Ficuses are one of the most popular indoor plants. However, few people know that in nature these plants look like ordinary trees. This fully applies to the sacred ficus. It will be discussed further.
Ficus in nature
The sacred ficus is also called Eden or religious. This plant belongs to the mulberry family and in natural conditions can reach 30 meters in height. This is a tree with a wide crown. Its branches are quite powerful, covered with large leaves. They have original outlines. The length reaches 22 cm. The leaves have a straight or slightly wavy edge, a wide heart-shaped base and a strongly elongated top.
The inflorescences of this plant are axillary, paired, smooth. At first, they are distinguished by a light green color, and later a dark purple hue can be observed. Very often, a ficus of this species begins its life as an epiphyte. It attaches itself to other plants or in cracks in buildings. When the roots that were previously in the air reach the ground and penetrate the soil, they turn into a trunk.
In high humidity, the tips of the leaves can be observeddroplets of water, it seems that the tree is "crying".
Legend of ficus Eden
Ficus sacred Eden got its name thanks to an ancient legend. According to her, Prince Siddhartha Gautama meditated while sitting under this tree. He was able to comprehend the meaning of life, and also achieved the highest enlightenment. This man began to be called Buddha.
Another legend says that the god Vishnu was also born in the shade of this ficus. That is why for many hundreds of years this plant has been planted near Buddhist temples. It is considered a symbol of good luck and prosperity. Pilgrims from different countries come to these trees, tie their branches with colorful ribbons, accompanying their prayers for good luck, prosperity and he alth with this ritual.
Containment conditions
Among flower growers, due to unpretentiousness and ease of cultivation, sacred ficus is very popular. Care at home for him is quite simple. The plant requires bright diffused lighting, but easily tolerates partial shade. It is preferable to keep it on windows that face west or east.
With a lack of light, it can drop foliage. Ficus is a heat-loving plant, prefers temperatures of at least +22ºС in summer and +15ºС in cold seasons.
In winter, rest is not necessary for the plant. The room temperature can be the same throughout the year. Ficus of this species does not tolerate the flow of heated air, which abundantly depart from the batteries. Also a plantdoes not like drafts, temperature changes. Reacts to these inconveniences by dropping leaves.
High humidity is not a prerequisite for the growth of ficus. If there is too dry air in the room, you will need to use special humidifiers or equip a decorative artificial reservoir. The plant also reacts badly to an insufficient amount of water in the environment. It sheds its leaves.
The plant needs loose fertile soil. You can buy a ready-made soil mixture for ficuses in a specialized store. It is also easy to prepare the land yourself by mixing equal parts peat, sod and leaf soil with sand (large fraction). At the bottom of the planting tank, it is imperative to create good drainage that prevents stagnant water.
Transplant, pruning
Proper transplantation requires ficus sacred Eden. Care at home involves its frequent transplantation, at least once or twice a year for young plants. This is due to their rapid growth. Within 12 months, the young seedling is stretched to a height of up to two meters. Transplantation of adult large specimens is very difficult, so for them this procedure is limited to changing the surface layer of the earth.
To reduce the growth of the ficus and form a beautiful crown in it, they resort to regular pruning. Carry out the procedure before the start of the growing season. You can also use wire frames to give young elastic shoots any direction of growth.
Diseases
Descriptionan adult plant of ficus sacred Eden speaks of its aesthetic appearance. However, this requires careful maintenance. As soon as signs of damage are noticed, the plant must be immediately treated with special insecticidal agents.
Spraying should be carried out strictly following the instructions for the chemical preparation and observing all safety regulations. Ficus diseases are mainly associated with improper care, non-compliance with temperature, humidity conditions, irrigation rules and soil requirements.
The plant reacts to negative factors by dropping foliage. But we must remember that in this ficus they can fall off on their own when they reach two or three years of age, which is quite natural for this species.
Reproduction
The easiest way to grow ficus sacred Eden from seeds. To do this, peat and sand are poured equally into the container, mixed and moistened. Ficus has very small seeds. They are pre-mixed with sand and spread over the surface of the soil and lightly pressed into it.
Cover with polyethylene or glass on top (if there are few seeds, you can cover them with a glass jar). From time to time, this coating is removed for a few minutes, for example, when crops are watered.
The seeds of sacred ficus planted in the ground are covered and placed in a bright, warm place. The ambient temperature must be at least 25ºС, but without direct sunlight. soilyou need to constantly moisturize, but do not flood. It is recommended to irrigate it with settled water from a sprayer.
The first sprouts appear in about a week. And after 7 days, you can remove the coating. When a leaf appears on the seedlings, they need to be planted in small pots filled with soil suitable for ficuses. For better growth, it is recommended to create additional lighting for young plants using a special lamp.
Large tree-like ficuses can also be propagated by diverting aerial shoots. With this method, not only a new rather large plant is obtained, but also the mother specimen is rejuvenated.
At a height of about 55 cm, shoots and leaves are removed. Leave about 13 cm of a completely bare trunk. Under the site on which one of the branches previously grew, you need to remove the bark. This place is treated with a solution to stimulate root growth, covered with sphagnum and wrapped with plastic wrap.
In 1, 5-2 months, new roots will appear on this site. After that, the shoots with roots are cut off, and this place is sprinkled with activated charcoal. The young plant is planted in a pot with a drainage layer and soil suitable for ficuses.
Feeding
Ficus sacred should be fertilized twice a month, alternating mineral and organic fertilizers. Bait should contain a lot of nitrogen and potassium. This contributes to the harmonious development of the plant.
Reviews
Ficuses have long been considered a symbol of stability and home comfort. They have an aesthetic appearance, can fit into any interior. Ficus sacred - interestingand an unusual plant. It is distinguished by unpretentiousness, endurance, ease of care. Subject to all the rules, it very rarely suffers from diseases and pests. For these qualities, it is highly valued among flower growers as a spectacular decoration of a modern residential and office space.
After considering the features of the sacred ficus, everyone will be able to properly grow it at home or in the office.
