What to do to make the ficus give side shoots. Ficus rubbery: how to form a crown

– popular houseplants, characterized by a high growth rate and growth of leaf mass. Therefore, they are favorite objects for the formation of small indoor trees with a crown of various shapes.

Growing a decorative ficus is not at all difficult. Regularly carrying out its forming pruning, you can get a beautiful tub plant and even a tree grown in the bonsai style.

In the article, you will learn everything about the formation of the crown and trunk of ficus Benjamin at home, as well as about pruning and pinching the plant.

Basic pruning rules

Formative pruning of ficus Benjamin is carried out in early spring at the end of March or beginning of April. Before the start of active growth, there is enough time for the cuts to tighten and the plant to recover from the resulting stress.

To carry out pruning, you will need a garden pruner, charcoal or activated charcoal, a clean cloth and a disinfectant (alcohol or potassium permanganate solution).

Before the procedure, you need to disinfect the secateurs with alcohol or a solution of potassium permanganate to prevent any infection and the development of the disease.

Thick branches are cut at an angle as close to the bud as possible. Thin shoots are cut above the kidney, shortening them by 1/3.

After pruning, wipe the places of cuts of thick branches with a clean napkin to remove the milky juice flowing out. Then the sections are covered with crushed wood or activated charcoal.

Sections of thin shoots can not be processed, but it is better to remove the flowing juice, as white spots may remain on the leaves of the plant.

In addition to forming, there is also a sanitary and rejuvenating pruning of Benjamin's ficus. Consider how to shape Benjamin's ficus.

Sanitary pruning

Sanitary pruning of a plant can be carried out not only in spring, but also at any other time of the year if necessary. It consists in removing dry, diseased and poorly developed shoots.

Dry branches must be removed, as they look ugly. They are also removed for safety reasons: sometimes dry branches become sources of various fungal infections.

If any ficus disease occurs, the affected areas of the shoots are cut off and burned. To do this, you should not wait for spring, such pruning is carried out as soon as possible.

Weakly developed shoots are removed because they are not decorative enough. They also increase the density of the crown, not letting light into it.

Anti-aging pruning

This type of pruning is done to bring back decorative look very old ficuses or plants whose shoots have lost their viability for one reason or another.

Sometimes, with a strong and prolonged drying of the soil, almost all branches of the tree dry up.. In this case, the ficus should not be thrown away; anti-aging pruning should be carried out.

This procedure is carried out in early spring before the start of the growing season. All dead branches are cut out, and living ones are shortened by half. Moreover, not only the main shoots are cut, but also the shoots of the second order. All sections are carefully sprinkled with activated charcoal.

When the crown is completely dry, Benjamin's ficus can be cut "on a stump" by removing all branches and cutting off the trunk. The remaining stump should be no higher than 7-10 cm. Gradually, the plant will restore the crown, growing new young shoots.

Types of crowns and ease of formation

There are several types of crowns that can be created by cutting Benjamin's ficus:

• Bush;
• Standard;
• Tiered trunk;
• Sculpture.

Also, most varieties can be used to grow miniature bonsai trees.

Although Benjamin's ficus is a tall tree, it is very easy to grow a bush from it. To do this, a central shoot is pinned on a young plant. As a result, side branches begin to grow actively. A year later, you can get a lush and beautiful plant.

Standard forms are distinguished by a pronounced trunk and crown. There are single and tiered trunks with a crown divided into several tiers, between which there is a trunk without shoots. Growing such a tree is a long process that can take 3-4 years.

The sculpture is created from small-leaved varieties. The tree is given a pre-conceived shape. Pruning is done annually and very carefully, the shape of the tree needs to be adjusted regularly.

This article is often read:

Bush

To form a bush, both undersized and tall ficuses are used. Small-leaved varieties are very popular: from them the bush turns out to be more magnificent. For the rapid formation of a bushy crown, 2-3 cuttings are planted in a pot at the same time close to each other.

After planting, as soon as a rooted cutting 15 cm high begins to grow, it is pinched from above, leaving at least 5 leaves. This stimulates the growth of 4-5 side shoots.

