Withered bonsai what to do. If the ficus leaves fall, does it mean rainy autumn? Why do ficus leaves fall in winter

Most new bonsai owners are not ready to grow bonsai. Very often they see a bonsai, think “Oh, how cool!”, They bring it home, not knowing anything about how to care for a tree.

It is not difficult to care for and grow bonsai, but you need to understand the basics of bonsai care. And in order for the bonsai to please the owner for many years, you need to deal with the basic basic points for caring for your tree (in this section below there are articles on basic care, watering, transplanting, cutting, fertilizing bonsai, etc., read them again ).

A dying bonsai can very often be salvaged and can live for many years.

Like all trees, bonsai can die due to disease, insect damage, or insufficient and improper care. This may be an untimely transplantation of trees, very often improper watering of the plant, a lack of nutrients in the soil, which may appear due to insufficient fertilizer or poor water, soil depletion. Also, trees often suffer due to improper light conditions, insufficient humidity. Often, irregular shearing aggravates the condition of the plant, especially if it is infected with pests.

A dying bonsai tree needs immediate action to save it. The sooner the correct necessary measures are taken, the greater the chance of a quick recovery of the plant.

So, in order.

Inappropriate conditions for keeping bonsai

To grow a healthy and full-fledged bonsai tree, it is very important to understand in which climatic zone the specific type of tree you have acquired grows in natural conditions. Therefore, first of all, you need to determine the type of your bonsai, since each type of plant needs different conditions. It can be a temperate tree that needs a cold winter, or vice versa, a tropical tree that needs to provide a temperature of at least +18 C all year round.

Depending on the type of plant, it is necessary to provide bonsai conditions that are as similar as possible to the natural conditions for plant growth - light, temperature, humidity. Most bonsai need 6 to 12 hours of sunlight, high humidity levels (the higher the better), watering after the top of the soil has dried out, and a temperature that will be as close to natural conditions as possible throughout the year.

Good air circulation and sufficient humidity will provide the tree with comfortable conditions, especially in apartments and houses. Regardless of the type of tree in the climatic conditions of Ukraine, it is recommended that during the warm season (when the night temperature does not fall below 16C), if possible, keep bonsai outdoors, providing it with additional shading from direct sunlight.

Pay special attention to the conditions of "wintering" of your bonsai. Some trees need a rest period and a temperature regime of 0-(-5) C, some need to provide a conditional rest period (for subtropical and Mediterranean species + 5- + 15 C), and some cannot tolerate temperatures below +12 C. This is a very important condition , which is often neglected, leading to the death of the plant.

Deciduous bonsai shed their leaves in autumn. And any deciduous bonsai can throw off the leaves at any time when the conditions of detention do not correspond to those that suit them. But this does not mean that the tree has died, it signals a problem that, without appropriate measures, can lead to the death of the tree.

Improper watering of the plant

The most common and fastest cause of tree death is improper watering of bonsai - underfilling or overfilling (for watering rules, see the article "Watering Bonsai" in this section)

The main signs of underfilling bonsai:
- leaves lose turgor, lethargic and plants look drooping;
- with prolonged drying (sometimes under very hot conditions, especially if the tree is standing on the window, just a few days are enough), the tree can completely dry the foliage or throw it off;
- the soil is hard and dry to the touch;
- an intense root system may indicate that the roots are growing, trying to find moisture.

Tree damage by insects

Check the bonsai for any signs of insect infestation, the presence of eggs. The most common insects that infect bonsai are aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and scale insects. Physically remove, if possible, all living visible insects and their eggs. Treat the bonsai with an appropriate systemic insecticide. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations when processing the plant and dosing the drug. Continue to treat the plant prophylactically, starting from early spring until the end of summer (see the article "Diseases and Pests").

fungal infection bonsai

Check the tree for the following signs of disease - curling leaves, white bloom on the leaves, yellowing and falling leaves, colorless dots on the leaves, which can signal the following diseases - leaf curl, powdery mildew, rust. Remove infected leaves and spray the plant with a systemic fungicide following the manufacturer's instructions.

Untimely transplantation of trees

Timely repotting of a bonsai is a very important point in tree care, as the tree may die due to lack of space for healthy root growth or due to the accumulation of salts from water or fertilizers.

The frequency of transplanting bonsai depends on the size of the container, the type of bonsai tree and its age. Young fast growing trees need to be repotted every year or two, older trees need repotting every 3-5 years.

Depending on the natural conditions in which the tree grew, choose the right time to transplant it.

Transplanting is the best time to diagnose and check the tree's root system. If your tree is sick - this is also a reason to diagnose the condition of the root system. When the root system is rotten, it stimulates the growth of putrefactive bacteria that can kill the tree. Therefore, cutting off old and rotten roots will help the tree recover faster. Be careful when cutting off a healthy root system, as this can slow down the plant's recovery process. Transplant plants to a larger pot if they have been in the same pot for more than two years and the tree has "outgrown" the pot. Trim long, thick and dead roots before transplanting the bonsai into a larger pot. Trim the bonsai's root system so that the root system fits comfortably in the new pot. Pruning is necessary to stimulate the growth of the root system. It is essential to use a potting mix for transplanting bonsai that will provide good air circulation and good drainage. Water the plant thoroughly after transplanting.

How to transplant a bonsai, see the article "Transplanting bonsai".

Nutrient deficiency

Often, insufficient bonsai fertilizer can lead to various diseases of the plant. So fertilize your bonsai regularly with a good bonsai fertilizer following the manufacturer's instructions. Soils for transplanting bonsai contain very little nutrients, so it is necessary to fertilize bonsai REGULARLY in order to provide a sufficient amount of essential macro- and microelements, as well as increase the immunity of the plant, preventing the appearance of diseases.

How to fertilize bonsai, see the article "Fertilizer for bonsai".

