Ficus
moraceae family
Consisting of more than 850 species, the ficus genus is named after the edible fig. Daily an evergreen plant from the tropics of Africa + Asia, this species loves the semi-darkness of the forest floors. Because of this, Ficus are well suited for the conditions of our homes.
ficus elastica Care
rubber plant
Location: keep in a warm, indoor location with medium to bright, indirect light.
Soil: This plant likes a fast - draining potting mix. Pick a mix with perlite for drainage + peat moss to hold moisture.
Watering: water when top 2 inches of soil is dry, do not keep soil wet all of the time; allow to dry out.
Temps: the monstera Adansonii grows best in temps between 60ºF - 85ºF. The rubber plant can tolerate normal room humidity levels but also loves the occasional misting
Propagating: Propagate using the stem cutting method
Toxic: Toxic to pets + humans. avoid getting the milk sap on your skin
Pests + Diseases: Help mitigate pests/diseases by keeping the leaves clean.
Issues: Yellowing leaves (watering issue like over/Under Watering, lighting, root bound), Drooping/wilting/curling leaves ( watering issue like over/Under Watering, lighting)
Ficus Lyrata care
fiddle-leaf fig
Location: Keep the fiddle leaf fig in bright, indirect light for 6 hours of the day.
Soil: Loamy, medium moisture. Well draining.
Watering: water when top inch of soil is dry, do not keep soil wet all of the time as this may cause root rot. water once a week in spring/summer, and down to once every 2-3 weeks in the cooler months. Ficus Lyrata are sensitive to high salt levels, so avoid treated water, fertilizers, and clay pots.
Temps: the Fiddle-Leaf Fig enjoys a temperature between 60º-85ºf and a slightly more humid environment. Consider adding a humidifier and making sure your plant has some personal space for good air circulation.
Propagating: Cut a branch with at least 3 leaf nodes, making a 45º cut just above a node. remove the bottom leaves to keep them from touching the soil or water. Put the cutting in room temperature water and place in bright, indirect lighting. Once roots are 1-2 inches long, transplant the cutting into a pot with fresh soil and water.
Toxic: Toxic to humans + pets
Pests + Diseases: although not prone to pests or disease, they still can attract spider mites, scale insects and fungal diseases. Help mitigate pests/diseases by keeping the leaves clean. Neem oil is a great way to help rid a plant of pests and keep the leaves healthy and shiny.
Issues: a true diva. the fiddle-leaf fig usually takes some time to adjust to any new space, so try not to move this plant around too much as any change can set them off. Once they are happy in their home, they do not require too much attention if given the proper conditions. Fiddle-leaf fig plants are susceptible to bleached leaves (too much light) brown spots (root rot due to overwatering or temperature fluctuations) and Dropping leaves (not enough light or temperature extremes)