In which pot should the ficus be planted. What pot is needed for growing ficus. Transplanting ficus from a shipping pot after buying it

Indoor plants are elements of wildlife that are easily "embedded" in the interior of any room and style. Flowers, mini-trees, bushes fill the house with warmth, draw attention to themselves, create a special, comfortable atmosphere. Ficuses are one of the most popular houseplants. Almost all of them are unpretentious in care and at the same time are exquisitely decorative. Plays a significant role in maintaining their health and beauty. right choice container in which they grow. Knowing how to pick desired pot for ficus, will help provide the green pet with the best conditions for it.

What pot is needed for ficus

It is believed that unglazed clay pots for home flowers - the best option because clay is porous and allows air to circulate. This positively affects both the regulation of soil moisture and the supply of oxygen to the roots. However, ficuses are not picky about the material from which the container is made - it can be ceramics, clay or plastic. The only thing that is fundamentally necessary for all types of culture is drainage holes and a “spout” on the drain pan excess fluid. Plant a young ficus, transplant mature plant you can even put it in a cheap plastic pot - and if you follow the simple rules of care, the owner of the flower will receive a healthy and well-developed flower, bush or tree.

pot shape

For most "natural" looking ficuses (that is, excluding bonsai-style trees), standard-shaped pot models with approximately equal height and diameter, as well as holes at the bottom (to allow plantings to drain), are suitable.

When choosing a vessel for a ficus, it should be remembered that this culture is rarely transplanted due to its slow growth, and in addition, the flower itself perceives this procedure as stress, reacting by dropping foliage. Therefore, the issues of the shape and design of the pot are decided in advance and a flower is planted in it, given that in the next year or three it will not be injured by changing the “house”.

In particular, experts do not advise using round-shaped pots, in the form of a ball. It is difficult to get plants out of them during transplantation, and ficuses get sick when their roots are severely injured.

Deciding on the size

The disproportion in the size of the plant (together with the root system) and the capacity for it sometimes leads to problems: in a pot that is too large, the soil dries slowly, increasing the susceptibility of the flower to root rot. If the pot is too small, the bush or tree may tip over under the weight of the branches.

The size of the ficus pot is determined by the size of the root system: when placed in a pot, two centimeters should remain to its walls (it is difficult to use a ruler in such cases. Practicing flower growers simply put two fingers on the root coma). A more “free” capacity, instead of being useful, can destroy the plant - too much moisture harmful to it will be retained in excess soil.

In cramped containers, the ground part of a bush or tree develops more strongly, and in free ones, the root system increases, and the growth of the ground mass is inhibited. Therefore, when transplanting, they either change the soil, leaving the old pot, or pick up a container 2-4 cm larger in diameter than the previous one.

Features of choosing a container for bonsai

The following rules, taking into account the aesthetics of the appearance of the plant, will help to correctly determine the size of the pot for ficus bonsai:

  • the depth of the tank should be equal to the diameter of the trunk just above the ground level;
  • for trees with a particularly wide crown, a wider pot is selected;
  • the length of trees with a very thick trunk (compared to their height) - they choose deeper vessels.

In addition, bonsai experts believe that the shape of the vessel should be in harmony with the tree. In appearance, bonsai plants are conditionally divided into male and female (it depends only on the opinion of the owner):

  • male trees have a strong trunk, strong, mature bark, often sharp angular branching. They look good in containers with pronounced corners - square, rectangular;
  • ficus bonsai are considered to be female, more refined, with smooth bark, as well as smoothed lines of bends of branches. Oval or round containers are suitable for them.

A properly selected flat bonsai enhances the aesthetic pleasure of contemplating a tree as a work of art. If only gardening considerations are taken into account, almost any flat bonsai pot with a wall height of no more than 10 cm will do.

The “charm” of ficuses, in addition to their many other advantages, also lies in the fact that they are not picky in terms of the shape and material of the pots. Therefore, taking into account the size of the root system and the way the plant is grown, you can select a variety of vessels for them, harmoniously fitting them into the style of the interior in the room.