Irregular haircut bonsai

Trim off any excess growth of foliage and bonsai branches. Overgrown bonsai are more susceptible to insect infestation. Excess foliage and branches also use the energy of the plant and consume the nutrients needed to restore the plant. Use a sharp tool to trim excess internal branches and excess foliage.

Form a plant only after the tree has resumed its state.

Would you like to get yourself a miniature bonsai tree, but have not yet decided on the choice of a plant? An excellent option for an apartment or house would be ficus ginseng, an elegant and amazing plant, which simply has no analogues in beauty!

Ficus ginseng: general information

As soon as they call ficus ginseng: and ficus microcarp, blunted, ginseng. This plant is a bright representative of the ficus genus of the mulberry family, which in wildlife is quite aggressive and reaches a height of 25 meters. At home, it does not grow above one and a half meters. This evergreen shrub is native to Southeast China, Japan, Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Northern Australia.

Ficus ginseng (microcarpa, Ficus retusa) has small neat leaves that are quite similar to the leaves of Benjamin's ficus, but do not have an elongated axis at the tip. Basically, the shape of the leaf of this plant is both oblong and round. The trunk is covered with a thin smooth bark, so the shrub is quite easy to injure.

Ficus microcarpa ginseng is translated from Latin as ginseng. The shrub got its name from the similarity of the root system with the root of the well-known ginseng, which also, in turn, resembles a medieval mandrake used in magical rites.

How Ficus ginseng is grown

Today, on an industrial scale, this variety of ficus is grown mainly in the Republic of China. Breeding and biology specialists know a special technology to grow ficus ginseng. It is thanks to her that the effect of bizarre roots is achieved, which are actually the trunks of a shrub. You can see it in the photo. Growing technology involves the following steps:

Planting seeds or germinating cuttings.
Cutting off the formed roots.
Planting them in separate pots.
Use of substances to stimulate plant growth.
Sending ficus ginseng for sale.

It is not immediately possible to achieve the desired shape of the root system of Ficus ginseng, although this plant is characterized as simple enough to form a bonsai. For this, there are special farms where seeds are planted or cuttings are germinated. As the ficus grows, its powerful root system forms under the layer of earth. The shrub receives hormonal and insecticidal agents all the time to accelerate root growth and prevent the occurrence of diseases. In the process of industrial cultivation, temperature and humidity levels are strictly observed.

As ficus ginseng grows, its roots are closely monitored. If they reach the desired size, the shrub is dug up and, oddly enough, the formed stem of the plant is cut off. In this place, only a small process remains. The root system is carefully cleaned of soil, washed and sorted. Then the roots with shoots are sent to flower farms, where they are planted separately from each other. This planting has its own characteristics: the roots need to be buried only partially, leaving most of them above the soil. Further, the plant gets used to the new living conditions, the skin of the roots coarsens and turns into a bark.

The next stage is the use of various chemicals to accelerate the formation of new branches and shoots from the plant's root system. Their grafting from other plants is not excluded. To keep the compact form of ficus ginseng, a retardant substance is used. After such complex manipulations by biologists and breeders, the bonsai tree is formed and goes on sale.

Such a charming ficus ginseng will be an excellent original gift that will bring a piece of Asia to any home. If you were given this plant, be sure to learn how to care for it at home.

Ficus care at home

Despite the fact that growing ficus ginseng is a rather painstaking process, caring for it at home will not seem difficult to you. This tree is not whimsical, but you need to take care of it.

Home care for Ficus ginseng first consists in creating comfortable conditions for him. It may also happen that immediately after you bring a bonsai into your home, its leaves begin to turn yellow and wither. Such a ficus reaction is considered quite normal and may become part of its acclimatization and adaptation. If the plant is healthy, then after 2-3 weeks recovery will begin.

Pick up a shady place for the ficus ginseng, which is protected from direct sunlight. But do not overdo it, because the plant will also not like a very dark area of \u200b\u200byour house. It is also worth remembering that the ficus must be protected from the battery and the heater, because dry hot air adversely affects its growth. Like all other plants, do not put this bonsai in a draft, a shaded place with a temperature of 16-22 degrees Celsius will be optimal for it.

Ficus ginseng loves moderate and timely watering. Do not allow the soil in the pot to dry out, as well as waterlogging. Focus on the temperature regime, the size of the pot, the age of the plant. As for spraying, start this procedure from the first day the plant appears in the house, then every 1-2 days.

Young ficus ginsengi need to be transplanted once a year. When the plant matures, transplantation can be done once every 2-3 years. It is recommended to transplant the ficus into a special purchased substrate or independently prepare the soil for it (sand, picking earth, clay granulate).

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ficus panda

To date, a large number of varieties and varieties of ficuses are so popular that they are already considered practically as independent plants. In almost all specialized stores you can wander around a fairly spectacular plant called Panda ficus. This plant is touted by sellers as something special, but in fact it is a variety of blunt ficus.

This variety is one of the most spectacular and can be grown not only as a bonsai. Its very dense crown consists of small leaves, which is very attractive to flower growers. However, the plant has a high cost and a very capricious character. Every year this ficus becomes more and more popular, and from a simple plant it has turned into an exclusive one. And this is not unreasonable.

Features of Ficus Panda

Ficus "Panda" is called by all the rules blunted ficus varieties "Panda" (Ficus retusa cv. Panda). It is quite easy to recognize it by its characteristic feature, namely, by the blunt-pointed shape of the leaf plates. So, when viewed from a distance, they may appear almost round at the top, but are visually perceived as oval. However, this variety has many features that are characteristic of it.

Such an evergreen woody plant is presented in the form of a shrub or develops in a multi-stemmed form. The plant is highly branched, the stems are quite strong, quickly woody. As they grow, they deform and become thickened, which makes it easier to form a bush and create a bonsai. The ficus has fairly strong and clearly visible aerial roots, which make it very effective. The shoots are covered with beige-gray bark, which has a fairly light shade, while pale strokes are visible only on young branches. Small very neat leathery leaves look impressive. The young foliage is golden in color, and it seems to glow. They begin to grow at the end of winter, and appear during the entire period of intensive growth. Such leaves became the reason that this ficus is also called the "golden ficus".