When side shoots reach a length of 10-15 cm, they also cut off the tops. In this case, the remaining upper buds should not be directed inside the crown, but outward.

All sections should be wiped with a napkin to remove white juice, and sprinkled with activated charcoal.

After the second pruning, when the shoots of the third level reach a length of 10-15 cm, a rather dense bush is already obtained. With a strong density, you can cut 2-3 branches from the middle of the bush, thin it out.

When growing a bush crown, you need to evenly illuminate the plant or periodically turn it towards the light. different parties so that the shoots grow evenly.

Shtamb

Standard crowns are forms with a pronounced trunk. To grow a trunk, a single cutting is planted. In the process of its growth, all the resulting lower side shoots are removed, leaving 3-4 upper ones.

If you want to grow a standard tree 50 cm high, then the length of the lower part of the trunk without branches should be 15-20 cm.

Usually desktop specimens have a height of up to 50 cm, and floor ones are much higher: 90-100 cm.

After Bottom part the trunk will be formed, proceed to build up the crown. When the plant reaches the desired height, the upper shoot is cut off by 5-10 cm.

After that, side shoots begin to grow intensively. They need to be left only within the crown. If they form in the lower part of the plant on the trunk, then they must be removed.

The standard crown of ficus can be given various forms . The spherical crown is very popular and beautiful, but the oval shape, elongated upwards or to the sides, is no less decorative. When creating a crown in the shape of a ball, you need to leave shoots of the same length when pruning.

Longline trunk

A tiered stem is a form of a tree with a crown divided into parts. Between its tiers there is a bare trunk without branches. Such a tree may have 2 or more tiers.

Sometimes the tiers build up gradually. First, an ordinary standard tree with a round or oval crown is formed. Then pruning is carried out in such a way that the central shoot grows upwards.

Gradually, it will be possible to form a continuation of the trunk from it, and then a new tier of the crown. This is the longest process of longline trunk formation.

It is much faster to plant 2 cuttings at once and fasten their trunks with wire. Gradually, below, they will grow together into a single trunk. At the top, the plants will be separated.

Each of them can be grown as a regular bole, but their crowns will be on different height. If you plant cuttings with different leaf colors, you can get very beautiful tree with different colors of crown tiers.

A tiered stem can be grown from a single cutting.. It should grow upwards, forming an elongated tall single trunk. After the formation of the lower part of the trunk, its crown must be divided into 3 parts.

The lower and upper parts will be two tiers of the trunk, the central part will be the bare trunk located between them. In the center, all side shoots are removed, the top of the tree is pinched. Tiers are formed like a regular single stem.

Bonsai

Almost all varieties of Ficus Benjamin can be used to grow bonsai. But the Wiandi variety is most suitable for this purpose. He is different low speed growth and a wavy curved trunk. From a cutting of this variety, you can grow a bonsai the fastest.

The technology for growing these dwarf trees for Benjamin's ficuses and for other species is practically the same. Bonsai are grown in low, wide containers filled with depleted soil, which contributes to a slow growth rate. The roots of the tree are cut 2-3 times a year, after which it is planted in the same container. Plant pruning is also carried out 2-3 times a year.

Beyond pruning great importance attached to the formation of the trunk and branches.

The branches and trunk are wrapped around with thick copper wire, and then gradually bent it so that the plant acquires desired shape. Usually, after such procedures, after 4-5 years, the plant looks like a real tree in miniature.

Sculpture

It is very difficult to grow a crown in the form of a sculpture; work on it takes a long time. To create a tree in the form of an animal or a bird is only possible experienced florist. It is easier to make a crown in the form geometric figure- Cone or cylinder.

Even the formation of a simple geometric crown takes several years.

At the same time, it is necessary to prune the plant annually in the spring, cutting off the branches so that the crown acquires the desired shape.

Usually, branches directed outward are left, and crowns growing deep into the crown are cut out.

At the same time, the outer part of the crown branches out strongly, so it becomes easier to give it the desired shape.

Stem shaping - ficus weaving

Not only the crown of ficus Benjamin looks very beautiful. A real work of art are trees grown using the ficus weaving method.