Perhaps, it is unlikely that a more popular plant will be found today than a ficus. These flowers are often planted both at home on the windowsill and in office spaces. Found everywhere different types ficuses: Benjamin's ficus and even rubber-bearing ficus. They look pretty nice, besides, they are very unpretentious in their care. But in order for them to please you, you need to follow some rules. One of them is a suitable ficus pot. In this article we will tell you which pot is needed for ficus, and how to choose the right one.

If you plan to plant a small plant, then a standard pot is selected for it. More carefully, you need to select a pot for a ficus that has already been growing with you for some time (or if you purchased an adult copy in a flower shop).

In fact, pots of standard sizes, in which the diameter is equal to the height, are perfect for planting ficuses there. For example, for ficus Benjamin (one of the most popular varieties of this home plant) such a pot is ideal - you can safely place it in such a container. For Ficus Rubbery, also select a standard-shaped pot.
If you are planning to plant and grow a tree according to the technique, it is worth changing the approach a little. In this case, when picking up pots, make sure that they are flatter. For example, from the Benjamins, a beautiful bonsai tree will be quite simple, and such ficuses will perfectly decorate your home. For them, it is recommended to pick up beautiful pots in the form of a bowl or a small container that will fit perfectly into any interior. Plants planted without using this technique do well in standard shaped pots.

In addition, you can choose not only a pot, but also independently build a high planter for ficus. Fortunately, today the Internet contains enough information on how this can be done.

How to choose the size for the plant

What should be the size of ficus pots? We choose the size, paying attention to the degree of development of the root system of your pets. Again, if a small, standard-sized pot is suitable for newly planted babies, then with older specimens, you must consider how long their roots are.

Also remember that these plants need timely. For example, rubber ficuses transplanted once a year, because their root system grows very quickly (like their "relatives"). When the roots completely fill the entire space and braid the earthen ball, choose a pot, the size of which will be several times larger than the previous one. If appropriate measures are not taken at the right time, the flower may gradually wither.
In general, any ficus - Benjamin or Rubber - will need more and more space as it grows. Therefore, when choosing a small container for them before planting, think that in a couple of years they will grow well and they will need large “houses”. But don't overdo it! The situation will not change in better side if you pick up too free capacity. You should pick up a pot only slightly larger than the previous one, so that after some time the roots completely fill the free space.

But if at the moment you are just starting to plant this plant, you can limit yourself to the standard size of the pot. We calmly put the baby in a small pot - the planted ficus will feel great in a new place.

Material suitable for the pot

In principle, this plant cannot be called too picky about the materials from which its “house” will be made. However, in order to know exactly which pot to plant this lovely flower in, several aspects must be taken into account.

The first of these is the toxicity of materials. It is no secret that among the current manufacturers there are enough of those who want to save on materials. Therefore, they can make flower pots from materials that are not very beneficial for the health of the flowers. So pay attention to the quality of the materials that were used in the manufacture of the container.

Further, it should be said that for such flowers, pots made of clay and plastic, as well as ceramic, can be selected. Even planting flowers in tubs made of wood is allowed - among other things, they have an excellent appearance and decorate any room.

Naturally, preference should be given to containers made from natural materials. If you plan to master the bonsai technique, then in this case you should approach the task more responsibly by choosing bowls or containers made of clay. In addition, it is better to choose containers without a characteristic glossy sheen.

Be sure to ensure that there are drainage holes, otherwise the root system can easily rot, which in turn will lead to the death of your pet.

In general, as you can see, this flower is very unpretentious in choosing its “house”. The requirements for choosing a container are minimal, and it will not be difficult to comply with them in practice. Since manufacturers can always please us with a huge variety of flower containers, you can easily choose the right pot for your pets. In addition, you should not have any problems with the fact that the flower does not fit into the interior. And this is undoubtedly another plus in favor of this pretty green plant.

Video "Ficus Care and Transplantation"

From this video you will learn how to care for and transplant ficus.