Also, this plant has a characteristic feature that blunted ficuses have. So, young leaves are initially covered with light-colored stipules, which gradually turn yellow and die off. Wide adult leaf plates have an oval or elliptical shape, straight edges and a blunt tip. The leaves can be up to 6 centimeters long, but wide? 4 centimeters. The leaves are brightly colored from dark to medium green, while the reverse surface has a more muted color. The leaves are very shiny and a thin vein of a light color is clearly visible on their surface. There are no dots or specks on the surface of the foliage, however, the leaves themselves differ in color saturation, as well as in tone, due to which the plant has a slight watercolor. Leaf petioles are thin and short. The arrangement of the sheet plates is alternate with a spiral offset. At the same time, they are very close to each other, from which the crown looks curly and thick.

This variety of ficus has one very important advantage, namely, unusual fruits of spherical shape and green color, like decorations shining between the leaves. Flowering is almost imperceptible.

This variety of ficus is the best choice for bonsai. In this flower, and without outside help, as it grows, the trunk thickens, as well as its curvature. As a result, very effective lines appear. Unique golden young leaves and fruits distinguish this plant from other ficuses, as well as small leaf plates. Such a flower looks like a watercolor at any time of the year, as its leaves are painted in a variety of shades of green.

Ficus Panda care at home

The rules for caring for such a plant are very similar to those used for growing other ficuses (only they are a little more complicated). The most difficult thing in caring for this ficus is maintaining a stable environment, namely, it is necessary that the temperature and illumination do not change dramatically, and are constantly at the same level. High humidity is also required and protection from drafts is required. The better you take care of the "Panda", the more elegant and spectacular it will look.

illumination

He loves light very much. At the same time, it is worth remembering that this ficus differs from the others in that it cannot grow and develop normally even with slight shading. In the summer, it is recommended to protect it from direct sunlight, but you should choose the brightest place for placement. Or you can just place it on a south-facing window, but at the same time make the light diffuse. With the onset of the cold season and the reduction of daylight hours, the flower must be moved to the most illuminated place, it is also recommended that it be illuminated with special lamps.

Those ficuses that form in the form of bonsai are shade-tolerant, and shaded places (partial shade) can be chosen for their cultivation. However, is it possible to place the plant in a shaded place, you need to find out at the time of purchase in the store from the seller.

Temperature

This ficus loves heat very much and needs stability. The plant may die if the temperature in the room is less than 8 degrees. A temperature of less than 15 degrees will lead to the fact that the appearance of the plant will deteriorate significantly. "Panda" feels great at temperatures from 17 to 22 degrees. If the room temperature is slightly higher, then an increase in air humidity will be required.

In summer, it is recommended to move it to fresh air (balcony, terrace), where the plant feels quite well. However, a well-protected place should be chosen for its placement, as the plant reacts extremely negatively to drafts and prefers a more stable environment. In this regard, for lack of a place on the street that would meet all the requirements, it is recommended to leave the flower in the house.

Remember that such a ficus should in no case be affected by drafts. A cold draft, as well as a sharp decrease in air temperature in a room, can cause significant harm to it. As a rule, the plant in this case throws off all the foliage. Both the plant itself and the soil in the flower pot should not be allowed to cool. In the autumn-winter period, it is recommended to put a stand under the pot, or you can remove it to any elevation. This will help avoid contact with a cold window sill.

How to water

The plant should be watered regularly and moderately, but the soil in the pot should always be slightly moistened. In the summer, watering should be plentiful. At any time of the year, watering should be done only after the topsoil dries out. Do not allow waterlogging of the earth, and especially stagnation of liquid in it, even for a relatively short period. Remember that excessive moisture is more dangerous than drought (however, it is also best avoided if possible). Only soft water is suitable for irrigation. Avoid watering with cold water. In winter, it is recommended to water with tepid water, and in spring and autumn it should be at room temperature.

The plant needs high humidity. To increase this value, you can carry out systematic spraying or install a humidifier. You can moisten the foliage only with soft water. And it is better to take melted, distilled or boiled water for this purpose.

The plant is fed only during the period of intensive growth from the beginning of the spring period until October 1 time in 2 or 3 weeks. To do this, it is recommended to use special fertilizers for ficuses or complex fertilizers for decorative leafy plants.

Such a plant needs systematic formation. However, pruning is not recommended at the beginning of a period of intensive growth, in the first days of spring, and also before transplanting, because this procedure greatly weakens the ficus. And in no case should pruning be carried out during the transplantation process. The plant formation procedure is recommended to be carried out in the first summer weeks or, if necessary, in May. It is necessary to cut only the tips of the branches, and only branches that have stretched out or have been damaged should be severely shortened. The purpose of this procedure is to make the crown more magnificent. You can systematically prune such a ficus, giving it a more strict or specific shape. He tolerates such procedures quite well, and recovery is quite fast. In those places where the shoots were cut, branching intensifies and growth accelerates, and the direction of the branches changes, which leads to changes in the silhouette of the ficus.

Trim branches by 1/3 or by? part is possible only when the flower needs to be rejuvenated or it is in a severely depressed state.

As a rule, such a plant needs to be tied up only if you do not grow it as a bonsai. Thin shoots are not able to constantly keep their normal shape, especially when the formation is carried out at the wrong time and the branches become elongated.

Earthmixture

For Panda, it is recommended to choose the soil for ficuses, which is sold in specialized stores. It is best to use a purchased soil mixture, but you can cook it yourself, for this you will need to combine leafy and soddy soil, sand and peat, which must be taken in equal proportions. The substrate should pass water and air well, be loose and not too light. You can add a little loosening additives to the mixture, for example, vermiculite. The acidity of the soil should be neutral.

