Ficus Robusta Care: [Earth, Strengthening, Humidity and Pruning]

The Ficus elastica or ficus robusta, is a species also known as rubber tree or rubber tree.

In addition to being an ornamental plant outdoors in warm areas, and indoors in cold spaces, it is characterized by cleaning and purifying the air naturally.

If you want to grow a plant that needs few requirements at home, this species is a great option. However, before adopting it, we want to present you with a brief guide with the main care of the ficus robusta.

We hope this help you.

What land needs does the ficus robusta have?

The ficus robusta can be grown in various types of soil, whether they are clayey, sandy, alkaline or acidic. However, it should be ensured that these have good drainage and that they are well aerated.

Growing them in all-purpose or all-purpose potting soil is usually sufficient, as they contain the necessary components to grow any plant.

It is also possible to make a mixture with peat, pine bark, coarse sand or perlite, at a ratio of 1:1:1.

How to make the ficus robusta grow strong and vigorous?

The ficus robusta care is few, so it is very easy to grow. However, below we share some aspects that you should consider if you want your ficus to grow strong and vigorous.

Temperature

The ficus robusta is typical of tropical and warm climates. In fact, its optimum growth temperature should be kept between 15°C and 21°C. For this reason, in many temperate regions it is usually grown indoors, as there is less variation in temperature.

On the other hand, although the ficus robusta can withstand temperatures ranging from 0° to 10°C in winter and from 10°C to 30°C in summer, it is preferable to protect it from sudden changes in temperature, especially from frost, as this can slow down its growth and damage its leaves.

Lightning

Although the ficus robusta is one of the species that has greater tolerance to shade, it grows better in direct sunlight and in semi-shade, with indirect light.

Sometimes just a few hours in the morning is enough for him to grow properly.

However, it is important to note that the stem will lengthen if it is exposed to low light. On the contrary, too much light dulls its leaves, so it is preferable to keep a balance between light exposure levels.

Wind

The robust ficus is not tolerant to strong air currents as its leaves and branches develop enough for the mechanical action of the wind to overcome and knock them down.

Therefore, it must be located in a protected area, especially from cold air currents.

Flower pot

The size of the ficus robusta pot is important and should be adapted to the size of the plant and its rate of growth.

A 12cm diameter pot 25cm deep is recommended initially, but should be repotted every 2-3 years due to root growth.

Fertilizer

This plant can be fertilized with a liquid houseplant fertilizer during the growing season, 1-2 times per month.

It is also possible to use homemade organic matter such as prepared compost or green plant manure. Come winter, the application will have to be stopped.

What humidity does the ficus robusta need?

Although it has a high tolerance to drought, the ficus robusta needs regular watering, generally 1 or 2 a week.

In fact, if it is moderately watered, it can become a perfect indoor plant.

However, it is important to allow about 5 centimeters of the topsoil to dry out before applying the next watering, especially when growing in a pot or pot.

On the other hand, pay more attention to watering during the growing season and reduce the frequency during the winter to every 7 to 8 days.

Regarding the issue of humidity, this ficus is not very demanding either, since it requires little relative humidity in the environment, so it will be able to grow properly only with the contributions of irrigation water.

Is it necessary to prune the ficus robusta?

Pruning is not one of the essential cares for the ficus robusta. However, sometimes it is done for aesthetic and maintenance reasons, either to define its shape and structure, or to avoid the accumulation of diseased or withered leaves.

How often should we prune the ficus robusta?

Pruning can be done at any time of the year, but it is best done in spring or summer. In the case of aesthetic pruning, it stimulates the production of branches, producing a much more leafy structure.

New shoots can also be trimmed to reduce height and control shape. Regarding maintenance pruning, it is necessary to do it when there are damaged or withered leaves to avoid the development of diseases.

However, you have to do it carefully because the sap of the ficus is extremely sticky.

How to prevent the appearance of pests and diseases in the ficus robusta?

The most important problems for the ficus robusta come from excess watering, exposure to low temperatures and frost, as well as poor lighting.

These kinds of conditions produce the loss of leaves, a yellow coloration, burns, among other symptoms. On the other hand, it does not usually suffer from diseases or pests.

However, it is affected by anthracnose and Xanthomonas bacteria, which produce lesions on the edge of the leaf, as well as brown spots.

To prevent them, it is recommended to buy healthy plants, avoid injuries and apply irrigation to the foliage. In the case of pests, cochineal, scale and mites are common. It is recommended to check the plant regularly, remove damaged leaves and use specialized insecticides.

Conclusions

The also called rubber tree is a very attractive and resistant plant, so if you are a beginner grower, this ficus is a great option. However, we suggest you follow this guide to the letter with the care of the ficus robusta so that it grows healthy and beautiful.

Bibliographic references

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What land needs does the ficus robusta have?