Ficus Benjamin does not have a pronounced dormant period, so throughout the year he needs to provide approximately the same conditions of detention.

Pruning and rejuvenation

You need to cut the ficus in early spring, at the beginning of the growing season. This procedure allows not only to form a crown, but also to rejuvenate adult specimens - after pruning, axillary buds wake up, giving new shoots. Regular removal of dry, slow developing and diseased areas avoids infection of the entire plant.

Reference! In order for the crown to grow evenly, the flowerpot should be regularly rotated relative to the light source.

You can cut the branches depending on the desired shape, but a maximum of a third. The secateurs must be sharp and disinfected, the cut points must be sprinkled with ash or activated charcoal.

Microclimate

Temperature and Humidity

The temperature comfortable for the development of ficus Benjamin is + 25–30 ° C in the spring and summer, + 14–16 ° C in the cold season. If the thermometer drops to +10 ° C or lower, the root system dies.

Ficus needs high humidity air: minimum 50%, ideally about 70%. In autumn and winter, it should be sprayed 2-3 times a week, in spring and summer - daily. Every month, for healthy growth and prevention of pests, you need to arrange a ficus warm shower, previously covered with polyethylene earthen room.

Lighting and a comfortable place for a flower

Needs bright diffused lighting. Direct sunlight on the plant must be excluded - they lead to burns on the leaves and their yellowing.

In autumn and winter, with a short daylight hours, additional use of phytolamps is required.

The most comfortable place for a ficus is a window facing east or west; shading will be required in the south, especially at noon.

The room in which the plant is located should be regularly ventilated, and the flowerpot itself should not be placed in a draft and near heating appliances.

Shade tolerance

Varieties with monochrome leaves tolerate the lack of lighting well, but their growth in such conditions slows down. Variegated varieties in the shade lose their decorative effect.

Where can I buy? Price fork

You can buy ficus Benjamin in specialized stores or order online. The cost depends on its variety, height, diameter of the flowerpot and varies from 500 to 10 thousand rubles.

What to do immediately after buying a flower?

A newly purchased plant needs 15-20 days to adapt to new conditions, then it should be transplanted, replacing the transport container and substrate.

Expert opinion

Mokhov Andrey Petrovich

Graduated from KubGAU specialty: agronomy

Ficus does not tolerate frequent movements, so you should immediately choose a permanent place for it.

What kind of pot do you need?

The size of the flowerpot should correspond to the root system. It is better to choose a standard container with a diameter equal to the height.

If a we are talking about growing and planting bonsai, the pot should be wide and flat, resembling a bowl.

Among materials, preference should be given to ceramics, clay, glass or wood.

Be sure to have drainage holes in the flowerpot. Expanded clay, perlite, small pebbles or clay shards are suitable as drainage.

What kind of soil is needed?

The soil should be nutritious, moisture permeable, have good aeration, have neutral or weak acidity (pH 5.5–6.5).

You can use the soil purchased at the store, intended for growing decorative leafy plants or ficuses, or prepare the soil mixture yourself by mixing:

The risk of root rot can be minimized by adding charcoal to the soil.

To get rid of pests, the earth mixture must be calcined, steamed and spilled with a solution of manganese.

Transfer

Ficus should be transplanted in early spring, before the active growing season. Instances up to 4 years old should be transplanted annually, after - once every 2-3 years.

A transplant is necessary if:

  • 15-20 days have passed since the purchase;
  • the root system has grown and does not fit in a flowerpot;
  • Insects are wound up in the soil or the plant is sick.

Reference! To avoid the formation of a salt crust, it is enough to replace the topsoil.

In advance, you need to prepare the substrate, drainage and pot, 3–5 cm larger than the previous one.

Transplant process step by step:

  • water the ficus abundantly;
  • lay drainage at the bottom of the flowerpot, sprinkle it with soil;
  • remove the plant along with an earthy clod, shake off the roots;
  • transfer the bush into a new container;
  • fill the voids with prepared soil, slightly compact it.