Transplant Features

Such a flower is transplanted only if necessary. In adult ficuses, as well as those growing in the form of bonsai, it is recommended to only replace the top layer of the substrate once a year. This procedure is carried out at the beginning of spring, for this you should remove the old top layer of soil and pour fresh substrate. It is necessary to transplant such a plant only if the roots no longer fit in the pot.

Young specimens require regular transplantation, carried out once a year. The transplant is carried out by the transshipment method, while the earth lump must remain intact. The neck should not be buried, it should be left at the same level. Do not forget to make a sufficiently thick drainage layer at the bottom. So, crushed brick and expanded clay are perfect for this. After transplantation, until the ficus begins to grow again, it is shaded and a higher air humidity is maintained than usual.

This plant can be grown hydroponically.

Pests and diseases

This variety is not resistant to harmful insects that prefer low humidity. If you do not maintain high humidity, then spider mites, scale insects, as well as mealybugs may well settle on the plant. In order to get rid of them, you need to remove them manually and maintain high humidity. If the infection is too strong, then the use of insecticidal agents will be required.

Possible problems:

falling leaves with a sharp change in air temperature;

leaf drop due to cold draft;

fall of part of the leaves due to waterlogging of the soil;

changing the color of the leaves to yellow with excessive watering;

change in the size of the leaves (shrinking) with insufficient fertilizer and low humidity;

wrinkling or drying of leaf plates under the influence of direct sunlight and in too dry air.

Reproduction methods

Can be propagated by cuttings in spring and summer. Cut cuttings are dipped in water for several hours, and then they are treated with a growth stimulating agent. For rooting, the cutting is placed in a warm place (at least 25 degrees) with high humidity. Lower heating will be required, and it is recommended to cover the handle with a plastic bag or a cap on top.

Large bushy specimens can be propagated by air layering. A longitudinal incision is made between two strong knots. Then this place must be wrapped with moistened moss or substrate. When the shoot gives roots, it is separated from the mother bush.

Ficus microcarpa bonsai - miniature tree

ficus microcarpa, this is a miniature tree, in other words bonsai.

Bonsai is a device and the ability to grow small copies of large trees at home. A feature of this species are the fruits, which are almost impossible to achieve at home, since the ficus simply refuses to bloom.

Natural habitats tropical forests of Asia, China, Australia with good sun illumination. Home care of ficus microcarps does not present any particular difficulties, although some conditions must be adhered to, otherwise the small tree simply will not survive. The peculiarity lies in the binding of the root system into certain forms (figures), which is located on the surface, as well as a beautiful lush crown.

The name microcarp comes from its miniature fruits, which is translated from Greek mikros karpos - a small fruit.

Description: In the tropics, the height reaches 20 - 25 m, at home, it does not exceed 2-3 m. In nature, it is often an epiphyte, that is, it constantly grows on another tree.

Oval wide leaves lanceolate at the end are curved, smooth with a solid color, located on short petioles. They look like they've been waxed. The bark of the trunk is brown, the leaves are green, dark green. Fruits in natural conditions with small yellow fruits, which, when ripe, turn burgundy. Especially afraid of dry climate and scorching sun.

Ficus microcarpa (bonsai) home care

This type of ficus is a small ornamental tree that prefers a humid room and does not tolerate temperature extremes and drafts.

When buying, or moving to a new location, don't worry if your favorite tree has begun to shed its leaves. A month later, everything is back to normal. So the ficus is trying to adapt to a new place and climate, shedding unnecessary (extra) leaves, thereby making a margin of stamina in the habitat. Keep it at constant humidity, spraying daily and new leaves will appear in a month.

Lighting: Prefers moderate light, avoiding direct sunlight. Feels good away from the window in constant partial shade. He does not like frequent permutations from place to place, otherwise he will begin to drop leaves. For partial prevention, there is a purchased Epin biostimulator, which needs to be sprayed on the plant.

Temperature: The main feature in the care of microcarp ficus is not temperature indicators, but the absence of drafts and sudden changes of 5-7 degrees. Comfortable living temperature is 16-23 degrees. Temperatures above 25 degrees can lead to drying out of the soil and a decrease in humidity in the room. In such cases, the icus must be constantly sprayed. It is also better to put a humidifier in the house. Water is used settled for at least 10-12 hours, slightly above room temperature, otherwise the ficus will begin to shed its leaves. Dropping can also happen through too low a constant temperature regime.

Soil: The kidney is used either purchased for ficuses (palm trees), or prepared independently. Recipe: sand, picking earth, clay. Everything is mixed and added in equal proportions.

Humidity: As mentioned earlier, ficus needs a humid climate. Regularly, during the hot period daily, spray it 1-2 times a day. Also during the heating period, if it is not possible to reduce the temperature on the heating radiators. Leaves in addition to spraying, can be wiped with a damp cloth. It is not the trunk that is sprayed, but the leaves.

Watering: Water sparingly, too much water will cause the root system to rot and the tree will die. The interval between watering is determined by the presence of dry land. Try it, if the soil is dry 2-3 cm deep, you can water it. Water is used soft, or rain at room temperature, or slightly higher. Cold water causes leaves to fall. Excess water in the pan must be poured out, stagnation also negatively affects growth. There is no specific watering interval, everything is individual for each tree.

Transplantation: Transplantation is carried out 1 time in 3 years. Ficus microcarp does not like transplanting very much and, if the roots are damaged, it can throw off the leaves. In addition, the growth of the trunk is quite slow. When transplanting, partially or completely replace the soil with fresh. The pot is chosen 2-3 cm in diameter larger than the previous one. First, make good drainage from expanded clay and charcoal. The soil should be loose, well pass water and air.

Top dressing: It is necessary to feed regularly from spring to autumn. In winter, during the dormant period, the ficus does not need fertilizers. Use purchased fertilizers on mineral and organic substances for ficus or palm plants. There are also special fertilizers for bonsai (ornamental trees). Add 2 times a month before watering. You can add fertilizer to both irrigation water and spray water.

