The tree is considered one of the most relevant plants for humanity, highlighting the fact of the variety of species that can be found throughout the planet, in this article we will introduce you to the Ficus Tree, considered the perfect tree for large gardens.
ficus tree
Trees are considered the most important plant species for the entire planet, mainly because they are considered the main ones in carrying out the most important primordial biochemical process for life on the planet known as photosynthesis, providing the entire planet with precious oxygen, also standing out for its great variety of species that bring diversity and beauty to natural landscapes, among them the Ficus tree.
The Ficus tree is also known as the Ficus Benjamina, it is also recognized as Boxwood or Laurel, being one of the most cultivated trees for its extensive crown that offers a very significant and practical shade for home gardens and farms. Its name may vary depending on the country in which it is found, Rubber Banjamina in South America, Laurel de la India in Mexico, among others.
It corresponds to an evergreen tree, therefore it is not affected by the change of seasons in the year, it is native to South and Southeast Asia, it is also said that it is from the South and North of Australia. It is considered the official tree of Bangkok (Thailand). It is characterized by reaching up to 15 meters in height, it has a parasol crown that can reach up to 6 meters. It is formed by leaves between 6 to 13 cm long, they also have an oval shape.
Its fruit is the fig, it is quite small and reaches up to 1 centimeter. When they mature they can turn orange, depending on their natural habitat, some animals tend to eat them like birds.
The Ficus benjamina is one of the most cultivated trees in Latin America, mainly because of its extensive crown that offers a lot of shade to protect itself from the sun, all its leaves are small enough to be used as a Bonsai, it can also be preserved as a species ornamental inside the home.
Characteristics of the Ficus Tree
The Ficus tree is very characteristic for its large crown and orange-like fruits, it can reach up to 15 meters in height and can easily be considered to have quite pendulous branches and oval-shaped leaves that can have up to 6 to 13 centimeters, at its tip are acuminate (gradually decreases). It has native ranges due to its small fruit.
During the winter time it can maintain a development in the slightest expression, when it arrives in spring times it accelerates its development mechanism and generates new shoots for its reproduction.
There are a variety of species known as Ficus Benjamina, Ficus Robusta and Ficus Binnendijkii; They are usually Ficus quite likely to have very significant outbreaks during spring times, being quite spectacular and very showy, these outbreaks tend to remain until mid-autumn, then with the winter season, they tend to hide or fall to conserve enough energy .
The growth of the Ficus tree is quite favored in those days that are long, with a high temperature and that are moderate at night, being its growth measured according to its vegetation found in the plant, it has leaves with different shades of green, the softer greens tend to be the youngest, while the older ones have a much darker green color. Despite being a perennial tree, they can change their shades to adapt to changes in temperature in winter seasons.
It should be noted that in the Colombian country this tree is completely banned from being planted in urban spaces, it has a very significant development in its roots, affecting pipes, sewers and even causing blockages that can affect drainage systems.
Ficus Tree Care
All trees that are planted and cultivated in an ornamental way to decorate interior areas of homes and gardens, must have special care to maintain their splendor and their most relevant characteristics, so let us know some of the recommendations to carry out the maintenance of the tree. Ficus:
Location
The Ficus tree can reach an adult size, it is not recommended to have it inside homes, in this case it is better outside, in a large garden where it can be exposed to the sun. It is necessary that they be planted with a minimum distance of approximately 10 meters from nearby pipes or from some tall plants, this is because their roots are very invasive.
In case of having it inside the house, it is recommended that it be a room that is illuminated mainly in its youth, it is recommended that it be pruned regularly.
Soil or substrate
The substrates are considered the types of soils in which the tree can be planted, taking into account the special conditions that the soil may need, in this case for the Ficus tree it is not very demanding, it can be cultivated in any type of soil. Because it can adapt very easily to the conditions of the substrate, the only thing recommended is that it be one that has good drainage, such as sandy soils.
Irrigation
Irrigation is one of the most important factors in caring for plants, because the supply of water is essential for tree growth, especially during those times when high temperatures demand it. In the case of the ficus tree, it is necessary that during the summer time it must be done very frequently, to prevent the earth from cracking or drying out, therefore, it is recommended about 3 times a week; in the rest of the year it is recommended that it be much less.
Subscriber
The subscriber corresponds to the treatment with organic substances rich in minerals that will give properties to the soil, in this way the growth of the plants is promoted in an adequate way. In the case of having the ficus tree in the garden or outside areas, it is advisable to pay it because its roots need the greatest amount of nutrients possible for the growth of the plant.