After transplantation, do not water the ficus for 2 days and do not feed for 2 weeks.

reproduction


This perennial is propagated by cuttings, layering and seeds. Depending on the chosen method, you will need:

  • secateurs;
  • soil mixture;
  • landing containers;
  • growth stimulants - "Kornevin", "Heteroauxin";
  • polyethylene;
  • moss-sphagnum;
  • charcoal or activated charcoal;
  • water;
  • fungicides - Bordeaux mixture”,“ Alirin B ”,“ Fundazol ”.

cuttings

The most common and easiest way. The most suitable time for this is spring or early summer, a period of active growth.

For cuttings you need:

  • cut cuttings 10-15 cm long;
  • remove low-lying leaves;
  • wash off the leaked juice, dry the cuts, treat them with a growth stimulator ("Kornevin" or "Heteroauxin") to speed up root formation;
  • put the seedling in a container with settled water room temperature, cover it with polyethylene, creating a greenhouse effect;
  • when the roots appear, transplant the cutting into the ground and cover the pot again with polyethylene or a jar until the first leaves appear.

Place the container with the seedling in a well-lit place at a temperature of + 25–30 ° C, eliminating drafts and direct sunlight.

layering

For reproduction in this way it is necessary:

  • make an annular incision on the stem without hitting the core of the wood;
  • treat this area with a growth stimulator, wrap with wet sphagnum;
  • cover the moss with polyethylene so that moisture does not evaporate;
  • fix the structure with threads or wire;
  • after the appearance of the roots, cut the stem a little lower and plant it in the soil;
  • treat the cut site with crushed wood or activated charcoal.

Reproduction by layering is most often used in the cultivation of bonsai to obtain aerial roots.

seeds

Seeds must be treated with a growth stimulator and fungicides ("Bordeaux mixture", "Alirin B", "Fundazol"), sown superficially on light, moist soil. Cover the container with polyethylene and keep at a temperature of + 25–30 ° C and a sufficient amount of light.

This method is used by professional breeders to obtain new varieties and hybrids.

Fertilizer and top dressing

In spring and summer, top dressing should be applied twice a month, in winter their number should be halved, and in the absence of additional illumination, do not use at all. Suitable universal fertilizers for decorative foliage plants or ficuses (Bona Forte, Agricola, Pokon, Reasil).

Watering

Regularity depends on the conditions of the plant. It is necessary to focus on the degree of drying of the soil - if the earthen lump is dry at a depth of 2–3 cm, watering is required.

Water should be at room temperature, settled or filtered.

If you are going on vacation

During a long absence, it is worth using wick watering - lower one end of the cord from a fabric that absorbs moisture well into a container of water, and spread the other spirally on the surface of the soil around the plant and lightly sprinkle with soil.

Growing problems

Diseases. Table

DiseasesignsCausesTreatment
AnthracnoseDark brown spots appear on the leavesThe disease is provoked by pathogenic fungi Kabatiella, Colletotrichum, GloeosporiumRemove the affected parts of the ficus, spray it with fungicides ("Rovral", "Fitosporin")
root rotYellowing and wilting of foliage, rotting of rootsSystematic waterlogging coupled with cold airRemove the ficus from the flowerpot, inspect the roots. If they are dark and soft, the plant cannot be saved. Otherwise, it is necessary to cut off the damaged parts, transplant, replace the soil and flowerpot, treat with fungicides (Alirin, Fitosporin, Karbendazim)
cercosporosisLeaf plates below are covered with small black dotsThe causative agent of the disease is the fungus Cercospora spp.Remove infected leaves, reduce watering, treat with Alirin or Fitosporin

Pests. Table

PestsignsHow to get rid
spider miteWhite dots appear on the foliage, and on some parts of the plant - a thin cobwebTreat the ficus with "Fitoverm", "Aktellik", "Sunmayt"
thripsThe leaves become whitish, pest eggs are visible on the lower partTreat with insecticides (Aktara, Iskra, Vermitek, Mospilan)
ShchitovkiA sticky coating appears on the leaves and trunkRemove pests mechanically, using a cloth soaked in soapy water, then treat the plant with a systemic preparation (Aktara), after 7–10 days, spray with an insecticide (Confidor, Commander)