Pruning: To form a lush crown, ficus microcarpa bonsai needs regular pruning several times a year. The trunk of young plants is also pruned to increase thickness and power.

Reproduction: Like any other of these species, microcarp is propagated by cuttings. The top is cut off with a sharp knife and placed in a vessel with water until the cutting takes root. Shoots must be taken strong with fully developed fibers. After 2-3 weeks, roots will appear. Then the young shoot is transplanted into the ground, where further growth takes place with regular transplants every year until the ficus is 3-4 years old. Further transplantation is reduced every 3 years.

Diseases and pests: Ficus is quite resistant to pests and diseases at home, but if the above rules and norms are not observed, the tree is attacked by aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Also, the leaves may lose color, turn black, dark spots appear, or fall off altogether.

Main care issues:

The leaves darken and gray spots appear - most likely, there is an excess of moisture and the roots begin to rot. Monitor watering and humidity in the room. There may be water left in the pan.
Often sheds leaves - too dry lump and not enough moisture. Leaves are sluggish and weak. It also happens with drafts, frequent moves (rearrangements) to new places, or sudden changes in temperature. Another feature of dropping leaves is watering with cold water or lack of light.
Dark twisted leaves - the ficus may have received burns from direct sunlight.
Spider mite - low humidity in the room.

Pests are either washed off with water with a damp sponge, or with a soapy solution with the addition of 1 tbsp. spoons of alcohol per 1 liter. water is also replaced by an earthen room.

Perhaps this is all you need to know about ficus microcarp bonsai for proper care at home.

Why do ficuses shed their leaves

Many flower growers love ficuses not only for their external beauty, but also for their unpretentiousness, because these plants do not need to be watered, fed and transplanted often. But, despite this, certain difficulties with the cultivation of ficuses still arise. Most often this concerns the fall of the leaves.

In this article, we will give the main reasons that can explain why the ficus sheds leaves, and what measures should be taken to keep the plant green.

When does a ficus shed its leaves?

Novice flower growers can be excited by the fall of leaves from a ficus. If this process occurs in late autumn or early winter, you should not worry - this is an absolutely natural process.

In the cold season, most varieties of this crop enter a period of vegetative dormancy and begin to change their green cover, shedding the old one. In this case, new leaves are formed almost immediately.

In addition, the fall may be associated with the age of the plant. As a rule, the green parts of the culture live for two to three years, after which they are renewed. But, if your flower is relatively young, and the cold time has not yet come, and the leaves are falling off the plant, you should think about external factors that could provoke this process.

Why ficus sheds leaves

Dropping leaves is considered a completely natural renewal process. In some varieties, it starts from the lower tiers, which gradually turn yellow, dry out and fall off (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Natural process of leaf change

In other species, with the onset of winter, all foliage may fall. You should not worry about this, as new parts are formed almost immediately. But it often happens that leaf fall is associated with negative environmental factors that must be eliminated in order to preserve the decorativeness of the culture.

Why do ficus leaves fall?

Despite the fact that the ficus is considered a relatively unpretentious plant in terms of care, some actions of the grower can lead to the fact that the leaves of the culture will begin to fall off.

If such a nuisance has already happened to your flower, exclude negative factors one by one in order to accurately determine the cause and eliminate it. We will describe the most popular reasons for falling off below.

Air temperature

Under natural conditions, ficuses grow in the tropics, so drafts and low temperatures affect them extremely negatively (Figure 2).

Note: The root system of the flower is especially sensitive to cold and drafts, therefore it is not recommended to put the plant pot on a cold windowsill.

+20 degrees is considered the most comfortable temperature for a crop, but there are varieties that require higher temperatures for normal growth and development. But you should not overheat the flower either: if the temperature in the room exceeds +28 degrees, the leaves will begin to wither and lose color.

Wrong watering

These inhabitants of the tropics react extremely negatively to excess moisture. And if the water begins to stagnate at the roots, they will begin to rot altogether. If appropriate measures are not taken in time, the plant will first lose its greenery, and then die altogether.

Figure 2. The result of ficus overheating

To prevent this from happening, you need to strictly follow the irrigation schedule. In general, the plant does not need to be watered too often. To check the need for moisture, it is enough to pierce the substrate with a thin wooden stick. Ideally, it should stay dry. This means that the soil has dried to a sufficient depth and the flower can be watered.

Air humidity

In winter, during the heating season, the air in the room becomes too dry, which negatively affects the ficus. Similar processes occur in hot summers without rain.

Such conditions can lead to yellowing and leaf drop (in dwarf varieties) or the characteristic spots of large varieties. To prevent such a nuisance, you need to periodically spray the plant with water at room temperature (preferably in the morning and evening) and from time to time wipe the green parts with a damp sponge.

Presence of pests

It often happens that the grower simply did not notice that insects were wound up in the pot. But their presence will not go unnoticed. Most pests feed on plant juices (aphids, spider mites and scale insects). Accordingly, the culture loses vitality and simply cannot support foliage.

If you notice that your flower is starting to shed its leaves, carefully inspect the soil and above ground parts of the plant. So you can detect insects and take measures to eliminate them. So, aphid colonies most often settle on the stems and the inner surface of the plates, spider mites form a characteristic web on the aerial parts, and scale insects stick to the stems and leaves, and outwardly resemble brown growths.

To remove pests, you must first wash the plant with soapy water (followed by washing with clean water) and spray with special insecticides (depending on the type of pest found).

fungal diseases

If the ficus not only began to lose leaves, but also changed color, there is every reason to suspect fungal diseases. In this case, the foliage can not only change color, but also cover with age spots or stripes.

As a rule, fungal diseases occur when the plant is not cared for properly, or when an infected substrate is used for transplantation. You can’t hesitate: in order to save the plant, you must immediately treat it with fungicides.

