When choosing a large ornamental plant for home or office, preference is often given to ficuses. One of the representatives of the species - ficus Ali (ficus Ali) - gained wide popularity as a beautiful and undemanding tree.
What does ficus Ali look like to which family
Belongs to the Mulberry family. When compared with other types of ficus, this variety is distinguished by external characteristics. The plant is a tree. The lower part of its trunk is exposed, and the upper is covered with branches with leaves densely located on them. In nature, the ficus binnedika Ali can reach a height of 15 m or more, but at home it usually does not exceed 1.5-2 m.
Ficus Ali
The main difference between the species are elongated leaves, which resemble willow in shape. This was the reason that the ficus Ali appeared the popular name ficus loosestrife. Flexible drooping branches reinforce the resemblance.
Additional Information! This plant is considered poisonous to pets. It causes an upset stomach.
Common varieties
Ficus Binedika Ali (like other varieties) has several varieties. The differences are in the shape and color of the leaf plates. Among the varieties for home breeding are:
- Amstel Gold. Will become a decoration of any interior. Narrow long leaves are painted in a light yellow tint. Bright green spots are scattered randomly on the surface of the plates.
- Amstel King A distinctive feature of Amstel King can be called a large sheet plate with a smooth wax surface. The width of the sheet reaches 6-7 cm.
- Amstel Queen. This variety is visually similar to the previous one (Amstel King). He has the same thick dark green crown. The width of the leaves is slightly larger.
Healing properties
Narrow-leaved ficus is famous not only for its decorative, but also for its healing properties. The leaves of the plant are used for the preparation of alcohol tinctures and infusions. These funds help get rid of cancer, hematomas, joint diseases and pathologies in the field of gynecology. Traditional healers are advised to freeze the leaves and use to treat hemorrhoids.
Briefly about the history of the appearance
According to the official version, the homeland of the tree is the Hawaiian islands, but the habitat has spread to large areas. In the wild, these species are found from the Himalayas and Nepal to Vietnam and the Philippines.
The first descriptions of ficus longifolia were made in the 19th century. Their author is Simon Binnendijke (or Benedict), who served as a gardener in the Netherlands. This fact was the reason that the described species of ficus was called Binnendi, or an abbreviated version - Ali.
Features of home flower care
The natural habitat of this plant is hot countries. This fact explains the thermophilicity of wood. So that in the office or apartment, the ficus actively grows and delights with an abundance of greenery, he needs to provide conditions that would be as close to natural as possible.
Binnendiyok at home
Temperature
Ficus Benedict feels best at an air temperature of 22-24 ℃ above zero. In winter, it is better not to keep the flower pot on the windowsill. Roots may be affected by freezing the soil. This leads to diseases that result in ficus dropping leaves.
The tree also needs to be protected from heaters and radiators. Hot streams from the appliances dry the air, causing overheating.
Lighting
The level of necessary lighting for different varieties of ficus varies:
- If the leaves of the tree are painted in dark green shades, then there are no increased requirements for light. Moreover, the flower can live at a small distance from the window or in partial shade. Such features of the content will reduce the growth rate, but otherwise there will be no problems.
- If the ficus has spotty light leaves, it is important to ensure good lighting to preserve beauty. The pot can be installed near the southeast or south window.
Important information! Direct sunlight should be avoided. Otherwise, burns will appear on the leaves.
Watering
The frequency of irrigation and the required amount of water depends on the season and the size of the ficus Binnendi Ali. Experienced growers are advised to check the condition of the topsoil. If it is dry - it's time to water.
Note! This flower does not tolerate excess moisture, as this causes decay of the root system. To prevent this, the water accumulated in the pan after irrigation must be drained.
Spraying
On smooth, broad leaves, dust constantly accumulates. In order to get rid of pollution, the plant should be sprayed periodically. In the summer, this procedure can be repeated twice a day. Water can be used cool. In the absence of heat, spraying is performed less often - about 2 times a week.
Humidity
Such a characteristic as air humidity does not have a large effect on the activity of flower growth. It is enough to maintain a favorable microclimate of a room with a humidity of about 50-70%.