These are tall plants, the bare trunks of which are intertwined with each other. Most decorative element such a plant is precisely the trunk, its crown is formed, as a rule, of a simple spherical shape small size.

Many ficus varieties are suitable for growing a plant with an intertwined trunk, but they must have straight and thin shoots. The Viandi variety, which is often used for growing bonsai, is not suitable for weaving, as it has twisted, curved shoots.

In order to twist the trunks, 2 or more cuttings are planted in one pot.. They must have the same size so that one of them does not grow faster than the other and does not clog it. For the same reason, it will not be possible to weave varieties with different growth rates into one trunk.

There are the most different schemes ficus weaving. The simplest of them are the spiral and the braid.

For a spiral, you need to plant 2 cuttings in one pot, to braid a braid, you need 3 plants. There are also more difficult ways weaving, which will require a lot more cuttings, sometimes several dozen. Such trees are usually grown only by professionals, they are very expensive.

To grow a “pigtail”, 3 cuttings of ficus from 15 cm in size are planted close to each other in a pot. As soon as they begin to grow, you can start weaving. The lowest part of the cuttings should not have side shoots. If they are, they must be removed, and then carefully make the first weave of the trunks.

In order for the twisted trunk to retain its shape, the cuttings should be fixed. For this, a thick woolen thread or copper wire is suitable. Shoots are fixed above the weave. After that, the plant is looked after as usual until the cuttings grow enough to make the next weave.

Every 2 months, you need to check the fixation points and, if necessary, loosen the thread or wire. In the process of growth, the intertwined stems of plants thicken, and fixation can cut into them and injure the bark.

When the scythe reaches desired height, it must be tightly fixed with a wire or a metal bracket above the place of the last weave. The fixation will be securely hidden by the regrown crown of the tree. After a few years, when the trunks are firmly grown together, the wire can be removed.

To perform other, more complex, weaving patterns, you may need not only wire, but also metal carcass, around which the weaving of the trunks of many plants is carried out.

Now you know how to form a crown of ficus Benjamin. You can find out about the superstitions associated with Benjamin's ficus.

Many flower growers are interested in how to cut a ficus to create a crown in the most unusual, curly shape. When circumcised, certain rules and nuances should be followed, and then the flower will receive an original, well-groomed and beautiful view. Ficus is great for those who prefer a creative approach to growing houseplants.

Gardeners are debating whether it is possible to cut the ficus at home yourself, and how to form it so that the plant has normal growth. Many flower lovers successfully trim at home if there is a desire to give it some form or if it is necessary for sanitary reasons.

For each type of pruning (a lush small bush, branched crown) there is a certain rule. Before you start trimming, you need to decide what result is expected. Not every variety of ficus (with a single shoot pruned) will continue to grow well.

A rubbery ficus that has been pruned will be able to continue growing with 1 shoot. Plants with short inter-nodal distances can be pruned. It is necessary to make a horizontal cut above the bud with an oblique shoot that has a thin or still green appearance. Whatever type of ficus is pruned, you do not need to leave large stumps. They can be sources of plant infection with fungal diseases.

Sanitary pruning of ficus is carried out at any time. This must be done in order to prevent poorly developed, broken and dried shoots from infecting the entire ficus with an infection.

A rejuvenating type of pruning is usually performed when the flower has dried shoots that have appeared as a result of a long absence of watering and drying out of the soil (this is especially true for dwarf plant species). When the trunk freezes in the upper part, you need to cut it “under the stump”. Root growth ficus will quickly be able to resume its growth. After a while, you will need to take the stem in order to grow the plant in a standard or artisanal form. The main thing is that he would have at least a few shoots. Create lush crown it is possible, if the shoots are properly shortened or tweezed.

Sanitary pruning and rejuvenation of ficus

Pruning a flower for sanitary purposes is not carried out to give the plant an attractive shape. This is necessary to get rid of unhealthy and weakened branches. This procedure can be performed at any time of the year. Ficus should be constantly monitored and all dry branches that have been attacked by harmful insects should be eliminated. This is necessary in order not to spread the infection to strong and healthy branches.

Anti-aging pruning will help if for some reason indoor ficus began to dry, or the upper part was frostbitten when the plant was kept in inappropriate conditions.

