Ficus PETIOLARIS

Ficus PETIOLARIS - Petiolate fig, Rock fig, Ficus petiolaris.

Can be grown in bonsai style!

Ficus is a genus of plants in the mulberry family (Moraceae), within which it forms the monotypic tribe Ficeae. Most species are evergreen, while some are deciduous. The most famous representative of the genus is the common fig tree, also known as the fig. Also well known is weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), grown indoors as an ornamental plant.

The plant is quite widespread, numbering nearly 900 species, among which are trees, shrubs, and lianas. Its native lands are countries with a predominant subtropical or tropical climate (Southeast Asia, Borneo, Ceylon, Java), where the height of ficus reaches 30 m (98 ft) and leaf length reaches 1 m (3.3 ft).

Leaves can be alternate, entire, lobed, glossy, or pubescent. The inflorescences of ficuses have an unusual structure: an enlarged pear-shaped or capitate axis is hollow inside, with an opening at the top (syconium). Flowers are located inside the wall of the inflorescence and are pollinated by insects. After pollination, small fruits begin to develop from the flowers, forming a multiple fruit. In domestic conditions, ficuses bloom extremely rarely.

Ficus petiolaris has a trunk swollen at the base in which it can accumulate moisture and withstand prolonged drought. Besides the trunk, special attention is also deserved by the leaves, which reach 10-15 cm (3.9-5.9 in) in length and width. They are leathery, dark green, with a silvery dusting, somewhat velvety. The central vein and veins extending from it are red, the petiole is yellow-pink, and the bark is yellow-beige. It is native to Western Mexico. The unusual shape of the plant is widely used in indoor cultivation as a bonsai. For this, the ficus does not even always need additional pruning for shaping.

Seeds are sown on the surface of a mixture of leaf mold, peat, and sand, moistened from a spray bottle with a growth stimulator, covered with film, and germinated in light, but not direct sun, at a temperature of 25-30 °C (77-86 °F). Seedlings need ventilation. It is necessary to avoid waterlogging and drying out of the sowings.

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

Ficuses are conservative and do not like being moved from one place to another. It is best if the room is sunny and has sufficient fresh air. In summer, the ficus can be taken out onto a balcony, but it should be protected from direct sunlight. Under insufficient lighting, plant growth slows down and leaves drop. With abrupt changes in lighting, the leaf color changes.

In summer, the optimal maintenance temperature is 25-30 °C (77-86 °F), and in winter 16-20 °C (61-68 °F). For ficus, a warm and dry room in winter with supplemental lighting and regular spraying is preferred. Ficus requires more light the higher the temperature in the room. The plant reacts sharply to soil chilling: it may drop leaves, so it is unacceptable to place it on a cold floor. Sharp temperature drops are undesirable. The ficus's need for watering depends on external conditions.

In summer, generous watering is required, but it is important to let the soil dry out between waterings. For watering, warm water is recommended in such quantity until it begins to flow out of the drainage hole. After 30 minutes, it is necessary to drain the water from the drip tray. In winter, watering should be careful, especially if the ficus is kept in a cool room, as excess moisture is possible.

If the ficus is grown in an inert substrate, fertilizers must be applied year-round. If traditional soil mixes are used, fertilizers (organic or mineral) must be applied every 2 weeks in spring and summer. In winter, fertilizers are not used.

When the pot becomes cramped (the root ball is completely entwined with roots, the soil dries quickly after watering, and roots are visible from the drainage holes), repotting is required. It is best to carry it out in spring or summer - at this time of year the plant adapts more easily. For young plants, specific soil is required, consisting of a mixture of: leaf mold, sand, and peat. Mature plants need denser soil, so turf soil or humus is added.