Ficus rubber: how to form the crown. How to trim a rubber locust

Ficus is a plant that by its very nature grows exceptionally upwards. However, for growing at home, this is not entirely convenient. It is for this to be done pruning the plant to form the desired shape of the flower.

Features of the plant

Ficus rubber (how to form the crown will be described in this article) is a plant that belongs to the genus Ficus of the Mulberry family. The native land of this representative is India, namely the north-eastern part of it, as well as the south of Indonesia and the western part of Africa. As an ornamental plant, it is grown outside tropical territories. In addition to the decorative function can perform and industrial, because it is large trees give rubber.

When growing in its natural conditions, the ficus can reach a size of 40 m in height, thus forming the so-called root-props. The main feature of the latter is that they descend to the ground and take root in it. If the ficus rubber is grown at home, the maximum growth, as a rule, does not exceed 10 m, if pruning was not performed.

Beneficial features

In addition to that rubber is extracted from this plant, the ficus is also considered to be the most useful flower, which can significantly improve the air. This is due to the fact that through the leaves the air passes through both a pipe. During this passage, it is significantly enriched in oxygen.

Another important advantage is the unpretentiousness of the ficus in care.

In the conditions of home growing, it practically does not bloom, is not whimsical and can adapt absolutely to any conditions. The only thing, the plant should be kept away from direct sunlight, in time and in the right amount to water and bathe.

Physiology of ficus growth

Ficus rubber (how to form a crown will be described further) with the help of the trimming process can take all possible forms. This will allow the plant to become a real unique ornament of any home. You can do this yourself, the main thing is to have patience and observe the basic rules.

How does the ficus grow rubbery? New shoots, as a rule, develop from the formed kidneys. There are two types:

• Apical (located on the top of the plant);
• Lateral, or axillary (located in the axils of the leaves, in those places where the petioles of the leaves are attached directly to the trunk).

The apical bud develops at an accelerated rate, while the lateral ones retard development or are completely blocked. If the upper kidney is removed, it activates the side buds, and the shoots will begin their growth in the sides. Thus, the formation of a rubber-figged ficus takes place.

Trimming rules

The time of crown formation is of great importance. Before you cut a rubber figurine at home, you should choose the right period for this: autumn or spring.

If you produce the crown in the spring, it will allow you to get a more magnificent plant, because it is during this period that the plant is able to recharge energy. As a result, you will get a flower that will be sufficiently stimulated, and in the same direction in the same way.

But if you decide to perform the procedure in the fall or winter, this threatens a one-sided development. The big risk is that as a result you get a twisted plant. In addition, it is during this period that the ficus of the rubber (how to form the crown with the help of some devices you will find out later) uses all the nutrients accumulated during the summer season . And if you cut off some of its shoots, you simply deprive the plant of these very stocks.

The very process of crown formation consists not only of pruning and shortening of shoots, but also indicating the direction of their further growth. As a rule, various tensioning devices are used for this.

Crown formation without cropping

Before you cut the rubber figurine, think about whether you need to do this. Forming the crown can only be the direction and fixation of certain shoots. Using this method minimizes the trauma of the plant. After a certain time, these fixing devices can be safely cleaned.

It is also worth considering the age of the ficus. A younger plant tolerates this procedure more easily. But adult plants no longer have sufficient flexibility of shoots, and they are very easy to injure.

Ficus of the rubber: how to form the crown correctly?

These rules apply to single plants that grow into one trunk.

1. It is necessary to wait until the growth of the plant is about 70 cm. After this, it is necessary to cut off the upper stem of the rubber-figged ficus. This will allow the plant to develop its lateral shoots. Cut off the same stalk can be rooted next to the main plant, thereby form an unusual shape of the bush.
2. If you want to work on the form of a small plant, it's enough just to pinch his crown. However, it is worth noting that there is a high probability that only one sprout will grow from this point.
3. You can stimulate the growth of lateral shoots by simply bending the vertex, after which it can be securely fixed. When the kidney, which turned out to be the top, will begin to grow actively, the trunk can be returned to its original position.
4. Stimulate the growth of additional branches will help the following procedure: a thick needle to pierce the main trunk by a third of the thickness. If you make a few piercings, only the lower one will be active. That's why it's better to begin this procedure from the top.
5. A thin branch of the plant should be cut in a straight line. If you need to cut a thick shoot, the cut must be at an angle.
6. For the procedure, take only sterile instruments, moreover, ideally sharp. A fire or medical alcohol is suitable for sterilization.
7. Dedicated juice after cutting should be removed. Use a wet cloth for these purposes. Additional processing is not required.
8. A month after the procedure the plant needs additional fertilizing. It is also recommended that the ficus be transplanted into a larger pot.

How to trim a rubber figurine at home? Easy enough. Just follow the basic rules. For example, when pruning a rubber fig tree, do not forget that it secrete milky juice, which is sufficiently poisonous. All actions should be carried out in protective gloves.

Formation of an unusual crown

How to form a rubber figurine of an unusual kind? Everything is very simple. Do this procedure is not necessary with a single plant, and planting in one pot several ficuses. Flowers should be young, equally developed and the average height should not exceed 15 cm.

All side shoots must necessarily be removed, and the trunk, as the plant grows, to give the desired shape. The main rule: weaving should be carried out freely, because in time the trunks will thicken. To form a spiral you will have two plants in one pot, for "pigtail" - not less than three.

We begin to weave when all the plants in the pot have reached a certain height (as a rule, it is 13-15 cm). Each next turn must be done as the plant develops. To prevent the braids from unraveling, the trunks must be tied up. Threads should be soft, ideally, if you take woolen. They need to be bandaged every two months. If necessary, you can install a support.

Similar trunks look really impressive and unusual.

Instead of concluding

If your ficus bush is overgrown, then part of the shoots, mostly those that are directed inside the crown, are removed. This will allow each plant leaf to get the right amount of sunlight.

Having gained a certain experience, you can easily form a whole sculpture from a fig tree.