Ficus elastica (Ficus elastica)

Description

It is one of the most popular ornamental trees around the world. In colder climates it is used as a houseplant. In our country we know the ficus mostly as an indoor plant, but in various coastal areas of southern Greece it is usually found in courtyards and gardens of houses.

Care

The elastic ficus is an evergreen plant. Initially it grows as a bushy plant, but then as it grows it sheds its lower leaves. In Greece its height is around 10 metres. As an indoor plant it is usually about 1 to 1.5 metres high.

However, when it finds space it can reach much higher. It has a thick trunk and branches. The leaves are large, leathery, glossy and deep green. It has a regular growth rate. The flowers are small, yellow in colour and the fruits are spherical fig-like.

Watering:

During the winter period it should be watered once a week or even less (just keep the soil moist) and in the summer it should be watered at least twice a week. Excessive watering can cause root rot.

Temperature:

It does not like low temperatures, below 5 - 10 ^οC. It grows very well at temperatures up to 29 ^οC, but can withstand much higher temperatures.

Transplanting:

Use soil suitable for houseplants with good drainage (enriched peat).

Tips

The centia needs to be in a high level of atmospheric humidity because otherwise the tips of the leaves dry out. The use of a humidifier is beneficial during the hot summer period for kendia, while frequent spraying of the leaves with distilled water is essential.