It is necessary to cut the branches, leaving only a stump. Ficus will recover thanks to the shoots from the roots. This method is suitable for dwarf plants such as brown ficus. unpretentious plant no less in need of care and maintenance than the capricious. Only then will it delight everyone with its beautiful appearance.

Having correctly formed the plant, you can make it grow in an arc, in the form of a bush or trunk. Flower growers who have a lot of experience behind them are able to perform very complex types of pruning. This may be a form of sculpture, it is permissible to arrange the top in the form of an unusual composition. The physiology of the plant should be taken into account so that the crown is properly formed, the flower continues to live and grow.

New shoots almost always arise from the buds - axillary and apical. The second type of shoots is located above the attachment point of the leaf petiole to the stem part of the plant. The apical kidney has more fast development, but the lateral buds develop more slowly.

The ideal period for pruning is in the spring, when the plant begins to actively grow. Pruning in autumn or winter can cause the flower to continue its growth, twisting on its side. In this case, even the most perfect care will not help him.

When cutting the plant, the cut must be done above the kidney. At the same time, on thicker branches it should have a beveled appearance, on thin ones it should be straight. When cutting off the side shoots, one should take into account the direction of growth of the bud over which the cut was made.

The outward-facing bud is left to receive a shoot that will emerge from the crown. Places of cuts should be wiped with a wet cloth until the juice is completely absorbed, then sprinkled with a small amount of charcoal.

To trim ficuses at home, you need to prepare the following materials:

• some charcoal;
• medical alcohol;
• potassium permanganate.

Start pruning ficus at home should be in the last days of March. To prevent the plant from growing too tall, it is necessary to trim its top.

Before starting work, all tools should be disinfected so as not to infect the plant and not harm it. For good growth axillary buds and shoots, it is necessary to cut the crown every year. This procedure will help them stay healthy.

The crown must be cut from the inside and from outer side if inside the crown has shading, and the shoots growing inside are too overgrown. It is necessary to regularly get rid of flabby leaves and shoots that have thrown off all the leaves. The main shoot should be pruned once a year to a height of 15-25 cm. Removed shoots should remain with no more than 6 leaves.

Ficus growing at home is sometimes formed in longline form. But in order to implement this idea, only an adult flower is suitable, which has a well-formed central trunk.

You need to follow the following pruning sequence:

1. 1 When the plant has grown to right size you can cut off the top.
2. 2 If a trunk with 2 levels is planned, the ficus crown is divided into 3 parts: the 1st and 3rd parts are placed on top (levels with a spherical shape), the 2nd part is between the levels where all shoots are removed.
3. 3 When forming the 3rd level, the crown is divided into 5 parts. 1st, 3rd, 5th parts are future upper levels(they are made spherical), the 2nd and 4th parts become the gaps between the levels at which all shoots are removed.
4. 4 Levels can be drawn from top to bottom, but the top of the stem is not removed until the plant has reached the required size.

Ficus does not require much attention. It is only necessary to get rid of all regrown shoots on the bare area of ​​​​the trunk, cut off the shoots that grow inside the crown and drown it out. Can be made from ficus big figures, resembling an animal, a cube, a pyramid or a ball.

Ficus crown formation

Many people who have such a wonderful plant at home are interested in how to properly cut the ficus. Usually the crown is made of 2, 3, 5 standard tiers. You need to leave a lot of shoots (the distance between them should be about half a meter), and cut the rest shorter.

You can form any number of tiers. For outdoor ficus, it is permissible to make several tiers, it can grow up to 3 m and above. You can also cut it in a circle, a semicircle, or give it a different shape.

Small ficuses make excellent original sculptures. Creation simple forms requires only timely pruning of the bush. To carry out complex shape, you will need to apply a wire frame. To do this, it is necessary to plant at least 3 plants in one container and weave their trunks together.

Usually ficuses, having the form of vines, are launched in an arc. It is suitable for mountain, arrow-shaped and dwarf plant species. It is necessary to put a fine mesh frame in the pot, forming an arc, and direct the shoots along it. Over time, the vines will braid the entire frame of the base.

