How often to water ficus at home
Ficuses belong to a varied and numerous genus of plants. They are very popular as indoor culture. Before purchasing a plant, you need to figure out how to water the ficus. Watering regime is a key factor in influencing the healthy growth of a tree.
How to water ficus at home
In summer, the tree is often irrigated, in winter the amount of irrigation is reduced. It should be grown in a warm and bright room with sufficient air humidity. The rules for the care and maintenance of indoor ficuses of different species differ insignificantly.
Varieties of home ficuses and features of caring for them
Ficuses are a genus of tropical plants. They grow in the countries of the Pacific and Indian Ocean coasts, the Mediterranean Sea and in southern Africa. Most of them are evergreens, but there are deciduous species as well.
In room culture, the following types are most often grown:
- Benjamin (varieties Lovely, Starlight, etc.);
- Rubbery (popular variety Melanie);
- Dwarf, dwarf creeping;
- Bengal.
Different species and varieties differ in appearance, trunk shape, color and leaf shape. But the rules for caring for different ficuses differ little from each other.
Ficus cannot be called a whimsical plant. It takes root well at home. It is important to provide a green pet with moderate watering, good lighting, and protection from drafts. Experienced flower growers know how to properly water ficuses. This is not difficult. Anyone can easily figure out the irrigation regime.
Features of watering ficus
How to water a ficus at home, any seller of a flower shop can tell when selling a plant. The watering regime depends on several factors:
- Season. The irrigation regime varies with the season.
- Plant type. Some species have individual moisture requirements.
- The age and size of the tree. The abundance of water filling depends on these parameters.
- Soil quality. It is necessary to choose light soils that allow moisture to pass through well. If the substrate does not meet the specifications, the watering conditions are adjusted. Over time, you need to transplant the tree to a different soil.
With improper and irregular watering, the tree begins to deteriorate. Leaves turn yellow completely or at the edges, dry or fall off completely.
Ficuses need to be watered more often and more abundantly, if they are tall and with a developed crown. Then there will be enough water for the development of the root system and the shoot along the entire length.
Ficus watering rules
Growing ficus is not difficult for a novice grower. You just need to remember a few simple irrigation rules.
Recommendations on how to properly water ficus:
- Change watering regimes depending on the season. The quality of its growth will depend on how often the ficus is watered.
- Water for irrigation of ficus is clean, with a temperature of 20-25 ° C.
- The root section of the soil should be completely wet when the plant is irrigated.
- Moisten the tree early in the morning or after sunset.
To remove excess moisture, it is imperative to provide drainage at the bottom of the tub. Crushed red brick or expanded clay is used as drainage.
How to water the ficus is of great importance. The liquid for irrigating the plant should be at room temperature at any time of the year. Using very warm or cool water will damage the roots.
How to water ficus in summer and winter
How many times to water the ficus depends on the climate on the street and in the house. Summer and winter modes differ significantly from each other.
How often should the ficus be watered:
- From early March to early September. The tree is irrigated every 3-5 days.
- Autumn. The soil is moistened once a week.
- Winter. The tree is irrigated once every 10-14 days.
The microclimate of the room also influences the irrigation regime. If the humidity is high, a weekly watering hole will be sufficient. In hot summers, the need for water increases. It is better to pour ficus every 3 days.
If you do not reduce the frequency of watering in winter, the leaves on the tree will instantly fall off. Leaves should be sprayed with water all year round. Ficuses are very fond of moisture. Sometimes you can give your pet a warm shower (not hot).
Water quality for ficus
Ficuses, like any other indoor plants, are watered. Sometimes the quality of tap water is poor. It is better not to use it for watering flowers.
Rain, melt and spring water is great for trees. It has unique natural properties. You can use tap water. The main condition is the low hardness of the liquid. To prevent heavy salts and harmful impurities from getting into the ground, the water must be defended. Another easy way to purify water is to freeze and thaw. If you pass the liquid through a reverse osmosis filter, it will lose absolutely all salts. This water is not used for plants.
During the period of growth activation (spring - early autumn), every 10-15 days, it is imperative to water the ficus with water with the addition of liquid fertilizers. They will enrich the soil with the necessary trace elements.
If the ficus is sick
If the rules of care are violated, the flower can get sick. The problem can be recognized by the condition of the leaves. The plant is equally damaged by excessive and insufficient watering.
If the leaves began to fall off regularly one by one, there is too much moisture. Fill the tree with water less often and less abundantly. Excessive soil moisture is also indicated by yellowing of the edge of the leaves. Putrefactive processes develop on the roots. If the young leaves grow small, and the old ones have begun to turn yellow, it is required to increase the frequency of watering and top dressing.
Many users of floriculture forums recommend watering the ficus with vodka. The recipe can be tried if the plant has become frail and lethargic. Vodka is diluted with water in a 1: 1 ratio, after which ficus is poured. Such watering with vodka is carried out once a week.
There is another popular recipe - sweet water. This remedy can be used both in winter and in summer throughout the life of the flower. Green leaves produce glucose on their own through photosynthesis. It forms starch, cellulose and other structural components. With a decrease in photosynthetic activity, problems with growth and development can arise. Watering with sweet water will provide the ficus with ready-made glucose. The mixture is easy to prepare. 40 g of sugar are dissolved in 1 liter of liquid. You can also add a small amount of sugar to the pot for quick growth of the tree.
Ficus is a beautiful and majestic plant. It will decorate any room. It is not difficult to take care of him at home, even a child can cope with this task. The main thing is to follow the basic rules of watering, spray the plant with water, and prevent the action of cold air.
In summer, ficus often requires watering, in winter - once every 10 days. If you follow the recommendations, the tree will grow tall with a wide, dense crown.