Ficus are currently one of the most popular plants in interior decoration. When we talk about Ficus we actually refer to an entire genus, which has almost 800 species of sizes as different as trees, shrubs and climbers. They are tropical plants that are usually offered as indoor plants because they do not need a lot of light, but some ficuses can reach truly impressive sizes.
If you want to learn more about the different species of ficus, join us in this EcologíaVerde article in which you will meet +35 types of ficuses, their names, characteristics and photos of some of them.
Ficus types – list of names
This is a list with some of the species and ficus varieties best known:
- Ficus Benjamina
- ficus ginseng
- ficus lyrata
- ficus elastica
- Ficus Carica
- ficus microcarpa
- Ficus Rubiginosa
- ficus pumila
- Ficus Ali
- ficus racemosa
- Ficus Cyathistipula
- ficus petiolaris
- ficus altissima
- ficus macrophylla
- Ficus Umbellata
- ficus american
- Ficus Danielle
- ficus auriculata
- ficus oblique
- ficus virens
- ficus insipida
- ficus maxima
- Ficus Drupacea
- ficus salicifolia
- ficus obtusifolia
- ficus ingens
- Ficus Religiosa
- Amstel Ficus
- ficus hawaii
- ficus diversifolia
- Ficus Maclellandii
- ficus palmeri
- ficus aspera
- ficus natalensis
- Ficus Aurea
- panda ficus
Ficus benjamina, one of the best known types of ficus
The ficus benjamina or Ficus Benjaminasince its common name coincides with the scientific one, is the most popular of the potted ficus, grown primarily as one of the tall houseplants. Under natural conditions it can reach heights of up to 30 meters, but indoors its size is much smaller despite its rapid growth.
It is of the strangling type, which in nature grows by climbing the trunk of another tree, even suffocating it, to hold itself in place. Indoors it tends not to bear fruit and if it is cut it produces an irritating white latex.
As important precautions, we emphasize that this is one of the ficus types They need abundant lighting, but not direct, and warm temperatures above 13 ºC. Here we explain more about the care of the ficus benjamina and the care of the ficus benjamina bonsai.
Ficus retusa or ginseng
The ficus retusaalso called ficus ginseng or Ficus Microcarpa L.,is particularly popular for its use as ficus bonsai. Fans of this cultivation technique appreciate it especially for its aerial roots, which grow giving it a very characteristic appearance, as well as for its marked resistance.
It is a plant that has its origin in Southeast Asia and southern China. It is evergreen, with leaves of a bright green tone and oval in shape. Its flowers are commonly called figs, since they look like fruits despite not being. The trunk of the ficus retusa is shades of gray with white areas. If we work with it for bonsai, we must be careful with the whitish and irritating latex that the trunk exudes when it is cut.
Here you can discover more about ficus ginseng bonsai care.
ficus lyrata
The ficus lyrata It is another highly appreciated plant in the interior decoration, in this case for its striking bright green foliage, with large leaves and a glossy appearance. In fact, it owes its name to the oval shape of its leaves, which are reminiscent of those of a lyre.
It is a species that has its origin in Africa and bears a certain resemblance to fig trees. Its most important requirement is light, since it needs to be in very bright locations, but without direct sunlight. This is one of the ficus types drought resistant and only need fertilization in the warm months.
elastic ficus
This species is commonly called gum or rubber treeas well as elastic ficusbut its scientific name is ficus elastica either robust ficus. It is a ficus native to northeastern India and western Indonesia, although it has been used as an indoor plant in Europe since the 19th century.
Like many others ficus types, this plant needs a warm climate, so its cultivation outdoors is only possible in tropical or temperate climates such as the Mediterranean, in areas where the temperature remains approximately between 16ºC and 21ºC. With proper care it can reach quite significant heights, even indoors and in a pot.
How to care for a ficus – basic care
talk about the ficus care In general, it can be a bit risky, since, as we have mentioned, there are a large number of species and many of them have specific needs. However, there are some characteristics and care that most plants in this genus share. Even so, if you think that something is not going well with your ficus, consult the specific needs of its species.
- Irrigation: Ficus tend not to be too picky about watering. In addition, their water needs will depend on the amount of light they receive, so it is best to water when the top layer of the substrate has dried, and do it with lukewarm water to avoid sudden changes in temperature for the plant. Here you can learn more about When to water plants.
- Location: These plants can be grown indoors, but they will still appreciate all the light possible, as long as they don’t receive it directly. The brighter the room or area it is in, the more and better the plant will grow.
- Pass: In the cold months, most ficuses do not need a fertilizer supply, but in summer it is convenient to give them a regular supply of this, either organic or synthesized chemical fertilizer.
- Other care: indoor ficuses do not support drafts, neither hot nor cold. Therefore, it is necessary to keep them away from air conditioners and radiators, which have a very negative effect on their health.
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