In case of having the Ficus tree in a pot, it is necessary that it be fertilized during the spring seasons and also in the summer time, mainly with universal fertilizers, preferably liquid, in case you do not know the necessary quantities, you can be guided by the indications of the container.
Planting or transplanting time
The plants are influenced and benefited according to the time they are planted, it will depend exclusively on the type of plant and the planting season. In the case of the Ficus tree, it is considered a tropical tree, it should be planted in the garden after spending all the spring time in the pot, temperatures should be above 15 degrees Celsius.
Pests
Plants are always exposed to different environmental conditions, being benefited by sunlight, water and even wind for their growth, but they are also exposed to microorganisms and pests that can influence their growth and even carry them. to death, let us know which are the most common that influence the ficus tree:
- Red spider: they are small red spiders (0.5 millimeters), they tend to adhere to the underside of the leaves at that point they feed on the cells of the leaves. The main symptoms of the red spider are the appearance of a set of yellow spots that turn brown until they dry up. It can be treated with acaricides.
- Cochineals: it is an insect that has a cottony appearance with brown scales, usually located on the underside of the leaves. It can be corrected with a cotton soaked in isopropyl alcohol.
- Aphid: corresponds to a very small parasite (0.5cm in length), they can be green, yellow or brown. They are usually located in the new leaves of the plant, as well as in the young stems. It can be corrected with insecticides with Chlorpyrifos.
Pruning
Pruning is a technique commonly used to remove those dry, brittle and malformed branches of plants that can hinder their growth and aesthetics. In the case of the Ficus tree, it is recommended that it be pruned at the end of winter, dry, diseased and visibly weak branches should be removed, also those branches that could grow too much, should be cut with scissors but previously disinfected with alcohol.
Multiplication
The multiplication is related to the reproduction of the plant depending clearly on its nature, in this case it is related to the sowing of seeds or also by cuttings, highlighted below:
Siembra
Reproduction by sowing is related to the seeds that are collected from the plant, often by other species such as bees at the time of pollination or for trees, the seeds of their flowers or fruits, the procedure used in this case is the following:
- First of all, the seeds must be acquired in spring time and then placed in a jar of water overnight.
- The next day, all those seeds that may remain floating should be discarded.
- Then the seedbed must be prepared, it can become a pot and even a seedbed tray. Sometimes plastic containers can be used, holes must be made for drainage.
- Then a universal culture substrate must be added to be watered later.
- The seeds are spread over the entire surface, it is necessary that they had a distance between them of approximately 4 centimeters.
- Now, sulfur or copper should be sprinkled in this way to prevent fungus formation.
- The seedbed should be covered with a thin layer of substrate
- Finally, the seedbed should be placed in an area exposed to direct sunlight.
In most cases the plant will begin to germinate about a month after being planted.
Cuttings
The cuttings correspond to a form of asexual reproduction, where the plant generates buds or protuberances on its stem to later be removed without damaging the stem. In the case of the Ficus tree, it is necessary to choose a semi-woody branch of approximately 20 centimeters in spring, it is necessary that they be introduced with water and dilute liquid hormones that favor their development, it is necessary to change the water and clean it every 2 or 3 weeks.
Rusticity
The ficus tree is considered a rustic tree, capable of withstanding high temperatures, but mainly frost seasons up to approximately -4 degrees Celsius.
Ficus Tree Bonsai
Bonsai correspond to a technique used of Japanese origin that is responsible for growing trees or some plants by controlling their size, in this way their growth is controlled and they remain smaller than natural, all this through transplanting and pruning techniques. The Ficus tree is ideal to be kept as a bonsai.
The Ficus tree can be considered to have very invasive roots, it tends to be a plant that must be taken care of quite strictly, mainly the leaves that tend to be small, so it has a strict care which are highlighted below:
- Location: The location of the Ficus tree should preferably be in outdoor areas where it is exposed in semi-shade, in the case of being in internal areas such as a house it is recommended that they have a lot of light.
- Substrate: corresponds to that soil fed with other properties to benefit the growth of the plant, in this case as 60% humus + 30% coarse sand + 10% black peat.
- Irrigation: It is recommended to irrigate in the summer time between 4-5 times a week because it tends to dehydrate more easily; the rest of the year should be watered between 2 or 3 days.
- Subscriber: the fertilizers must be applied to the plants according to the manufacturer's instructions.
- Pruning: preferably it should be done in spring, to be transplanted later. Recommended when the stem has between 4-6 leaves, to later be cut between 2 leaves.
- Wiring: it is recommended that it be done at any time of the year. Protecting the trunk and branches possibly with cotton.
- Transplant: Recommended every 2 years, in the spring season.
We hope this article has been helpful, we leave you others that will surely interest you