The fact is that the flower itself is quite resistant to diseases and pests, and such troubles most often occur with improper care of the plant. Therefore, if you fertilize or treat the flower with pesticides too often and intensively, the plant may simply not withstand such a load and begin to shed its leaves.

The only characteristic feature of the ficus, which greatly distinguishes it from other indoor crops, is a strong intolerance to transplanting or changing the location. Even if you just moved the pot of the plant, its leaves may begin to fall off.

This also applies to transplants. It is advisable to carry it out in early spring, when the culture has not yet awakened after a period of vegetative dormancy. But even in this case, it is possible that after transplanting the leaves will begin to fall off. Do not panic: you need to leave the flower alone for a while, and after about a month, apply top dressing, which will help the plant gain strength.

Bad light

As we have already said, in nature, ficuses are found in the tropics, so both direct sunlight and lack of lighting are detrimental to them. If it is dark, its leaves will gradually begin to shrink, and then fall off. With strong exposure to direct sunlight, signs of burns (yellowing) will first appear, and then the foliage may completely fall off (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Optimal lighting for a flower

To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to place the flower pot at some distance from the window: so that the culture receives enough light, but it is diffused. Only such conditions will be suitable for this inhabitant of the rainforest.

Why do ficus leaves fall in winter

In winter, most varieties of crops enter a period of vegetative dormancy. Therefore, if you notice that your flower has noticeably thinned out, you should immediately water and feed it intensively. On the contrary, such procedures will only worsen the situation.

It is important to remember that leaf fall in the cold season is an absolutely natural process, and soon new greenery will appear in place of the old foliage.

How to prevent

If you notice the beginning of leaf fall in time, and establish that this process is not associated with natural causes, you must immediately take certain actions to save the flower (Figure 4).

You can prevent leaf fall in ficus as follows:

Check the quality and degree of soil moisture: if it is too wet, watering is completely stopped for two weeks. If after this the plant does not recover, transplant into a new and moderately moist soil.
Feed the plant: perhaps you have not added nutrients to the soil for too long, and your flower simply does not have enough trace elements.
Check the plant for pests: to do this, it is enough to inspect the soil and above-ground parts. If insects were found, they must be destroyed with special chemicals.
Inspect the root system: to do this, the plant must be carefully removed from the pot and checked if the roots have rotted. If such areas have been noticed, they should be cut off, treated with crushed coal, and the plant itself should be transplanted into a new pot with fresh soil.

Figure 4. Proper care at home

It is important to remember that ficus should not be watered and fed too intensively. It is also advisable to determine in advance the location of its location: the plant reacts negatively to a change of scenery.

More information about the cause of dropping leaves in this crop is given in the video.

ficus bonsai

You can easily grow a small tree at home. With proper care, it will always decorate your room interior. For this purpose, the art of bonsai is used. Thanks to him, you can create such a miracle. It originates in China. Bonsai are made from pomegranate or olive, oleander and bougainvillea are also used. This is the classic version. And at home, it is best to grow ficus bonsai with the help of this science.

How to grow ficus bonsai

The art of bonsai is the formation of a mini tree that occurs with the correct pruning of the roots and crown of plants. Ficus is perfect for this. Due to its rapid growth, the tree is obtained after three years of cultivation. To make a ficus bonsai, you need to grow a plant using twigs. They are pre-rooted in water, and then they are planted. As they grow, they are intertwined.

Ficus bonsai must be grown in a special pot with a shallow depth, but a large area is required in latitude. The container must have drainage holes. Since we do not need excessive moisture. A layer of sand is laid on its bottom, and soil is poured on top. Ficus before planting cut the roots and planted to the level of the root collar. The soil around it is slightly compacted. With the growth of the root system and twigs, they are again pruned and transplanted. Because of this, the tree grows in width. The trunk thickens. When its size suits you, then they begin to form and trim the crown.

As soon as the roots get stronger, they begin to bare a little bit. The skins are removed from the branches at the points of contact and tied with wire. It is periodically changed to avoid ingrowth. Thanks to this procedure, the branches begin to grow together. As a result, fused shoots can form one powerful trunk. You can also graft shoots of other types of plants on a tree at home, as well as transplant aerial roots.

Ficus is a plastic plant, therefore, when forming a crown, you can use a wire to make it any bend. The tree is tied for a couple of months, then it is released and the plant remembers its direction in which it grew. It is impossible to cut ficus bonsai branches in large quantities - this can provoke the growth of thin side shoots that will appear from dormant buds.

At home, it is good to make ficus bonsai because it does not require winter dormancy. And also does not need any special care indoors. This plant feels wonderful at a temperature of 12 to 18 degrees. In the summer, he needs to ensure a stay in the fresh air. For this purpose, a balcony or terrace is suitable. So the ficus will get used to direct sunlight. Remember, he does not like dry air. Excessively high or low temperature in the room will not be pleasant for him, as well as drafts.

When leaving, it should be noted that the tree should receive moderate watering, since drying out of the soil will be detrimental to it. Make sure that when watering the ficus bonsai, all the water comes out of the drainage holes. As often as possible, it is necessary to loosen the soil and spray the plant daily with water that has settled. In spring and autumn, ficus requires fertilizing with mineral fertilizers twice a week. And do not forget that in the spring it needs to be transplanted every two years. After it, the ficus can drop foliage. But it's not scary. Do not be afraid, in three weeks you will again receive a green tree.

During the growing season of ficus bonsai at home, additional lighting will be required. For this purpose, a fluorescent lamp is used.

What types of ficuses are used, possible forms

Using the science of bonsai, you can grow a tree from certain types of ficus. They may differ both in their appearance and in the rules of care. So, for example, a good bonsai is obtained from Benjamin's ficus, but this type of plant does not like wire wrapping, so this technique will not work for it. Ficus ginseng is often used. It is very original because of the bizarre shape of the roots. Ficus panda has a decorative look. All thanks to its rounded leaves. He likes pruning, but his enemies are drafts. The sacred ficus, grown in the bonsai style, has a strong light grayish trunk. It is formed with wire and by trimming. Not bad is obtained bonsai from varieties of ficus karika, dark-leaved, Bengal.