Priming
For the cultivation of ficus Benedict Ali, ready-made soils for palm trees or ficus are well suited. However, the soil favorable for the plant can be made independently. So, for young plants, an equal amount of peat, turf land and sand are mixed. Acidic and alkaline soils are not suitable for ficuses.
Ficus planting
Top dressing
The period of active growth of this variety falls on summer time (from March to October). In these months, top dressing is carried out every 10-12 days. Organic fertilizers and mineral complexes are needed as fertilizers. The most effective way is to alternate these funds.
Features of winter care, rest period
In ficus Ali, home care in the winter is somewhat different. From the end of October, the ficus begins at rest. At this time, you need to care for the flower in a slightly different way:
- Water less often. In winter, it is better to dry the earth a little than to fill it.
- Spraying is carried out 1-2 times a week.
- Feeding a tree is strongly discouraged.
When and how it blooms
In the wild, some varieties bloom, but their flowers and branches have an unusual shape. They resemble small growths on the trunks of trees. Home ficus flowers do not form.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary to form a beautiful crown and control the growth of the tree in height. The best time for this is the end of March or the beginning of April. During this period, branches that are long or growing inside the crown are removed. This should be done with sharp tools.
Interesting! The cut site is treated with activated carbon for some time.
How ficus Ali breeds
There are 2 ways to propagate ficus loosestrife:
- planting with cuttings is the most common way;
- sprouting a tree from seeds - not popular.
Seed germination
In specialized stores you can buy ficus seeds, but such a product is not in high demand among flower growers. This is explained by relatively low germination and high time costs.
Rooting cuttings
The easiest and fastest way to propagate ficus benedik Ali cuttings. To do this, in early spring, cut branches from a tree, the size of 15-20 cm. You can use the branches remaining from the crown pruning. For germination of cuttings you need:
- Pour water at room temperature into a container (for example, a glass) and place cuttings in it.
- For 3-4 weeks, the twigs should be in a warm room. If necessary, add water to the glass.
- When the cuttings appear roots, about 2-3 cm long, plants can be planted in the ground.
Transfer
A flower transplant is carried out in the following way:
- The ficus is carefully removed from the old pot. In order not to damage the roots before this, slightly moisten the earthen lump.
- The roots are inspected and, if rot or damage is detected, these parts are removed.
- A plant is placed in a larger pot, the right amount of soil is added and lightly tamped.
Possible problems in growing and disease
Several reasons can worsen the condition of a plant:
- improper care;
- diseases (fungal);
- pests.
Discards buds and leaves
If plants begin to drop leaves, then there may be several reasons for this:
- Sudden temperature changes (subcooling).
- Excess moisture. To improve the condition of the flower, it is important to monitor the level of soil moisture.
Leaves turn pale
Pale or yellow leaves may indicate a lack of light.
Interesting! In this case, the plant should be placed closer to the window or add artificial light (put a lamp).
The tips dry on the leaves
Sometimes flower growers notice that the ficus of Benjamin Ali begins to dry and curl the tips of the leaf plates. One possible reason is excess light.
Lower leaves fall off
If the lower leaves began to fall from the tree, while there are no other symptoms of the disease, we can assume a change in the conditions of detention. Such signs are provoked by a rearrangement of the pot, cooling or excessive dryness of the air.
Pests
Ficus often suffers from pests. Most often it is:
- Shield. A small insect is able to suck the juice from the leaves of the plant. The problem is accompanied by yellowing of the crown and falling leaves. Scale shield looks like dark tubercles.
- Mealy mite. This insect can be recognized by the cotton-like mass on the leaves, which most often has a milky color.
- Aphid.
Powdery mite - the main enemy of ficus
Other problems
If dark dots or large brown spots appear on the leaves, this is a sign of a fungal disease. You can get rid of the disease with the help of chemicals that are sold in stores.
Signs and superstitions
There is an opinion that the ficus binnendiyka helps to get rid of insomnia, so you can safely put the tree in apartments.
A pot with such a plant is recommended for women who have long dreamed of pregnancy. The present is usually presented by the relatives of the expectant mother.
