The Ficus genus belongs to the family of Tutovy andis the most numerous in this family. Up to 800 species and about 2000 varieties of this plant are known. These are trees of impressive size, and lianas, and shrubs. The most famous for us representative of the ficus genus is the fig tree, it is also a wine berry, fig, fig or fig. His homeland: India, Sri Lanka, the Himalayas, West Africa and tropical Asia.
At home, they cultivate about 20species of this plant, among them the most common species are the ficus of rubber and ficus of Benjamin. The rubberic ficus (it is also often called the "rubber tree") in nature can reach a height of 30-40 meters. For room keeping, it is considered the most unpretentious, and in the sense of improving the air - one of the most useful.
Reproduction of the ficus is produced by air layers, cuttings and seeds.
Air layers are propagated by treeficuses, to immediately get a large tree. To do this, take the top of a 50-60 centimeter plant, on which shoots and leaves are removed so that the exposed barrel is left at 12-15 cm. Under the knot from which the shoot grows, scrub the bark, moisten this place with a stimulant to form roots and cover it with a damp moss-sphagnum, wrapping the top with polyethylene. After a month or two, when the rootlets appear, the larvae are cut off and planted separately, and the places of the slices are sprinkled with activated or crushed charcoal.
Reproduction of the fig tree by the cuttings producesas follows: with a sharp knife or blade cut off the top of one of its shoots about 15 cm long, with several leaves. The bottom sheet is removed and the shank is lowered into a warm (about 25 ° C) water to wash off the lacteal juice on the cut. Then there are two ways to germinate the plant: a) in a glass of water, b) in sand or loose substrate. In the first case, it is desirable to use standing water, and preferably rainwater, with the addition of a piece of wood or activated carbon, which will prevent rotting of the shoot. In the second, the stalk is planted obliquely, burying it on one knot. Water should be applied as needed, i.e., not allowing the substrate to dry out drastically. Rooting can occur within a month.
It remains to understand how to multiply the ficus seeds.
Due to the fact that the seeds of the plant are very small,they are mixed with sand, pretreated with a growth stimulant. Sow into a moist air-permeable substrate and cover with a film, creating additional greenhouse conditions. For better germination, good lighting is necessary and, very important, the air temperature is about 25-30 degrees.
Reproduction of the ficus and giving it the desired shape- very fascinating occupation. We all heard about bonsai - the Japanese technique of growing dwarf trees. In order to grow such a tree at home, ficus will also be perfect. Creation of the crown for this purpose is achieved by correct pruning and prischipki bush and its root system. Pruning is carried out mainly during rest and consists in removing excess, old, growing inside the crown, as well as spoiling the general appearance of the branches. The sprouting roots are pruned during transplants. To do this, the plant simply cut a part of the roots (about ¼) and put it below the new edge, shaking off the old ground.
Reproduction of the ficus is not a difficult matter, it is important to be ableproperly take care of him. Plants are very sensitive to sudden drops in temperature, drafts or sudden changes in lighting. Overmoistening, as well as drying out of an earthy coma, is unacceptable. All ficuses like comfortable temperature, frequent spraying, fertilized soil and sufficient lighting. On large leaves of figs there is a lot of dust, so they are sometimes desirable to wipe with a damp cloth.
Plants are best to replant in the spring, beforeactive growth will begin, and not more often than once in 2 years. Large plants need to be transplanted even less often. With the onset of intensive growth, the ficus should be fed with fertilizers intended for ornamental plants. It is desirable to carry out fertilizing every 2-3 weeks, until August.
By feng shui, ficus has magical properties: it helps in solving long-lasting life problems, cleans the atmosphere of the home from experiences and anxieties and absorbs negative energy.
