Characteristics of the Triangular Ficus
One of the most famous indoor plants is ficus. Today there are more than 20 varieties of this plant, and the most famous of them is the triangular ficus. It is famous for its unusual characteristics and interesting design.
Ficus Triangular
The origin of the flower
Ficus Triangular, or Ficus Triangularis, comes from the mulberry family. In reference books, this plant can be found under the name Ficus triangularis. According to its characteristics, it is very different from its relatives. The flower belongs to evergreen shrubs with small and glossy leaves.
Triangular ficus has unusual leaves, their shape resembles the circles that are inside the triangle, while creating an interesting shape. The maximum length of the leaves is 6 cm. The blade of the leaves is very thin, the veins are always gray with a slightly greenish tint. The main characteristic of the species is that in a year it can grow by more than 11 cm.
Home conditions are great for the fertility of the bush. Sometimes there are representatives of this species with bright specks on the leaves.
In nature, ficus Triangularis is found in the warm climate of Africa. It is very difficult to recognize him, since in the wild it grows up to at least 30 m upwards, whereas at home such a ficus can grow up to a maximum of 1 m.
Plant care at home
Most people believe that the Triangularis ficus is an absolutely unpretentious flower and it will not be difficult to grow it at home. Nevertheless, the grower is required to constantly look after this "handsome man", water him on time and keep the temperature. You need to take care of it immediately after purchase. The pot and the soil in which the Triangularis ficus was located is not suitable for permanent cultivation, so you must immediately replace it. It is best to take care of the future pot and soil in advance. Land should be bought specifically for ficuses, but ordinary land with natural additives for growth is also suitable.
Before you buy, you need to carefully examine the flower. Its leaves should be deep green, strong and firm. There should be no holes in the leaves or dried parts. When the time comes to transplant the plant, the roots must be well cleaned of the earth, and then they must be examined well: if a rotten end is visible, it is best to cut it off immediately. Then you need to wash the plant and let it dry a little.
For the first time after purchase and transplantation, the ficus may become a little sore and wither. But do not worry, this is normal, and within a few weeks with good care, the plant will return to normal very quickly.
During hot periods, ficus Triangularis must be watered regularly. It is optimal to water 2 times within 10 days. On especially stuffy and hot days, you need to water the plant every day, but pour a little water. When a cooler period comes, the flower must be watered once every 7 days. There should be holes in the pot so that the water cannot stagnate in the soil and the root system of the ficus does not rot.For watering the ficus, it is necessary to use water only that has been settled for at least 5 days. If you water the flower immediately with tap water, then there is a possibility that the plant will grow poorly, due to the fact that the water will be hard in structure.
What are the "preferences" of Triangularis
Ficus Triangularis is very fond of warm and cool temperatures, it all depends on the season. In the summer, it is necessary to water it with cool water so that the plant does not die from sudden changes in temperature, and in winter - warm, but not boiling water. The temperature should be moderate, 1 or 2 ° above room norm (20-22 ° C).
Ficus Triangular, or Triangularis, loves moist air, unlike other bushes. It is necessary to constantly spray the leaves with water from a spray bottle. This procedure is useful not only for the plant, but also for the health of the inhabitants of the apartment themselves. In the photo you can see all the uniqueness of this species.
In winter, the pot must be kept away from the battery, as the root system of the flower may dry out. If there is a lack of moisture, wet expanded clay can be added to the soil, or any container with water can be placed next to the pot. Ficus is a variegated plant species.
Indoor temperature
Proper care is the key to success. Triangular ficus in the warm season loves temperatures no higher than 26 ° С and not lower than 19 ° С, and in winter - 17 ° С. It is also necessary to avoid places where there can be drafts and very sudden temperature fluctuations. In winter, you need to protect the flower from severe frosts, and in the summer, take the pot out into the fresh air: the plant will pick up useful substances, and also absorb the rays of the sun, which will allow the flower to grow well.
The representative of the Mulberry family is one of the few who love the shade. It can be kept and grown even on the north side of the window. The flower does not like direct sunlight - in the summer it must be removed from direct sunlight or rearranged in a warm place, but in the shade. The leaves are very delicate, and from the direct rays of the sun, burns may appear on the plant, which will be very difficult to tighten. Flower care is not difficult.
Soil category
The soil should be loose, light in structure. Also, the earth should allow air to pass well to the root system and saturate it with useful micro-minerals that are necessary for growth. You can buy ready-made soil at a flower shop; it is perfect for ficus. Before planting in the ground, it is necessary to add a small amount of sand and drainage crumbs. You can also make your own soil. There are 2 options.
- Soil from leafy and soddy soil, everything should be in equal quantities. You can also add charcoal and some sand.
- Stir peat soil, leafy soil, sod soil and sand. It is also necessary to adhere to the acidity of the soil: it should be no higher than 6.5%.
There must be drainage soil at the bottom of the pot, it will be able to cope with a large amount of water and help the flower and its root system to develop correctly and on time. At home, the plant will delight every day with its flowering. The flowers of this species are small, round, brown in color and look like small berries. In the warm season, they can fall off.
It is best to transplant ficus in February or at the end of March. Flowers that are no more than 5 years old should be replanted every year, but older plants should preferably be replanted every 2 years.
If the plant pot is larger than 30 cm, you can simply replace the first layers of soil with a new type of soil. But this is only if a flower transplant is not possible. In order to maintain the good appearance of the plant, constant and regular pruning is necessary, as well as the formation of the crown of the plant: this will also have a good effect on the health of the flower. To correctly create a stem, all side shoots are removed on the main stem until everything reaches the required height. Then the top of the stem must be attached.New shoots will very quickly begin to emerge from the axillary buds.
In subsequent years, the shoots that have grown must be cut off again and not allowed to germinate around the crown. Also, do not forget to remove branches that look weak, since the plant can send a lot of strength and vitamins to it so that they recover, while other branches will not receive the necessary minerals in sufficient quantities. If twigs suddenly begin to bleed, they must be processed so that an infection does not get inside.
Reproduction
Ficus can reproduce in three ways:
- cuttings;
- seeds;
- air movements.
Reproduction is best done in the spring. Good propagation cuttings should be at least 17 cm tall and have three pairs of leaves. The length of the cutting should be two or even three times longer than the leaves. The temperature should be more than 24 ° C, then it can be transplanted into a container with peat in order for the roots to take root. It is necessary to grow bushes only in a warm place.
Also, the container must be covered with something, it can be with a jar or with a film. Once a day, the blanket must be opened so that the plant can receive clean air, and then moisten it with a spray bottle.
Ficus with original triangular leaves is an unpretentious and unique plant that can be a good decoration for your home. Caring for him at home is simple. The main thing is not to forget to root the plant before planting.