How to form a ficus crown with a bole? Ideal for this purpose young plant with a pronounced main stem.

The formation of a ficus in the form of a bole is carried out in this way:

1. 1 On the main trunk of the plant, regular pruning of all side shoots is performed, leaving only a couple of pieces at the top of the trunk.
2. 2 When the plant reaches required size(25-35 cm in height if it is placed on the windowsill, and 55-90 cm if on the floor), pruning of shoots on the sides stops.
3. 3 Next is pinching the top of the plant.
4. 4 When the branches on the sides are very elongated, you need to remove them above the kidney, looking outward.

Some are faced with a problem when the trunk is not very stable. To make it stronger, you need to tie it to a peg, which is then easily removed. All sections should be wiped with a damp cloth and sprinkled with crushed coal.

How to pinch a ficus?

You can form a ficus by pinching, which is a very important procedure in terms of plant care. You should know the rules so as not to harm the flower.

For pinching, you need to prepare:

• a basin of water;
• rag;
• any disinfectant;
• sharpened knife.

Spring will be the perfect time for pinching. It is at this time that shoots appear faster. Wounds that can be inflicted during this procedure will heal very easily in the spring, and the plant will be less likely to get sick.

You should wait until the ficus grows to the desired size. Before the procedure, you need to treat the instrument with alcohol or another disinfectant. For work, it is necessary to choose a well-sharpened knife, since the trunk of this plant is very difficult to cut. You can pinch a ficus in 2 ways. If the height of the plant suits you and the top shoot is not very thick, you need to cut it a little below the point where it grows.

If the plant is tall enough, it needs to be trimmed in a different way. Determine the required height, find a branch that is located below this point, and cut 6-9 cm above this branch. In this case, the cut will be oblique. Its bottom should be placed at the level of the kidney, on the other side of the trunk, and its top should be located just above the kidney.

Using a wet rag, you need to wipe off the juice that has dripped on the trunk. After that, the rag must be removed without squeezing it into a cut. Water itself will prevent the further release of juice. This completes the treatment of ficus wounds, then the plant itself will tighten them.

After 30 days, you should feed the plant. After that it will restart fast growth. Some transplant ficus into a pot that has a larger diameter, which is not necessary. It will be enough just to change the soil the first year.

After the end of the procedure, the formation of the crown of the plant continues. It's done next spring by pinching the shoots that are located on the sides. When cut, ficus secretes juice, which is quite poisonous. When cutting and pinching, gloves should be worn. The main thing is that the juice of the plant in no case gets on the mucous membrane of the mouth and nose. After pinching and cutting, the ficus trunk will not grow.

When forming a crown, you should be aware that not every variety of ficus will be able to normally endure this procedure. Most often, wounds heal quickly, but side shoots do not always grow quickly. Therefore, you should observe the plant before pinching other shoots.

The crown can also be formed by another method, for example, by planting several cuttings in a container at once.

Happy pruning and gorgeous ficus!

The crown of most varieties of ficus without pruning will grow in a chaotic manner, reaching sizes that are not suitable for the room. Timely removal of lateral and apical shoots allows you to give the plant a decorative effect, reduce its length and width, and make it more compact.

Trimming and shaping rubber ficus performed depending on the age of the plant annually or once every 3 years. In addition to forming pruning, you can use the feature of the plant's shoots to create unique compositions - flexible stems and air layering are tied with a pigtail, tourniquet, intertwined and direct growth in the opposite direction.

Is it possible to cut rubber ficus

Pruning rubber ficus is needed not only to give the tree a decorative effect, but also to improve the plant. It is necessary to remove excess shoots regularly so that it is healthy, lush, leaves and stems have enough room to grow, all above-ground parts of the bush receive enough light and humidity from the air.

Removal of branches is also carried out for sanitary purposes - sick, rotten, dry, broken branches draw out nutrients, taking them from healthy parts, and can also reduce immunity and cause diseases.

With the help of formative pruning, ficus can be forced to branch or grow compactly. The florist himself determines which crown diameter is suitable for growing indoors different area.

