Plants play a huge role in the health and ecosystem of the individual. They occupy a symbolic place in almost all cultures of the world. Thanks to their ability to filter the air and their magnificent texture, certain plants are very popular for interior and exterior decoration of homes. And among these depolluting plants and preferred for the interior decoration, the ficuses occupy a place of choice. Would you like to treat yourself to one very soon? Are you wondering how to choose your ficus? This comprehensive guide tells you absolutely everything!
What is a Ficus?
Ficus or figs (false fruits) are plants used for interior and exterior decoration of houses. Belonging to the Moraceae family, ficus contain 800 species and subspecies represented by trees, shrubs and lianas. They are used as decorations in houses and apartments thanks to their role as depollutants. Appreciated for its flowers, the brilliance of its green leaves and its luminosity, the ficus requires regular watering (weekly in summer and every fortnight during winter). The ficus is a plant native to tropical areas especially Asia and Southeast Asia. Therefore, they do not tolerate low temperatures or drafts. Because of this, they should be stored at temperatures above 15 ° F (60 ° C) and in fact prefer temperatures above 16 ° F (70 ° C). Growing plant, it can reach 21 to 200 cm in height of shoots.
The main ficus
Grouped between 850 to 1000 species, the ficuses present a great diversity. But beyond their variety, note that the main ficus are around ten:
- Ficus benjamina or weeping fig tree
- The ficus Lyrata or lyre fig,
- The ficus elastica or rubber ficus tree,
- The ficus microcarpa or bonsai facil,
- The ficus congesta,
- The ficus carica,
- The ficus pumila or creeping fig tree,
- The ficus macrophylla
- The ficus benghalensis
- The ficus retusa or ginseng
- The ficus Bonsai.
Among these listed ficuses, some are more effective for interior decoration and others are them for exterior decoration.
How to choose your ficus?
Nature has offered us several varieties of fig trees, each with its own specificities and virtues. As a result, it is very difficult to know how to choose your ficus. However, with these few tips, you can certainly come across the ficus that meets all your expectations ...
Choose your ficus according to your needs
The first thing to define is what you want to do with your ficus: interior decoration or external planting (in the garden for example). Clearly, popular indoor ficuses are very different from the best outdoor ficuses.
Choose your ficus taking into account the ambient temperature
You should know that not all ficus species can survive in all ecosystems. If you live in areas where the ambient temperatures are too cold (especially in the north of France), it is better to choose self-fertile ficus trees. Such an option is explained by the fact that the insect allowing the ficus to be pollinated cannot thrive in cold regions. As a reminder, some fig trees need to be pollinated while others have self-fertile properties. This element should therefore be taken into consideration when choosing your ficus.
Choose your ficus according to your ability to maintain it
The ficus is a plant species that requires special, almost emotional attention, especially for those who put yourself inside your living spaces. It will also be necessary to place the ficus near a window so that the light radiates the leaves. It is also necessary to rotate your ficus a quarter of a turn each week.
The best indoor ficus trees
The best ficuses used indoors are Ficus Benjamina, Ficus elastica and Ficus lyrata.
The ficus benjamina
The most widely used variety among the ficus, with its dark green and glossy leaves, the ficus benjamina is very easy to maintain. Indeed, it can live in low luminosities and in the absence of watering. Gardeners use ficus benjamina more among indoor ficuses. This plant grows quickly and can reach four meters in a small or large room. Therefore, the leaves are often pruned to decrease their length.
The ficus elastica
Called elastica or rubber, the ficus elastica is a descendant of an Asian rainforest tree that can reach 40 meters. This popular houseplant has large, glossy leaves that are sometimes mixed. It also has the advantage of being very resistant and easy to cut.
The ficus lyrata
Appreciated by landscapers thanks to its beautiful leathery and shiny foliage, the ficus lyrata is an indoor plant that withstands moderate temperatures between, 15 ° C and 22 ° C. It is a small tree made up of giant leaves that can reach 45 cm in length and 3 meters in height.
The best outdoor ficus trees
Danielle, Midnight Lady, Samantha, Goldon Monique, Twilight and ficus Forever Anastasia species are suitable for growing on balconies or terraces. When the temperature is above 16 ° C, these species can be placed outdoors. However, in order for your ficus to live outside the house, it is necessary to avoid drafts, direct sunlight while maintaining the humidity of the soil contained in the pot.
