How to cultivate Ficus tuberose
You may not be familiar with the experience of making Ficus tuberose bonsai. How to care for Ficus tuberose? Next, the editor will introduce it.
There are two types of Ficus tuberose plants, one is the common name for Ficus ginseng, and the other is Ficus microcarpa, which belongs to the Moraceae family. These two are completely different plants. Since Ficus microcarpa is not commonly seen, we mainly introduce the cultivation method of Ficus ginseng.
Ficus tuberose is also known as Ficus ginseng or sweet potato fig. Its underground roots swell into a fleshy, semi-fleshy tuberous root, some of which look like ginseng and some like sweet potatoes, with various shapes. Ficus is a tropical and subtropical plant with strong vitality and wide adaptability, but it thrives in loose, fertile, and moist sandy soil.
(1) Moisture and water: Improper watering can cause significant damage to Ficus. Based on the feel of the potting soil, the principle of "keeping dry and wet" should be adopted. Do not water too frequently, and when watering, make sure to water thoroughly. Excessive watering can cause root rot and leaf drop. Ficus is difficult to care for in the north, and more leaf surface water should be sprayed at home to increase the humidity around it.
(2) Temperature: The suitable growth temperature of Ficus should not vary too much between day and night (a difference of 10 degrees), as it can easily cause leaf drop and death. It should be placed in a well-lit and ventilated area, and proper shading is necessary during summer.
(3) Potting soil: Use loose and well-draining leaf mold soil, usually in the ratio of garden soil : leaf mold soil : sand as 2:2:1. It is best to place moss that matches the size of the pot on top of the bonsai, which is both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial for drainage and aeration.
(4) Fertilization: Ficus enjoys fertilization, but too much fertilizer can harm its growth. The amount of fertilizer should vary with the season. Now is winter, so it's best to apply less fertilizer or none at all. Fertilizer should be controlled at 0.2% to 0.4% soybean cake solution or chemical fertilizers with a nitrogen base.
(5) Diseases and pests: Root damage or rot can easily cause leaf drop, but it is difficult to detect since the roots are in the soil. Root rot caused by long-term potting or improper fertilization and watering is common. It is best to check the roots without injuring them, pruning dead, weak, and damaged roots, then dipping them in a growth hormone before replanting. Additionally, Ficus roots are prone to root rot or root nodule diseases caused by various bacteria and fungi, so proper attention should be given to spraying pesticides for prevention. The main pests of Ficus include aphids, red spiders, and scale insects. Spraying the leaves with 500PPM carbaryl or 50% wettable powder of dialifos at a concentration of 1000 times is effective. A 0.1% solution of laundry detergent or eucalyptus oil is also very effective.
(6) Pruning and maintenance: During the growing season, pinching the top and removing buds should be done, and a major pruning should be performed in autumn. No pruning should be done after this, as the plant grows slowly in winter and should not be pruned. Pruning of Ficus should be done by professionals, removing vigorous branches, suckers, weak and diseased branches, and crossed branches to create an overall layered beauty.
The above is the complete content about how to care for Ficus tuberose, for your comprehensive understanding and reference!