From ficuses you can grow bonsai of various shapes. Each has its own name.

Tekkan - the trunk of the plant has a straight shape
Moyogi - the straight shape of the trunk has separate bends in certain places.
Syakan - the trunk of the plant has a slope, and the roots are slightly twisted.
Sokan - the plant has a forked trunk.
Hokidachi - in a tree, both the branches and the roots diverge symmetrically.
Grove - is a composition that consists of several trees.

If you decide to grow a bonsai at home for the first time, then start with the very first and simplest form. She is classic. This process is constant, it is not fast, it must take a sufficient time, at least a year, for you to see the first results of your activities.

Possible maintenance problems

A bonsai-style ficus may have leaves falling off. This can be due to a lack or excess of moisture, as well as drafts. The hot sun will also contribute to this. Therefore, in order to understand the possible reasons, it is worth watching the tree and finding out which rule of care you do not follow. As soon as you understand everything, the plant will again delight you with new green foliage.

All ficuses are resistant to pest attack. But if the plant is weakened, it may be attacked by spider mites and scale insects. In this case, the tree is treated with special insecticides purchased in specialized stores. One treatment is usually sufficient.

gardennikam.com

Causes of blackening of ficuses and their shedding of leaves, home care

Scientific research has established the fact that ficus can drop leaves in two ways:

in a natural way;
as a response to adverse external factors.

Why do ficus leaves fall even though he was properly cared for?

In the process of renewal and growth from old age, ficus can also fall leaves, and this is a generally accepted factor within the normal range. As for the rapid and rather active loss of green mass, it can be caused by a number of reasons:

errors in the mode of fertilization and watering;
low air humidity:
drafts and hypothermia;
change in conditions and place of plant maintenance;
sharp jumps in temperature, caused by sudden drops;
soil poisoning with pesticides;
unbalanced soil composition;
plant pests;
various flower diseases

By the way, if you have a large flower garden, we have a lot of useful articles about diseases of various plants. Here is one of them - "".

Methods of preventive control of leaf fall in ficus benjamin

To begin with, we will take a closer look at the causes of leaf fall using the example of ficus benjamin, as well as ways to prevent and combat these phenomena.

Ficus benjamin looks luxurious in any interior, perhaps by its presence it is able to emphasize and focus on the social status or material well-being of its owner, thereby raising the level of the above factors in the eyes of others. At the same time, novice flower growers instantly experience an all-consuming feeling of confusion, because they simply give up when the crown is thinning before their eyes. Beginners in the field of floriculture absolutely do not know what measures need to be taken in order to provide all possible effective assistance to their beloved plant ... If you are faced with such an unpleasant problem, what should you do if the leaves of ficus benjamin fall?

Initially, the most likely cause of a flower ailment should be identified and eliminated, while all external conditions and symptoms should be adopted;
Take into account the peculiarities of the content of specific varieties and varieties, on the basis of which it is necessary to ensure correct and competent care for ficus. Flower leaf fall can occur year-round, but most often such an incident occurs in autumn and winter. Three main aspects are directly dependent on each other - temperature, air humidity and proper lighting: if the value of one indicator rises, therefore, others should rise along with it. However, in winter, a diametrically opposite situation occurs, which is characterized by short daylight hours, too high temperatures and dry air. It is possible to correct such an imbalance with the help of available improvised means and methods. For example, in order to take preventive measures against absolute dehydration, the ficus is forced to take off its leaves on its own when intensive evaporation of moisture occurs in a warm room with dry air. Given the low humidity, the necessary measures are regular spraying, air humidifiers, mini-greenhouses, pallets with raw expanded clay or water. Sources of artificial light, the role of which is successfully performed by tubular or compact fluorescent lamps, are actively used when there is a lack of sunlight.
To increase the level of resistance and resistance to external adverse factors and irritants, it is recommended to use anti-stress drugs such as Zircon or Epin. A solution for spraying the crown is advised to prepare immediately before the procedure itself. A similar recommendation can also be found in the manufacturer's instructions.
Significantly reduce or even stop fertilizing (an exception is the case when a flower ailment arose due to a deficiency of fertilizer). A weakened plant has a lack of strength for further vegetation, so additional nutrients are an incentive for it.
Treat the plant with appropriate suitable chemical protection when diseases or pests are detected. In this case, you should carefully read the recommendations on the package.
With a progressive disease and ficus leaf fall in droves, the condition of the root system should be checked, because in some cases the ficus leaves not only fall off, but also turn black. When performing the above procedure, carefully remove the bush from the container and scrupulously inspect the underground part. Soft and rotten (blackened) or shriveled and dried roots are cut to healthy tissue (its main characteristics are density and milky or white color), it is important to powder the sections with charcoal (you can use a tablet of crushed activated carbon), after completing the “treatment” procedures ficus should be transplanted into a smaller pot, in which it is imperative to completely or partially replace the earth.

Is it possible to save a ficus if it is completely naked?

How to save a ficus if its last leaves fall and it remains completely naked?

Even when the last leaves of ficus benjamin fall, you should not get upset, become discouraged or depressed and hang your nose! Even a tree that does not have a single leaf on it has every chance to successfully grow new shoots, thanks to the regenerative function of the function of a living microorganism, the necessary effective preventive and curative measures taken in a timely manner and the ongoing, never-ending efforts to save it.

In order to determine the state of “health” of ficus flowers, no special efforts are needed, everything is quite simple and banal: if milky juice appears on the stem incision and you can feel by touch that the branches are flexible, barely touching them, therefore, the plant living and the state of his "health" in perfect order, which means that the owners do not have the slightest cause for concern.

And the ficus is actually a magical flower, homely, it can fulfill any desires for housekeeping. It helps in establishing family relationships, maintains the health of the owners of the house. If you want to have a baby, bring a ficus into the house, you can already have a solid one, or you can just a twig.

