.

Concerning the leaves , they are commonly solid green , but can also sometimes be marked with colored patterns . They are most often drooping, which gives a bushy appearance to the plant.

Natural ficus trees experience a flowering phase during which fruit (figs) appear. However, there is little chance that your ficus will flower indoors.

B) THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF TREES:

Depending on the variety, Ficus trees can have very different appearances. The leaves of different species of shrubs have very different colors and shapes.

There are currently more than 800 referenced varieties .

Here is a list of the most popular ones:

• Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig)

• Ficus Pumila (rampant fig tree)

• Ficus Religiosa (Ficus with lobed leaves)

• Ficus Elastica (Rubber):

• Ficus Lyrata (Lyre Fig):

• Ficus Retusa (Bonsai): also called Ficus Ginseng

C) ITS HISTORY:

Since the appearance of Ficus trees several thousand years ago, they have spread widely in tropical and subtropical regions. They are found mainly in parts of Asia and Africa, but are also present in South America and Australia.

The Ficus Carica , which produces edible figs, is native to the Mediterranean.

Ficus species found in homes and offices are primarily native to Southeast Asia.

The Ficus is one of the plants that has produced the most new species. This hardwood has diversified and reinvented itself many times throughout its history; you'll find them in all shapes and sizes! From circular and pyramidal shapes to hanging and climbing forms , the Ficus plays on all fronts!

Despite all these variations, Ficus trees flower in the same way, develop fruits of the same shape and all produce milky white sap.

D) POSSIBLE USES OF FICUS:

A tree with depolluting properties:

Much scientific research has examined the link between the air quality of a room and the indoor plants it contains. This research has highlighted the fact that certain plants can contribute beneficially to the air quality of a home by eliminating toxins . This capture of chemicals occurs via the leaves of your shrub.

Indeed, many everyday manufactured products, such as carpets, fabrics, and rugs, contain potentially toxic substances. This is particularly due to the solvents and flame retardants they contain.

The Fig tree is one of the plants that achieves the best purification results.

• The Ficus Benjamina (Weeping Fig) mainly absorbs Ammonia, Formaldehyde and Xylene!
• Ficus Ahlii (Sword-leaf Fig) has proven effective against many pollutants, including formaldehyde, followed by benzene, toluene, trichloroethylene, and xylene.

Using Ficus as a “living bridge”:

As we have already mentioned, the Banyan Fig tree has a very extensive root system . The inhabitants of the village of Nongriat in India decided to take advantage of this natural feature. A two-tiered suspension bridge called Jingkieg Nongriat was built by weaving the aerial roots over a large ditch. It took the villagers 25 years to successfully guide these roots across the ditch using ropes. Once the bridge was solidified, it was paved with stone.

Rubber production from Ficus:

The Ficus Elastica is also called the rubber tree.

Its milky white sap was once used to produce latex , which in turn was used to make rubber. Today, however, spandex is only used as a decorative plant. There are now more efficient ways to produce rubber.

E) THE RELIGIOUS SYMBOLISM OF THIS TREE:

The Ficus has great religious symbolism in many civilizations.

The fig tree would first have dominated mythical scenes :

• It was under a Ficus Religiosa tree that the Buddha meditated until he reached enlightenment. Indians see it as the symbol of eternity.
• A Ficus Ruminalis is also said to have sheltered Remus and Romulus before the She-Wolf took them under her wing. This tree is thus associated with the mythical founding of Rome.
• As mentioned above, the Banyan Fig tree can spread over large areas thanks to its aerial root system. According to legend, this allowed Emperor Alexander the Great to shelter his entire army under a single tree...
• Greek mythology refers to the fig tree in Homer's Odyssey , when Odysseus ventures by raft into the Strait of Messina. It is indeed a fig tree that the hero clings to in order to escape the sea monster Charybdis.

The Fig and the Fig Tree also play a strong symbolic role in sacred writings and ancestral customs :

• The Old and New Testaments regularly refer to the fig and the fig tree . For example, a fig leaf is said to have served to hide the nakedness of Adam and Eve. The forbidden fruit is actually a fig, not an apple.
• Some Pharaohs, for their part, took sycamore figs to their tombs.
• Indonesians see the Ficus as a communication link between humans and spirits .

2) MAINTENANCE & NEEDS OF THE FICUS:

A) NATURAL NEEDS & LIVING PLACES:

Light :

A Ficus thrives when exposed to plenty of light. It is important to place it in rooms exposed to natural sunlight . However, care must be taken not to expose it to strong direct sunlight. If you place your Ficus next to a window that receives direct sunlight during the hottest times of the day, it will be necessary to cover the window with a curtain.

Conversely, a lack of light will be felt in the foliage, which will gradually lose its color.

