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The ficus is the same green friend that you saw at your grandmother's house, at your colleague's office and, probably, at half of your neighbors. And no wonder: this elegant plant is a true champion of unpretentiousness, but it looks as if it just stepped off the cover of an interior design magazine. Put it in any corner - and voila, the room will immediately sparkle with new colors!
Technically, a ficus is a small tree or a climbing plant (depending on the "character" it inherited). It has gorgeous glossy leaves - slightly elongated, slightly lanceolate and so glossy that you feel like dusting them just for the sake of aesthetics. The color can range from a rich dark green, "I'm a serious plant", to a light green, "I'm here for the atmosphere". It also has latex in it - just like rubber gloves, but that's its highlight!
The 3 most popular ficus trees in Romanian homes: from Bucharest to the entire country.
Ficus belongs to the huge Moraceae family - imagine, there are from 800 to 2000 relatives! They are spread all over the world, but as indoor plants they have found their vocation. They are not only beautiful, but also have the magical ability to calm the nerves just with their green appearance. Psychologists agree!
By the way, if you are tired of giving the same boring bouquets that wither in three days, give a ficus! Yes, it is out of the box. Yes, people will be surprised. But this is the gift that will delight for years (if, of course, you do not forget to water it).
And now - drum roll - meet the three stars of the ficus world:
Ficus Ginseng - a mini tree with character.
This little one looks like a real bonsai, but without the horrible care rituals. It has a thick, muscular trunk (yes, plants have body goals too) and a lush green crown. Ideal for those who want a Zen atmosphere but aren't ready to meditate on every leaf.
Ficus Benjamina - a dramatic queen of the plant world.
Oh, this handsome man! From 60 to 200 cm tall (an ambitious boy), with arching branches that gracefully hang down - hence the nickname "weeping ficus". Only it doesn't cry, it just... poses dramatically. It grows quickly, loves attention and has recently become an absolute hit on the Instagram of Romanian plant parents.
Ficus Elastica - a reliable old man.
This is the same ficus that your grandmother probably had. The "rubber ficus" is so named because of its latex (scientists love details like that). It has large, succulent leaves and can grow to the ceiling if you let it. The only downside is that as it ages, it gets a little "bald" on the bottom, losing its lower leaves. But don't worry, this is treatable by pruning. Consider it its way of saying, "It's time for a haircut!"
How to care for a ficus so it doesn't hate you
1. Light is everything (well, almost)
Regardless of the species, your ficus is a true sun worshipper. Therefore, the best place for it is near a window, where it can catch the rays and pretend to pose for a photo shoot. If the window is occupied by a cat, choose the brightest room in the house.
The good news is that in the winter, the ficus becomes more forgiving and can live in moderate light. It is not a capricious miracle, it is just adapting.
Pro-tip from experienced plant parents: periodically rotate the pot so that the plant grows evenly from all sides and does not turn into a lopsided tree that stretches for light like a teenager after Wi-Fi.
2. Water - don't overdo it, but don't be stingy either
Ficus is water-hungry! It needs a decent amount of moisture, so the soil needs to be... how should I put it... not a wet swamp, but not the Sahara either.
Summer regime: Water about once a week with room temperature water. Before watering, stick your finger in the soil (yes, literally): if it's wet on top, keep the horses, if it's dry, it's time to drink!
A life hack for the lazy (or very busy) ones: put a tray of water and gravel under the pot. The ficus will take as much water as it needs. It's like a buffet, only for the plant.
SOS signal: If the leaves start to turn yellow, it's a cry for help! Either you're watering the poor plant too much, or, on the contrary, you've forgotten about its existence. Analyze your behavior and correct your mistakes. The ficus will forgive you. Definitely.
3. Fertilizers - because plants also need vitamins
Yes, even green beauties need support! Ficus doesn't live in the wild, but in a pot on your windowsill, so extra nutrients won't hurt it.
Feeding schedule:
Spring-summer: once a month (it is actively growing, it needs energy!)
Autumn-winter: once every two months (it is in winter mode, it cools down)
Consider it his personal spa treatment.
4. Leaf rubbing - a spa treatment for ficus
Every two weeks, take a soft, damp cloth and give your ficus a beauty day. Gently wipe each leaf, holding it in the palm of your hand so as not to break it (they are delicate!).
It's not just about aesthetics - dust prevents the plant from breathing and photosynthesising. And without photosynthesis, well, you know, it's like we don't have coffee in the morning.
5. Pruning - time for the "hairdresser"
Ficus grows like crazy, so in late winter or early spring (before new growth) it needs a trim. It's not cruelty, it's care! Trimming will help form a beautiful crown and maintain the health of the plant.
Grab a small pair of scissors (or pruning shears, if you're a serious gardener) and go for it - create a masterpiece! Just don't overdo it, it's not a bonsai... well, unless it's Ginseng.
A summary for those who read to the end!
That's it - now you know how to keep your ficus happy (and alive). Put these tips into practice, and your green beauty will reward you with a gorgeous look and fresh air in your home.
PS If you are looking for an original gift, give a small ficus in an elegant pot! It is much cooler than another pair of socks or a lavender-vanilla candle. Or choose our flowers in boxes with ficus leaves as a decorative element - they look wow, and the care is minimal. Win-win!
