Ficus carica

Family. Moraceae.

Where does it grow? Mediterranean.

Description. Ficus carica are monoecious or dioecious deciduous trees or large shrubs with erect stems. The leaves are large - up to 15 cm long and 10 - 15 cm wide, palmately - divided, with three or five “fingers”, when damaged they emit a pleasant aroma. The leaf blades are dark green above and lighter below. Mature plants have smooth silver-gray bark. The flowers are inconspicuous, greenish, collected in inflorescences, appear in the spring and are often not visible, since they are located inside the syconium. After flowering, edible fruits develop, round or pear-shaped, with numerous seeds up to 5 cm in diameter. Figs are green and often turn brown or purple when ripe, but ripening can take several months. The main crop ripens in late summer or autumn. For indoor cultivation, it is advisable to choose monoecious varieties that do not require cross-pollination to bear fruit.

Height. In nature it reaches 7-10 m in height. In domestic culture the size is regulated by pruning - up to 100 cm.

Growing

Home care, pruning 

Prune the branches back to just 5 main shoots to create a compact, attractive shape. The branches are shortened by about 1/3 of their length. Regularly pinch the tips of young shoots to get a more branched plant with a dense crown. During the dormant period, the plant may shed leaves - this is a normal process. If possible, take the tree outside during the warm season, taking care to shelter it from strong winds and rain.

Diseases and pests 

Leaf spots, rust, and rot are fairly common in this genus. Plants may shed leaves if overwatered or not getting enough light.

When grown at home, harmful insects may include spider mites, root nematodes, mealybugs, and aphids. 

Reproduction

Ficus carica can be propagated by seeds, but this is a very long process that does not guarantee results. The next generation may not inherit the properties of its parents. Seeds are sown in wet peat with sand, germination does not occur quickly - from several weeks to several months.

Cuttings 15 - 25 cm long, taken in the spring, before the start of new growth. Rooting should occur in a mixture of wet sand and peat, in a place without direct sunlight. Cuttings root quite easily. By layering.

Transplant 

Mature trees are replanted every 2-3 years. For large specimens, the top 5-7 cm of soil is replaced with fresh soil every spring. Ficus can be replanted at any time of the year, but the largest roots can be shortened to half their length. Young seedlings develop quickly and may require 2-3 replantings in the first year. If possible, careful transshipment should be used. The need for replanting will be indicated by roots emerging from the drainage holes. When planting, young plants can be slightly deepened - lateral roots will appear on the deepened trunk.

Watering

Water deeply in spring and summer, allowing the soil to dry out before each watering. In autumn and winter, reduce the frequency of watering enough to prevent the soil from drying out. For irrigation, use only well-settled water at room temperature. 

Flowering time

Figs mainly bloom in spring.

Feeding

This plant is best fed with low-nitrogen or organic fertilizers. With an excess of nitrogen, ficus carica abundantly grow green mass to the detriment of flowering. During the dormant period, feeding is stopped and gradually resumed only with the beginning of new growth.

Containment temperature

The normal room temperature in spring and summer is around 22–26°C. In autumn and winter, arrange a dormant period by moving the pot to a cool room with a temperature of around 8°C.

Lighting

A very well-lit place with direct sunlight in the morning and evening for 6-7 hours a day. Periodically turn the pot with different sides towards the light source - the tree will develop symmetrically. With poor lighting, the yield will come to naught. In autumn and winter, if the plant has fallen into a state of rest and has shed its leaves, lighting does not play any role.

Soil

Prefers soil rich in organic nutrients and well-drained, but tolerates rather poor soils. The pH value of the soil should be in the range from 6.0 to 6.5; the plant cannot tolerate acidic soil. 

Spraying 

Spray the leaves with water at room temperature. Figs do not like drafts. 

Purpose

An amazingly hardy tree, which is also capable of bearing fruit indoors with proper care. Ficus carica are suitable for growing in bonsai style. 

Note

Fig fruits are eaten fresh or dried.  Remember that plant sap and unripe fruits are poisonous. The juice can seriously irritate the mucous membranes. In indoor cultivation, with good care, you can get two harvests of fruit within a year. The first is at the beginning of summer and the second is at the end of summer or autumn.  One of the beneficial properties is that the plant releases special substances into the air - phytoncides, which help fight bacteria and viruses.