Ficus varieties: problems and diseases of foliage

There may also be a number of problems with the fall of the leaves of the rubber-nosed ficus, which propagates by air layering or cuttings and forms in the form of a bush or tree. To avoid abundant leaf fall of the plant, it is necessary to keep in mind, taking note of general information regarding the conditions of detention and how to care for it.

18-25 degrees above zero is the optimal temperature for keeping rubber-bearing ficus (avoid hypothermia of roots and drafts). Pay attention to the lighting (for variegated varieties, find a bright place; in summer, the ficus needs protection from the direct rays of the midday sun. Water the plants correctly, using filtered or warm settled water, but at the same time avoid waterlogging the soil. Rational top dressing ( application of nitrogen fertilizers to the soil from early spring to early autumn every one or two weeks). Transplant rubber-nosed ficus every 1-3 years, when the roots will braid the entire clod of earth, in spring or early summer.Perform hygiene procedures: arrange a warm shower every month, and clean the leaves with a damp sponge from dust weekly.

As the next variety of ficus, consider the ficus kinki, which, having medium-sized leaves, resembles a tree in its appearance. Ficus kinki is more elegant compared to its large-leaved compatriots. A properly formed crown is an important factor in growing this type of ficus. Sometimes several plants are planted in a pot to keep the bush upright. Young shoots are intertwined with each other as they grow, and over time, the trunks are spliced at the point of contact. Assistance in this procedure will be provided by a support peg, to which, in order to give a vertical position to the plant with the prospect of its further growth, it is necessary to tie up a young shoot. Upon reaching the shoot, which must necessarily become thick enough, the desired level of height to hold the crown, the peg can be removed. Ficus kinki can be sheared without any problems, because it tolerates a haircut quite easily, and form a beautiful curly crown, and the small ficus foliage will be a concomitant factor for its formation.

The main reason for the massive leaf fall of Kinki's ficus is a change in the usual conditions of detention or a lack of light.

Ficus bonsai drops leaves due to a number of reasons:

excessive watering, which causes dark spots or root rot on the leaves;
insufficient watering, which serves as a factor that weakens the general condition of the plant and leads to leaf shedding;
low air humidity, causing abundant leaf fall and infection with spider mites;
insufficient level of lighting quality, watering with cold water or keeping ficus bonsai at a temperature that is too low (below +17 degrees) or too high (above +23 degrees) for it;
flows of both cold and warm air along with drafts;
sharp jumps in temperature;
moving to a new place of residence.

Ficus nitida is one of the varieties of ficus benjamin. This species can be attributed to an artificially created plant planted in tubs, which has oval-oblong glossy dense leaves that have a rich and juicy dark green color. The trunk of the ficus nitida has graceful smooth curves, and the crown of the described tree is lush and dense. This ficus, due to the dark green color of the leaves, is resistant to a temporary lack of light.

However, ficus nitida can shed its leaves due to a waterlogged state of the soil, a sharp change in climate, watering with cold water, low indoor air temperature, a cold piercing draft, or an excess amount of nutrients in the soil.

Dear readers, if you are seriously interested in decorating your home, we have an excellent one.

Video: Ficus Care

There are almost everywhere: at home, on the streets, offices. Sometimes mishaps happen to them. I would like to tell you a wonderful story about about saving one plant . Now the participants of those events remember her with a smile, but then they were not laughing at all. After reading the story to the end, you will know what to do if you flooded the bonsai (ficus).>>>

The director of one small organization stood on the windowsill. It was a ficus with a dense, beautiful crown. He loved it very much, it was a gift, and the plant itself really enlivened a boring office room. A small bonsai grew up without a drain hole, constantly suffering from waterlogging. Cleaner Irina Then, fearing that the plant would die, the director left a note next to the pot: "Don't water!" He went on vacation himself.

The cleaning lady conscientiously carried out the wishes of the manager until she noticed that something was wrong with him. Then she brought an employee experienced in indoor floriculture to the director's office. The poor ficus looked quite dejected. From the touch, some of the leaves fell off, the rest kept on the branches, but were completely dry. The branches are dry too. Only a thick trunk remained alive.

The employee called for help zealously began to fight for the life of the “patient”. All dry leaves were removed, dried branches were cut, the soil was watered. small tree she sprayed, then put a plastic bag over him. She asked the cleaner not to water the ficus, so that the roots would not rot and mold would not appear. Every day the condition of the "sick" was checked.

A number of measures for careful care were constantly carried out: the bag was removed, the crown of the pet was sprayed, the tree was a little ventilated, then again placed under the bag . Sometimes these actions were done even twice a day.And the technician Irina still managed to splash water, believing that in this way she saves the ficus from drought. Eventually the roots started to rot.

It was scary to transplant the plant, as the poor thing had already suffered severe stress. Instead, it was decided to dig a little earth, cut off the rotten roots. Then they were sprinkled with activated carbon, covered with earth. There was a layer of sand at the bottom of the planter - that was good news.

And after a few days of waiting, a skilled savior saw three small green dots. How much joy there was, because with them there was a hope that the wounded would return to life. To always have it in sight, she moved the planter to her. She continued to spray and air. Soon the first little leaves appeared. It was a victory!

By the return of the head of the firm, there were already several thin, tender branches on the trunk. And after a few months, the rescued man began to look even better than before his “clinical death”.

Perhaps the rescued bonsai looked like this:

These are the stories that sometimes happen. All is well that ends well. This story has a good ending, but it could have been different. Be attentive to yours, observing and creating favorable conditions for them, and they, in turn, will delight you with their healthy appearance, greenery and beauty. And in extreme cases, you will now know what to do if you flooded bonsai (ficus).

Based on the materials of the magazine "Home flowers", from the life of the reader Tatyana Kutsukho (Postavy, Vitebsk region)

By the way, if you all decide to flood your bonsai, then know that they may be surprised? Read this section in full: