How to cultivate Ficus lyrata indoors
The editor answers for you on how to cultivate Ficus lyrata indoors and shares some small experiences of plant cultivation, including tips for Ficus lyrata home care, followed by detailed content.
Ficus lyrata is a common shrub native to southern China and southern Asia, which can grow into a small tree, especially in the southern region where it is planted outdoors. The plant can usually grow to about one or two meters in height, and its height can be controlled when cultivated in a pot.
If Ficus lyrata is kept in a perennially warm outdoor environment with good drainage and sufficient sunlight, the plant will grow especially lush, producing many branches and even flowering and fruiting.
Ficus lyrata has a fresh and simple appearance and is often used to decorate indoor homes. It has particularly large waxy leaves that resemble a violin, with leaves mainly concentrated at the top of the plant. If well cared for, some small branches will also grow from the lower growth nodes.
1. Sunlight
However, it is important to note that Ficus lyrata, a classic member of the ficus genus, loves sunlight. The cultivation area should have at least 6 hours of sunlight to promote rapid growth.
If it's a newly purchased potted plant, sunlight exposure should be gradually increased, avoiding harsh direct sunlight, especially when temperatures exceed 33 degrees Celsius.
Potted Ficus lyrata can be kept in a semi-shaded area, but be careful not to place it in overly dark locations. If kept near a windowsill or on a balcony, it's important to rotate the pot every two to three weeks by 180 degrees to prevent the plant from growing crooked and ensure it grows tall and straight.
2. Watering
Cultivating potted Ficus lyrata does not require frequent watering. If kept in a sunny location, the potting soil dries quickly, and the surface soil can be watered thoroughly when it's dry during warm weather.
If planted indoors, it's necessary to wait until the soil is completely dry before watering. Especially in areas with less sunlight, where the potting soil dries slowly, it may be sufficient to water once or twice a month. Of course, the specific watering schedule depends on the moisture level of the soil, generally watering when the soil below five centimeters is dry.
How to cultivate Ficus lyrata indoors
3. Temperature
Ficus lyrata prefers warmth, and the environmental temperature should be kept above 10 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below 5 degrees, it can easily shed leaves.
Watering should be controlled in low temperatures, with the optimal growth temperature being between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius.
4. Fertilization
Proper fertilization is also important when caring for Ficus lyrata. If grown indoors, it is generally recommended to sprinkle some slow-release fertilizer around the surface of the potting soil every six months.
If kept on a balcony or terrace with sufficient sunlight, water-soluble fertilizer can be supplemented every two weeks during the growing season, especially when temperatures are above 18 degrees Celsius, mainly using nitrogen-based fertilizer.
5. Other considerations
Indoor care should include regular cleaning of the leaves, including both the front and back, to ensure better photosynthesis and healthier leaf growth, preventing various fungal diseases.
Leaves should not frequently retain moisture, as this can lead to unsightly rust spots.
Ensure the soil does not remain constantly moist, and the potting soil should be as loose and breathable as possible, or the leaf edges may turn black and wilt.
If your potted Ficus lyrata keeps shedding leaves, it is likely due to unsuitable conditions, and you should try to improve the care environment. Allow the potting soil to go through dry-wet cycles and gradually move it to a sunnier location, with a transition period of about two weeks.
If there is no sunlight or poor ventilation in your home, it will be difficult to care for Ficus lyrata. In southern China, Ficus lyrata is sometimes planted as an ornamental plant in parks or botanical gardens, where it can grow to over 4 to 5 meters in height, producing many branches and lush leaves.
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