How to form a rubber ficus crown

You need to cut the ficus in accordance with the following rules:

1. The formation of the crown is carried out in the phase of active development from the beginning of spring to the end of summer. If you remove the shoots in winter, the next season the plant will be deformed.
2. If the ficus has recently been transplanted, it is impossible to touch healthy sprouts when creating a crown. Sanitary pruning can be done at any time.
3. It will be bad if you cut off the apical shoot far from the second kidney from the top. In this case, the bare remaining part of the trunk dies off. If you take away the apical shoot along with the buds late, the ficus will not bloom. It is optimal to remove the apical shoot from the second kidney from the top, leaving no “empty” parts of the trunk.
4. Be sure to use sharp tools. If the cut is uneven, pathogenic bacteria can enter the tissue. You can take a pruner, garden shears or a sharp knife. Before trimming, it is advisable to treat all blades with alcohol or other disinfectants.
5. The cut points on the handle also need processing, a garden pitch is suitable for this.

You can create a crown in the following way:

1. Think about what shape you want to give the whole plant, and indicate the approximate height and width. Young plants can be pruned annually, and if the ficus has already reached 3-4 years, carry out the procedure no more than once every 3 years.
2. Make a cut exactly above the place where the apical kidney will be. A fresh shoot grows from it, and if part of the cutting is exposed, then the crown will not have a rounded appearance, since bare trunk gradually dies off.
3. Make the cut beveled at an angle of at least 45 degrees on old thick branches, on thin shoots - at an angle of 90 degrees.
4. The crown can not only be cut, but also thinned out. During the procedure, pay attention to the localization of the upper kidney. Make sure it points outward. If you leave the bud horizontal, the branches will grow in width, vertically in height.
5. Classic shape for trimming the crown - longline. The ficus will have the shape of a ball or oval. To do this, the top and bottom of the crown are cut equally, leave the central branches longer. The lowest branches and the apical shoot are cut off at the root.
6. Ficuses also grow in the form of a trunk. To form such a crown, cut off all the shoots, except for the five located at the top of the trunk. When the plant reaches the desired height, pinch the top bud from the top, then shorten the side trunks as they grow, forming a ball.

When growing a bonsai tree, you need to form not only the crown, but also root system. Too long roots are removed during the annual transplant, the tops and side shoots are cut off so that the height of the plant does not exceed 50-70 cm.

How to pinch a ficus

In order to pinch the plant, you will need a pruner or knife, a disinfectant solution (peroxide, alcohol), a soft cloth and a container of water.

Then follow the instructions:

1. It is best to perform the procedure in the middle of spring. It is during this period that many new shoots are formed, and the wounds on the trunk that appear during pruning heal quickly.
2. As soon as the plant has reached the height you need, you can pinch. Disinfect a knife or other tool or bake it over a fire.
3. If the upper shoot of the tree is thin, you can cut it below the bud by making a straight cut.
4. If the length is longer than you need, determine the required height, then find the sheet below that point. Cut the shoot 5 cm above such a leaf, making an oblique cut. The lower level of the cut will be at the level of the kidney on the opposite side. Upper - directly above the kidney.
5. Then moisten a soft cloth and remove the milky juice that appeared along the cut.
6. Fertilize the plant after a month. Before this period, fertilizing is not recommended, since the plant's immunity drops out after transplantation, it may experience stress.

Pinching will allow the plant to produce new side shoots and stop growth at the height you want. Without this, the tree will hit the ceiling in 4-5 years.

Creating unusual shapes

The formation of the crown of the rubber-bearing ficus can be performed not only in the form of an oval or a ball. There are other pruning methods that can result in trees with unique shapes for interior design.

stem tree

Formation of rubber ficus at home in the form of a bole:

1. stamp form can only be created from unformed ficus without lignification on the trunks.
2. Lateral shoots need to be removed regularly until the top 5 branches remain.
3. When the tree reaches the desired height, pinch the apical shoot, remembering to remove the lateral processes.
4. While the stems remain flexible and without bark, it is necessary to organize a backup. Keep the trunk upright throughout the growth period.