Problems with leaves and mistakes in care. Table

ProblemCauseHow to solve
Leaves dryLack of light or moistureUse phytolamps, increase watering and spraying
leaves fallThis is a reaction to changes in the conditions of detention - rearrangement to another place, drafts
Crown yellowingLow temperature, excess moistureAdjust the watering regime, insulate the flowerpot with the plant
ficus not growingSmall pot, lack of lightingTransplant the bush into a container of a larger diameter, use additional artificial lighting

Help us make the article better and more informative. Write in the comments what questions remained unsolved?

Content

Ficus is a decorative and green tree, is very popular, it is bred not only at home, but also in offices to decorate the interior. In order for the plant to fully develop, it is necessary for it to provide all the conditions, competent and proper care.

Pot

For this flower, any pot made of different material, the most important thing is to chemical composition capacity did not affect the flower itself and its root system. In addition, a flower pot is also selected according to external data so that it emphasizes the existing interior.

As a rule, a clay, wooden or plastic pot is used for transplanting a flower; for a young flower, a clay container should be used so that it does not have a coating. The advantages of such a pot is that it allows air and moisture to pass through, it is not recommended to put such a container in a place where there is the most bright light, as it will heat up quickly. As a result, the ficus will wither from the increased air temperature and heating.

When choosing a pot for Kinka, the size of the plant and its root system should also be taken into account. If a young plant will be transplanted, then a pot will do. small size, for an older flower, it is necessary to take a larger vessel, 10 liters. The container should not be too tight, but also free for the plant, it is best if it has a drainage hole. Florists recommend using brick chips or expanded clay as drainage.

Advice ! If you plan to transplant Benjamin at home, you need to select a pot that is wider in diameter than the previous container.

Transplant at home

Flower transplantation should be left in the spring, if the flower is older than 3 years, then this procedure should be performed every year, if more, then 1 time in 3 years. If the plant is even older, then it should not be repotted for at least 5 years. There are certain signs that indicate that it is time to transplant the ficus.

  • The substrate dries quickly after watering.
  • The soil is completely braided with ficus roots.
  • Its root system is visible from the drainage holes of the container.
  • Not only the soil, but the pot itself is braided with the roots of the flower on the inside.

As a result of the ideal care of the Benjamin kinki flower, the plant can grow quite quickly, a pot of 50 cm in diameter indicates that it is no longer possible to transplant the plant. In this case, it will be enough to remove a layer of earth from above every year and cover it with a new substrate, about 3 cm, do not forget to add fertilizer, about 20%.

Given the fact that Kinki's ficus loves tight conditions, it is not recommended to transplant it into a pot that is too loose, in order to choose its size correctly, you can take 3 cm more in diameter compared to the previous vessel.

Ficus transplantation is carried out in stages:

  1. The flower is removed from the old pot, if the root system looks out through the drainage holes, they must be carefully removed so as not to damage.
  2. At the bottom of the container, put drainage, expanded clay or brick shavings, pieces with a diameter of no more than 2 cm.
  3. Drainage sprinkled on top a small amount substrate, using humus, peat or leaf soil. All elements are used in the same proportions.
  4. A flower is planted in a pot and all the free space is filled with a new substrate.

Sometimes, after the transplant procedure, the Benjamin kinki flower may shed its leaves, this is a normal reaction, as there has been a change in position, as a result, the plant has received stress. For the first few days, the flower may not grow, you should leave it alone, and instead of watering, use irrigation, 2 times a day is enough. After the earth is completely dry, the ficus can be watered. While the flower is coming to its senses, it can be covered with a plastic bag, creating greenhouse conditions, but, at the same time, remove the cover twice a day. After the plant has recovered from stress, the package can be removed altogether.

Post transplant care

As already mentioned, after transplanting, the plant cannot be watered, this can be done on the third day after planting. If the room has high air temperature, but low humidity, then you can irrigate the ground part of the plant, twice a day is enough. As a rule, Benjamin's flower can be transplanted at home only after 3 weeks. But before that, the flower is placed in a quarantine zone, separated from others indoor plants, after 2 weeks it should be well examined, if there are no signs of disease or the presence of pests, then it can be safely transplanted into a new pot.

In addition, during the quarantine, Kinki will get used to the environmental conditions, this applies to temperature and humidity, as well as indoor lighting. For the first time, a flower after a transplant may throw off the leaves, but this is not scary, literally after a while new small leaves will appear. A plastic bag is used in order to facilitate the adaptation period; any other transparent cap can be used.

When the ficus recovered, came to his senses, caring for him at home provides for the creation of the most suitable conditions. Firstly, it is necessary to water systematically and moderately, the air humidity should be at least 80%. Secondly, flowers of the ficus family love bright lighting, Benjamin kinki is no exception, he needs bright and diffused light - this is the main condition that must be observed so that the leaves retain their decorative appearance.

Substrate and top dressing

Ficus Benjamin kinki is a plant that is not whimsical, but a little capricious, so when transplanting, you should use a special substrate designed for this species. If the plant is young, then it is necessary to pour when transplanting at home loose soil, which will allow the plant to take root better. After the plant gets stronger, its root system will become strong, it can be transplanted into a denser substrate. If there is no certain knowledge and skills, it is best to consult with a specialist.

As for top dressing, the determining factor here is precisely the substrate in which the flower will develop, as a rule, organic matter is used in spring or summer, once every two weeks is enough. At the same time, in order to properly cultivate the soil, it is necessary to use organic and mineral fertilizers in turn. Can be used special fertilizers or raw materials intended for deciduous plants.

AT winter period the flower is resting, it is not fertilized, but if the most ideal conditions are created, with regard to humidity and air temperature, as well as lighting, then top dressing is possible. Flower growers recommend fertilizing the soil for Benjamin kinka at home with a weak dose of organic matter, half the usual, for one or two months.

When choosing fertilizers for ficus, you should pay attention to the nitrogen content, it needs a lot, especially when the flower grows and develops during the growing season. When it's cold time a large number of nitrogen, as in summer, during the dormant period the plant must rest, its active growth is undesirable.

Ficus is one of the most common indoor plants. To date, a fairly large number of varieties of ficuses are known, their main feature is their unpretentiousness in care and ease of reproduction. Even an inexperienced florist will be able to breed ficuses on their own.
Recently, this type has become more and more popular. indoor flower like ficus benjamin. Outwardly, it looks like a sprawling and fairly large bush that requires very simple care. The reproduction of this type of ficus can take place in several ways, which makes it possible to choose the most suitable one for yourself - by seeds or cuttings. How to propagate Ficus Benjamin?
One of the most common types of propagation of ficus Benjamin is cuttings. In this case, you will need to harvest the cuttings - with a sharp knife, you need to cut off the top of the plant. Semi-woody twigs are suitable, the length of which should be about 15 cm. You need to cut obliquely, while it is strictly forbidden to use scissors or other blunt objects, as they will greatly crush the shoots, which in turn will significantly slow down the rooting process.
All large leaves must be removed from the cuttings, otherwise there will be a strong evaporation of moisture, which should not be allowed. On one cutting, you can leave 3 leaves, but no more. Milky juice will stand out at the cut site, which hardens very quickly. It will need to be removed, otherwise it will create a cork effect, which will prevent the development of the root system. You can remove the juice by simply flushing it. running water, or by placing the stalk in a jar of water, which changes every 2-3 hours. As soon as the juice ceases to stand out, it is necessary to leave the root for fresh air for a few hours and let it dry.
Rooting ficus in warm water it will take quite a long time and you need to add an activated carbon tablet to the liquid so that the process of decay does not start. It is also necessary to ensure that the leaves of the handle do not touch the water.