Heat :

As previously mentioned, the Ficus is a tropical plant . However, it adapts perfectly to indoor temperatures. The main thing is to provide it with a stable temperature and humidity level.

The ideal temperature for your shrub is between 15 and 23° .

Caution: These plants are very sensitive to drafts. Be careful not to leave them near a door or a window that is regularly open.

Is placing your Ficus next to a radiator a good idea?

When the cold weather hits homes in winter, many people resort to placing their plants next to radiators. This is a double-edged sword and should be avoided at all costs in certain situations.

If your heating system is gas and set to heat gently continuously, it will protect your plant from the cold.

However, be wary of automatic electric heaters, which automatically adjust their power based on a desired temperature. These heaters alternate between periods of intense heat and periods of inactivity. Your plant won't tolerate these temperature changes, and you risk seeing its leaves dry out during periods of heating.

B) MAINTAINING YOUR PLANT:

Watering:

It is often recommended to water your Ficus weekly . Ficus should not be watered continuously, as you need to allow time for the soil to dry out.

We recommend you trust your gut feeling. Observe the color of the soil as well as its texture. Light, sandy soil will lack water, while dark, compact soil should definitely not be watered. Dip your finger into the center of the pot and judge for yourself.

As mentioned in our Bonsai Survival Guide , there's no point in overwatering your plant. You risk harming it by over-watering it.

You can, however, happily spray the foliage of your tree with water. This refreshes your plant and helps rinse the dust off the leaves.

REPOTTING:

Repotting allows the root system to develop and expand. Repotting your young plants will allow them to quickly reach adult size. The repotting process renews the substrate of the plants . Indoor plants are not exposed to the microorganisms and insects that outdoor plants, in the ground, benefit from. All these elements of biomass normally benefit from enriching the soil.

When to repot? Fig trees purchased from garden centers are often sold in small pots that aren't built to last. We recommend repotting your plant as soon as you purchase it. A plant that has experienced strong growth also needs to be repotted. This can be seen by the roots spilling out from under the pot. Spring is generally the best time to repot your plant, every 2 or 3 years !

When repotting, we recommend choosing a larger pot to accommodate your plant. Pokifo.com offers a wide range of designer pots and planters for your houseplants!

Dusting:

Don't hesitate to wipe the leaves of your tree with a damp cloth to dust them. Depending on the density of the foliage, this may seem like a never-ending process, but your plant will thank you!

Size :

Because the Ficus grows very quickly, occasional trimming may be necessary. We recommend gently removing any dead leaves that turn yellow. It is important to use pruning shears to prune your branches.

Braided Ficus trees require special care. This particularly aesthetic growth style is not natural. You will need to trim the small branches growing on the braided stems to preserve this effect.

Cuttings:

Propagating cuttings is a way to create multiple plants from a single plant. This involves cutting off a portion of your plant to create a new, fully grown plant once replanted.

Since the Ficus grows steadily and strongly, you can take cuttings all year round.

You can then opt for a water cutting , a smothered cutting , or a rolling cutting . For more details on this practice, we refer you to a site specializing in cuttings .

Don’t hesitate to read the Cactus & Succulent Plant Watering Guide !

3) DISEASES & CARE:

As we've mentioned many times, the Ficus Benjamina is a robust tree that doesn't require any special care. However, your plant may show signs of poor health. In this case, don't worry; these problems are easily treated!

A) LOSS OF LEAVES:

Leaf drop can be caused by many factors such as overwatering, lack of light, drafts etc.

Be careful, these factors can combine!

Here are some tips to avoid these problems:

• Water sparingly : Even if you enjoy tending to your plant, don't overwater ;)! For this, it's better to opt for a small indoor watering can, rather than a garden hose. Watering will be more precise and you'll have better control over the intensity of the water jet.
• Choose a suitable, fixed location : The ideal location is a sunny spot, free from sudden temperature fluctuations and away from drafts. Once your plant is in place, let it adjust to the location. Your Ficus needs stability and should not be moved regularly.
• Ventilate carefully : It's important to freshen the air in your rooms daily, but beware of drafts. Your plants should not be near vents.

B) PARASITES:

Your shrub may be infested with mites or scale insects .

Regular spraying of water on the foliage then helps to get rid of the mites.

To eliminate mealybugs, soak a cotton ball in a mixture of black soap and water, to which you have added a few drops of rubbing alcohol. Then simply wipe the cotton ball over the stems of your plant.

BONUS (OFFER FOR OUR READERS):

To grow your Ficus, what could be better than a beautiful designer watering can ?

Our long-spout models allow you to water your shrubs with precision and elegance. Designed from durable and long-lasting materials, our watering tools ensure healthy and long-lasting care for your plants.

To encourage you in growing your tree, here is a 10% discount code on our entire store: FICUS10 !