The stem can be multi-tiered. For such a crown formation, divide it into 4-5 parts. From the odd ones, make the tiers of the crown, and from the even ones - the gaps between the tiers, for which the shoots are cut 5-7 cm shorter than the rest.

small fence

A rubber-bearing ficus hedge can be made as follows:

• pick up at least 5-7 seedlings and a long low capacity for planting;
• place all seedlings in a pallet in one row or in a circle, the distance between the shoots should be at least 10 cm;
• the fence is formed from the crown - cut at the same height.

It is important to properly trim the ficus for the growth of the "fence". During the procedure, remove the shoots in the same parts of the trunk so that the ficus crowns are equally thick and there are no gaps in the “fence”.

Spiral

To form a bonsai in the form of a spiral, it is not the crown that is cut, but the root aerial part and trunks:

• after planting the cutting, install a support - a wooden stick - in the center of the pot next to the stem;
• as you grow, braid the flexible stem around the support;
• cut side branches;
• when a good stiffness of the trunk appears, carefully remove the support.

You can create a spiral from one or more shoots. If you plant 2-4 seedlings at once, during the braiding of the support, they must be placed parallel to each other so that there is no pinching of the trunks of one of the trees.

Spit

You can give the ficus the shape of a pigtail as follows:

• pick seedlings up to 10 cm long (same height);
• the thickness of one should not exceed one and a half centimeters;
• plant sprouts in a pot nearby so that in the future you can braid the stems into a braid;
• all small branches on the sides are removed, apical cuttings remain;
• before you start weaving, moisten the soil so that the stems become flexible;
• periodically braid a braid from the stems, tie the end of it with wire so that the stems do not start growing in the other direction;
• it is necessary to regulate the strength of weaving - weakly twisted stems will create gaps in the pigtail, and too tight weaving can damage the entire plant;
• so that the holes in the pigtails are the same, you can place pencils or sticks of equal diameter between them.

So that the shoots grow together into one large trunk and the pigtail does not have gaps, you can remove the bark in small parts at the joints of the stems. After about 6-8 months, the composition of the post will grow together into one thick trunk.

Plant care after pruning

After pruning, the ficus can be transplanted, but the procedure can be performed no earlier than after 2 weeks. mature plant no need to replant at all, it will be enough to change upper layer soil on a new nutrient substrate. If the flower transferred the procedure successfully, after 2 weeks you can start feeding.

Pruning can be done no earlier than from the beginning of March until the end of summer. At rest, the plant is not pruned. Watch the growth of new branches, as well as the height of the ficus, by timely pinching so that it always has a lush, uniform crown.

Initially, the ficus has only one stem, but over time, new branches appear on it. And then you need to properly pinch the plant to form a beautiful crown. To do this, just follow a few simple rules.

If the ficus grows only up, without giving side shoots, then over time it can turn into a tall little deciduous tree. But this can be avoided by simply periodically cutting and pinching the top.

The most popular method for experienced gardeners is a Japanese way of pinching. The procedure is quite simple. When forming the crown, you need to twist the branch to the bud, from which new side shoots will subsequently appear.

The procedure is as follows:

• it is necessary to determine which branches will be superfluous when creating a beautiful tree crown;
• each selected branch should be carefully bent into a loop and bandaged to the trunk.

Important! If juice appears at the fold, it must be washed off the plant.

After a few weeks, the buds remaining up to the bend point will sprout new shoots.

Why do you need a pinch?

Ficus is a tall plant, some species grow up to 2–3 m. Pinching and cutting off excess shoots allows you not only to keep the flower growing at the right height, but also to form a beautiful crown. In addition, this procedure allows you to rejuvenate the plant.

How to pinch at home?

In order for the procedure to be successful, the owner of the ficus needs to know the following:

1. It is important to choose the right time for pinching. Otherwise, the plant can easily die.
2. Ficus juice is poisonous and can cause burns or allergic reactions. Therefore, all manipulations with the plant must be carried out with gloves.
3. It is better not to combine pruning with another procedure, for example, transplanting.

Ficus can be easily pinched at home if you follow the established rules.

Choosing the time for the procedure

Experienced gardeners know that the ideal time for pinching ficus is spring. It is during this period that the plant is activated, forming new shoots and buds. Therefore, the procedure will not become too stressful for the flower, and all the “wounds” will quickly heal.