After a few weeks, the first growths will begin to appear, and over time, roots will sprout. After the formation of roots, the cutting can be transplanted into the ground. To do this, it is advisable to use a special substrate for indoor flowers, which can be purchased at any gardening store.
Propagation by cuttings can be carried out in another way, planting them directly into the ground. For this, cuttings are prepared in advance, as described above. Peat, vermiculite, perlite, wet sand should be used as a substrate. As soon as the milky juice is removed from the cuttings and the sections dry thoroughly, you need to sprinkle it with a small amount of crushed coal, and then place it in the ground.
After planting, the ficus stalk must be covered with a jar or plastic bottle, thanks to which ideal conditions for accelerated rooting will be created. For this purpose, you can use special mini-greenhouses.
It is necessary to constantly ensure that the earth is always slightly moist and occasionally ventilate the stalk by removing the jar. Thanks to this, the beginning of the process of decay can be prevented. The ideal option will be if the earth remains slightly warm. For this purpose, a container with ficus should be placed on a warm battery. As soon as the first leaves begin to appear, it means that the stalk is completely rooted and you can begin to gradually accustom the plant to new conditions - periodically removing the jar and each time increasing the duration of the airing of the ficus.
In home methods, it is quite difficult to propagate the plant on its own with the help of seeds, but it is quite possible. First you need to take the seeds of ficus Benjamin and pre-process by special means, growth stimulants and fungicides. At the next stage, the seeds are laid out on a light and fairly moist substrate.

The container in which the seeds will be planted must be covered with a film and placed in a greenhouse. In order for ficus seeds to germinate, you need to constantly maintain the correct temperature, which should be in the range of 25-30 degrees. As soon as the first sprouts begin to appear, you need to provide the plant with bright lighting. If this is not done, very soon the ficus will begin to wither strongly and die as a result.
See also: cuttings of roses at home
Get rid of varicose veins in two weeks! Helps 100% How to transplant Benjamin's ficus?
Before you start the process of transplanting ficus Benjamin, you need to properly prepare the plant - it is placed in a container of water, after which it can be transplanted directly into a pot of earth. To speed up the process of engraftment of ficus, you need to purchase a special substrate.
Depending on the age of the ficus, the frequency of plant transplantation will be determined. Young ficuses need to be transplanted once a year until they reach the age of 4 years. After that, the transplant should be done every 2 years. It is very easy to determine when it is time to transplant an adult plant - the roots of the ficus begin to crawl out of the pot, and after watering the earth dries up very quickly.
It is recommended to transplant in the spring and summer, since it is at this time of the year that the ficus tolerates changing the pot much easier. It must be remembered that, even despite the unpretentious care and strong enough immune system plants, it will be very difficult to tolerate a transplant in the autumn-winter period.
To transplant ficus Benjamin, you need to choose the right pot, which should be a few centimeters larger than the previous one, and you will also need drainage. The earth is pre-mixed with a small amount of baking powder (river sand, perlite, vermiculite) - the earth lump should be quite crumbly.
A not too thick layer of drainage is laid out at the bottom of the pot - no more than 2 cm. As soon as the pot and the ground are fully prepared, you can proceed directly to the transplant. The ficus is carefully removed from the old pot, the roots are thoroughly cleaned. You need to act very carefully so as not to damage the root system of the plant. If the clods of earth are very hard, the ficus can not be placed in water for some time. You should not try to make the roots perfectly clean, just remove large earthen clods.
The prepared ficus is placed in a new pot with a layer of expanded clay and sprinkled with a small amount of earth. Then you need to gradually add the earth and each time lightly tamp with your fingers near the roots, but so as not to damage them.
Care must be taken to ensure that the stem of the plant does not fall too low. As soon as the Benjamin ficus transplant is fully completed, you need to water the plant, but not very much. After about a week, the earth will dry out well and you can perform the next watering.
It is strictly forbidden to water the ficus after transplantation until the earth is completely dry, even if the leaves of the plant begin to fall off.