Ficus cyathistipula

Origin

The origin of the ficus is Africa, South America and the south of the US. The Ficus belongs to the Moraceae or Mulberry family.

Watering

In general, water moderately, in the growing period from March to August a little more than in winter. You can let the soil dry out slightly before watering again. However, do not leave the roots in the water, this will cause root rot.

Substrate

If the pot is provided (or you provide it yourself) with a substrate and a water meter, watering is easy! On arrival there is little water in it, fill the pot slowly with water (sometimes wait a while) and you will see that the meter rises by itself. All you have to do is keep an eye on this meter. If you go on holiday, you can fill the pot almost half full (you can see this from the meter that is way above its maximum) and you can safely go away for 3 weeks. In addition, it is also not a problem if the plants do not receive too much and too quickly water. The substrate absorbs the water, so if the water meter is at the bottom, the substrate is still moist, but there is no more water at the bottom of the pot. The plant then still has enough for 4 summer days.

Spraying

Spraying the Ficus regularly to remove dust from the leaves and to prevent spider mites is therefore recommended.

Pitch

The Ficus likes a light spot and needs at least 4 to 5 hours of sunlight per day. With a south-facing window, the ficus can be placed two to three meters away from the window. The plant is within and meters of a window on the East, West and North. Â if the Ficus is too dark, you have a greater chance of leaf fall and new leaves will be more difficult to grow.

Minimum temperature

During the day 18°C

At night 15°C

Nutrition

The Ficus does not need much food. After purchase, the Ficus can go without food for months. Feed only in spring or summer. Never give too much as this can lead to burning of the roots. Check the packaging for the correct dosage.

Repotting

It is best to repot a Ficus once every two years in a larger pot. The best period for repotting is spring or immediately after purchasing the plant. A larger pot will stimulate growth and the advantage is a larger buffer soil so that the water is spread more and there is less chance of root rot. Always take a pot that is 20 to 25% larger and do not use Hydro granules at the bottom of the pot. It is best to use a plastic insert cover for large pots.

Leaf damage

If you move a Ficus or there is too little light, the plant will lose leaves. There is also an earlier chance of this if you buy in the winter. In the winter, it is better to place the houseplant closer to a window. In the spring, with good care, the Ficus will recover and thus produce new leaves.

If the ficus gets yellow leaves while you are taking care of it as always, maybe give it some new food.

Pruning

A ficus is a relatively fast grower and is therefore best pruned every autumn. The advantage of this is that the plant receives more light, remains more compact and you do not get long offshoots. The Ficus lyrata is a strange duck in the bite. It is best to prune this houseplant in late spring (May-June). The reason for this is that the Lyrata needs more power to run out. The Ficus lyrata will branch with each branch where it is pruned. This gives you a nice full room or office plant. Use pruning shears and cover the wounds with cigarette ash to stop the houseplant's bleeding.

Toxic

The ficus is a poisonous plant. If you come into contact with the white milk juice, it can irritate the skin. Eating the leaves by children and pets can cause sores on the skin.

The Ficus is a versatile plant that comes in many variations.