Ficus robusta: general information and cultivation

Strong plant with elastic fleshy leaves - robust ficus - refers to rubber plants. His homeland is tropical Asia, in these latitudes the ficus grows everywhere. At the same time, its height is staggering: the highest specimens reach 30-40 meters. In severe climate conditions, robusta ficus is well established in greenhouses, heated greenhouses and living areas. Its dense foliage looks great in the interior, and any, even a very busy hostess, can provide the minimum care.

Ficus robusta (photo above) in favorable conditions is growing rapidly. Oval dark green leaves are located around the thick trunk, the upper young shoot is originally twisted into a tubule of burgundy color. As it grows, it spreads and becomes green, the stipules at the same time dries and disappears. Young shoots, as a rule, do not branch well in artificial conditions, therefore, it is necessary to form a bush by pruning the top.

In order for the robust ficus to develop rapidly, he needs diffused light, but a light penumbra is quite acceptable. Even if the indoor flower is a few meters from the sunlight, it will be able to adapt. The plant by nature is very strong, easily adapts to the temperature and light conditions, so it does not cause any special trouble.

Care is reduced to a regular abundant watering, which is carried out as the earth dries out. But too long a break plant will survive without much loss. As long as the Robusta ficus remains green and does not lose leaves, the conditions satisfy its needs. In summer, regular fertilizing and periodic spraying are required. Also, dust accumulates quickly on the dark green leaves, so a warm shower will be superfluous. In addition, the plant likes to be watered with warm standing water and wiped the leaves with a damp cloth. For this withdrawal, the ficus is called active growth and the addition of lateral shoots.

In the same soil, a strong developed shrub holds no more than two years. Then a transplant is required, replacing the soil with a new, enriched composition. Before transplanting the robusta ficus , you need to take care of choosing the right soil. Too acid, as well as alkaline soil, the flower does not tolerate. It requires a special earth with an acidity level of pH 5.5-6.5.

It is best to choose a spacious outdoor pot, put a layer of drainage on the bottom. Then they impose a small cluster of earth on the pyramid, plant the plant, straightening the roots, and pour out the remaining soil. Sometimes after transplantation, the lower 2-3 leaves are discarded. This is just a reaction of the flower, which will not affect the further growth.

If you want to multiply the ficus, you can apply the same method of landing. But with a sharp knife, cut the shank. Usually take the tip or side shoot. Although for planting is suitable for any part of the plant with one side kidney and shoot length of 10-15 cm. The subsequent change of the pot will not be necessary soon. The replacement is made when the entire container is filled with roots, and the bush will be clearly cramped.