Today was my little sister's birthday! She's three now. I...
Today was my little sister's birthday! She's three now. I let her choose a plant from my favorite store, as well as one for myself (since I can't miss a chance for a plant grab). Im welcoming Zha'thik! (Shout out to @Prentyce, they were responsible for the name suggestion on a different plant a month ago.)
Zha'thik is my first ever #Ficus! I would like tips and tricks about caring for this species. I know they need pruning sometimes and things like that, but I don't know the specifics.
Thanks in advance!
#rubbertree #happyplants #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantaddict #planttherapy #plantcorner #plantlove #iloveplants #newgrowth #planttlc #greggang #adhdplantlovers
Zha'thik is my first ever #Ficus! I would like tips and tricks about caring for this species. I know they need pruning sometimes and things like that, but I don't know the specifics.
Thanks in advance!
#rubbertree #happyplants #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantaddict #planttherapy #plantcorner #plantlove #iloveplants #newgrowth #planttlc #greggang #adhdplantlovers
Last watered 3 weeks ago
2
Ficus are some of my favourite trees :). Banyan species like microcarpa or benjamina are often the largest in tropical forests, and they have an interesting habit that gives them the nickname name "strangler figs". I won't go into details of that though, since rubber figs aren't really banyans. But the largest tree in the photo is a fig, and has a White-bellied Sea Eagle nest that is reused annually.
Anyways, while rubbers CAN survive lower lighting than others, they should be getting some direct light for good growth and colour. If you wanna prune for bushiness chop the top. Nodal buds will soon sprout and spread out, creating a tree look. Continue this with the shoots until you get a desired shape, than future trimmings will purely be to maintain shape. Under normal bright circumstances they CAN branch on their own, but may take longer to do so, hence trimming should occur. Shaking your fig will also help with root and trunk growth because of thia marvellous thing called thigmomorphogenesis, where a plant's morphology will be altered by physical stress factors, like wind, animals or rain. Shaking simulates violent winds, which triggers the fig to grow a stronger, thicker stem and rootstock, which in most cases is desirable to obtain that tree look.
Also note, figs have a white sap, and any sap that's white is often an irritant. For many individuals the sap of figs can cause a terrible rash, so be careful. Try not to sniff it as well [sorry, it's an ADHD kind of thing, where i just wanna smell everything], as some sap can be toxic if inhaled. Best not to take risks.
That's all for now. Have fun with the fig :)
Anyways, while rubbers CAN survive lower lighting than others, they should be getting some direct light for good growth and colour. If you wanna prune for bushiness chop the top. Nodal buds will soon sprout and spread out, creating a tree look. Continue this with the shoots until you get a desired shape, than future trimmings will purely be to maintain shape. Under normal bright circumstances they CAN branch on their own, but may take longer to do so, hence trimming should occur. Shaking your fig will also help with root and trunk growth because of thia marvellous thing called thigmomorphogenesis, where a plant's morphology will be altered by physical stress factors, like wind, animals or rain. Shaking simulates violent winds, which triggers the fig to grow a stronger, thicker stem and rootstock, which in most cases is desirable to obtain that tree look.
Also note, figs have a white sap, and any sap that's white is often an irritant. For many individuals the sap of figs can cause a terrible rash, so be careful. Try not to sniff it as well [sorry, it's an ADHD kind of thing, where i just wanna smell everything], as some sap can be toxic if inhaled. Best not to take risks.
That's all for now. Have fun with the fig :)
@Catplantaddict To properly care for a Ficus Elastica (rubber plant), provide bright indirect light, water when the top soil feels dry, avoid overwatering, maintain a warm room temperature, and ensure good drainage in the pot; check for dryness with your finger before watering, and repot every 1-2 years as needed when the plant becomes rootbound. Additionally you may want to consider: Light: Place in a spot with bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
Watering: Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Temperature: Maintain a warm room temperature between 65°F - 85°F (18°C - 30°C).
Humidity: While not critical, rubber plants appreciate moderate to high humidity.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite to improve aeration.
Fertilizing: Feed with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning: Prune as needed to maintain desired shape and encourage bushier growth.
Repotting: Repot young plants annually, and older plants every 2-3 years, into a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
Happy Growing!
Watering: Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 inches of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Temperature: Maintain a warm room temperature between 65°F - 85°F (18°C - 30°C).
Humidity: While not critical, rubber plants appreciate moderate to high humidity.
Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite to improve aeration.
Fertilizing: Feed with a diluted liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer).
Pruning: Prune as needed to maintain desired shape and encourage bushier growth.
Repotting: Repot young plants annually, and older plants every 2-3 years, into a pot only slightly larger than the previous one.
Happy Growing!