Important! Pinching in autumn or winter can lead to the death of the ficus.

Pinching instructions

Before proceeding with the formation of the crown, you need to decide on the choice of knife. It should be sharp enough to cut thick branches immediately. The knife must be disinfected with alcohol or peroxide. If the plant is young, then unnecessary shoots can simply be cut off.

But if the ficus is already several years old, then you need:

• determine the point that will become the top;
• the incision should be made at a distance of 6–8 cm from the leaf;
• branches should be cut obliquely;

When pinching, rinse all cut points with water. Since the juice of the plant will slow down the growth of new shoots. To form an ideal crown, pinching and pruning should be carried out annually.

Important Rules

The crown formation procedure largely depends on what the gardener wants to get. For example, to get the form stem tree necessary:

1. Choose a young unformed ficus without lignification.
2. Then gradually remove side shoots until 5 top branches remain.
3. When the ficus reaches the height, the upper shoot should be pinched, and the side shoots should be removed.
4. For young stems without bark, you need to build a backup. It will be required until the ficus finally grows.

Such a trunk can be multi-tiered. To do this, the crown is divided into 4-5 parts. The odd ones will be the tiers of the crown, and the rest will be the gaps between them. For the formation of the latter, the shoots are cut 5–7 cm shorter than in tiers.

In addition to the trunk, there are several other ways to design a beautiful crown. This is a bush and an arc. For the formation of the first type, it is important to ensure that the ficus does not grow up, but gives side shoots. This is controlled by annual pinching of the flower.

The arc is created very simply - the upper part of the plant bends down and is fixed at the required height. The upper buds begin to give new shoots, so that the plant becomes more voluminous. As soon as the side shoots reach the desired length, the fixation is removed. The branches of the ficus will remain in their original position, forming an interesting arc.

Further care

After the stress of the procedure, the ficus needs additional feeding. It is added immediately or wait 1-2 weeks until the plant adapts. If necessary, you can transplant the ficus into new pot. This is true for plants that no longer fit in the old container.

How to pinch to bush and be lush?

For too tall plants the procedure for the formation of new lateral shoots remains relevant. The owner of the ficus can use several ways:

1. Japanese method. Suitable for small flowers that do not fit on the windowsill.
2. Pruning. If you remove the top of the plant, the ficus will give new shoots. This will make the flower more lush. But it should be borne in mind that if the procedure is not performed correctly, the ficus will continue to grow upwards.

Important! When using the Japanese pinching method, branches can be tied not only to the trunk, but also to pegs specially driven into the ground.

Is it possible to pinch Benjamin if he only grows up?

Ficus Benjamin bushes on its own. But in some cases, it can quickly grow up without giving side shoots. This is often associated with insufficient lighting or poor watering and fertilizing. You can pinch Benjamin in such a situation, but you need to do it correctly.

What if it stretches very high?

When the flower stretches up, then, in the process, it resets lower leaves. Most buds form at the top of the plant. Therefore, do not allow too much growth upwards.

If the ficus needs to be made more voluminous and small, then they resort to pruning the plant. But it is important to remember that the cut should only go obliquely and be above the kidney. In addition, gardeners use the following methods:

1. Lower the extra branches down and tie them to the trunk or pegs. This allows the buds on top to sprout strong shoots. The procedure is carried out several times in order to grow a sufficient number of side shoots.
2. Sometimes kerbovka allows you to achieve the appearance of new shoots. To do this, a small incision is made above the sleeping kidney, approximately a third of the depth. The bark in this place must be removed to weaken the root nutrition.
3. In special cases, gardeners use a special stimulation of the flower with plant hormones - cytokinins. With their help, the lateral axillary kidneys, not top ones.

Important! Any cuts are made with a disinfected knife, otherwise you can provoke the appearance of a fungus or infection.

Any ficus owner knows that the plant requires careful care. Otherwise, you may encounter the fact that the top of the flower rests on the ceiling. Therefore, annual pinching in the spring is a must. And to begin to form a crown of the desired height and volume should be as early as possible, while the ficus is still young.