Ficus elastica care

It is one of those irresistible houseplants. On the one hand, its ornamental beauty is capable of decorating with the elegance of its intensely green leaves. On the other hand, the care of the ficus elastica is so simple that it makes this plant a little laborious. This plant, also known as ficus robusta, is one of those rustic species perfect for those who have little time but do not want to give up natural decoration.

Although it is usual to grow it indoors, it is possible to do it outdoors. Something reserved only for tropical or Mediterranean climate places, since among the care of the elastic ficus is to have it at a temperature that ranges between 16 and 21 degrees. Something that is not negotiable, since we are talking about a plant native to the tropical forests of Asia and India. Some origins that definitively mark their heat needs.

With an upright bearing, if we follow the care of the elastic ficus to the letter, we will not only have a plant for many years. In addition, we will enjoy its impressive size. And it is that this plant, with little effort, can reach a spectacular size. Something that will undoubtedly make her the focus of all eyes.

Because if the elastic ficus has something, it is that it is one of the most beautiful green plants that exist.

LIGHT AND LITTLE WATERING, KEYS IN THE CARE OF THE FICUS ELASTICA

As a good rustic plant that it is, the care of the ficus elastica is simple and is fundamentally based on two aspects: light and irrigation.

The first of these, light, is one of its vital requirements. The elastic ficus needs a lot of light and even be located in direct sun. Therefore, we have to find a bright environment in which she can feel comfortable and maintain her growth rate. Otherwise, the plant will lose a good part of its leaves. A good alternative, in case the space does not have all that luminosity that we mentioned, is to rotate the pot regularly. In this way, all the leaves will receive the light they need to maintain their size and color.

When it comes to watering, it will always have to be moderate. What’s more: before watering again, the ideal is to check that the substrate is completely dry. Despite its tropical origins, the elastic ficus does not support excess water. If we go too far with irrigation, we will see how the lower leaves of the plant begin to turn yellow and fall. But that is not the biggest problem. Actually, that’s just the beginning of fungal growth. Some that can damage the growth of the plant and even compromise its life. For these reasons, among the care of the elastic ficus we must consider that it has good drainage. The best way to avoid any accumulation of water in your roots.

Pests and cleaning, two elastic ficus care to take into account

Another aspect to consider in the care of the ficus elastica is to be attentive to pests. When grown indoors, it is more than usual for red spiders and mealybugs to notice it. As in other plants, we will have to consider eliminating pests from the first symptom of them on our plant.

We leave for the end two cares for the elastic ficus that respond more to aesthetic issues than to the needs of the plant. On the one hand, we will have to tutor her. Since it is a plant with great vertical growth, it will tend to topple over due to the weight if it is planted in a pot. On the other hand, it appreciates a cleaning of its leaves from time to time. They tend to accumulate dust and, beyond aesthetic issues, this can be a barrier for the plant to absorb the light it needs. A good reason to keep your sheets neat.

HAVE AN ELASTIC FICUS OUTDOORS

Although little known, the elastic ficus is a tree. Something that usually surprises, since we are used to growing it indoors. However, this gives us a clue as to how it grows. With the right conditions, the plant will more than likely grow at a good rate. Something that, if we want to grow it indoors, will force us to prune it from the top to promote its growth in width.

However, if we want to have it outdoors and let it grow freely, it is essential that we are careful. Although it can withstand low temperatures down to 0 degrees, the truth is that it does not tolerate frost. A fact that will force us to always have it protected from them.

But to be able to grow it outdoors, it is essential that the plant undergoes a period of acclimatization. One of the cares of the ficus elastica to take into account is that it does not handle sudden changes in temperature at all. In fact, if it is subjected to one, the plant will let us know by making its leaves fall. For this reason, if we want to have it outdoors, the ideal is that we do it gradually until it fully acclimatizes.

Whether we plant it outdoors or transplant it from the original pot, it is advisable to use a fertilizer for green plants for at least six months. With an application every 15 days, we will be helping the plant to grow in conditions in its new location. A subscriber that we will have to stop in case the winter season begins.

And, now that you know the care of the elastic ficus, do you dare to include it in the green decoration of your house?