What is Ficus elastica?
Ficus elastica is a tree that is more commonly known as a rubber plant. It is originally from Southeast Asia, where it can form very large Banyan trees . This plant is also known as a rubber fig and is also common ornamental found around the world. It is grown outside in tropical and Mediterranean climate and as a house plant in a colder climate. Although it is not a source of commercial rubber, the Ficus elastica plant can serve as a source of alternative type of rubber. It has a wide trunk, up to 6.6 ft (2 m) wide. The tree is known as Banyan because it has air roots that grow up and help maintain heavy branches. Ficus elastic leaf is larger on young plants than the elders. On young bushes, the leaves range from 3.9-14 V (10-35 cm) long. On the other hand, on older plants, there are generally 3.9 inches (10 cm) .Ave has developed cultivars that are much shorter to facilitate their use in the home. Some of them have varoted leaves. Rubm house plants can growto 8 V (20.5 cm) or more. These smaller trees generally grow 6-10 ft (1.8-3.1 m) high. They prefer 65-70 ° F (18.3-21.1 ° C) at night and 75-85 ° F (20.2-22.9 ° C) during the day.
Ficus elastica prefers to receive bright light without being subjected to direct sunlight. It is well under the conditions of high humidity. The plant prefers that its soil is kept moist, even if it tolerates drought. But it will not tolerate standing water. The rubber tree should either be placed on the top of the pebbles or let the food release immediately after watering. It should not be connected with cold water.
plants can be left to grow in the same pot for a long time until their growth seems stunted. Then they should be transplanted early in the spring. The general soil of watering will be sufficient for their growth. Avoid fertilization of plants that have been transplanted or newly purchased afterthe time of six months. Then they should be fertilized every six months.
Finally, Ficus elastica gets high enough to reach the ceiling. At that time it should either be trimmed or distributed by trunk slices or by layering air. To lift the plant, it can be reduced back to the level of near the soil at the beginning of spring. It grows quickly.
Promotion by layering air includes cut in the middle of the stem near the upper part of the plant. Wrap the cut in damp moss Sphagnum, which is surrounded by a plastic bag. The new roots are created within a few months. It can then be cut under the roots and generate a new plant. This rubber plant can be transplanted and creates a new tree.