The mistletoe fig or ficus deltoidea is often used as a house plant. It is known for being easy to grow under most conditions and it does not require a lot of attention. Although it is a bit slow growing, it can be planted just about anywhere and thrive. It can be pruned into a bonsai and it makes an excellent companion plant if it is placed in a garden. The ficus deltoidea is perfect for beginning gardeners.
These plants resemble small trees and they are an evergreen type of plant. They are shrubs and they grow erect. The stems are a light green color and the leaves are large and pronounced. They have speckles of yellow throughout the leaf area and there are also large veins that run through it. The textures of the leaves are soft and glossy. This plant produces small berries. They are a light green color but they can turn pink to red as the plant matures. The ficus deltoidea can reach up to six foot in height if the plant is not pruned.
There are two ways to grow this plant. You can train the young plant with a pole to grow in an upright position and this will resemble a small tree. But other people, who own a ficus deltoidea, let the plant grow naturally. The stem or center of the shrub is woody and strong and it will dip down and reach back up for a unique looking plant. The leaves and small berries will grow up and down the stem for a more interesting look.
If you were thinking about purchasing a ficus deltoidea you can decide how you would like it to grow and where to place it. This plant does not do well if it is placed in an area where the temperature goes below freezing. So many people will choose to keep this plant in the home. As long as you know how to keep the plant healthy, you can enjoy it for many years to come.
This mistletoe fig needs to be placed in sunlight everyday. But it also requires a bit of shading. Stronger sun rays that are seen in the afternoon can scorch the leaves and actually damage the plant. This is another reason why people prefer to keep these plants inside. If you do plan on planting them outdoors, pick an area that gets the morning sun and afternoon shade. This plant is capable of growing in a mostly shaded area and placing it there will not hurt the plant. Use the same concept indoors. Place them in a window with partial shading.
This plant likes water but only once every two to three weeks. If you have them outside, you can feel the soil before you water them and make sure it is sandy and dry. When you plant your ficus deltoidea, you can place it on a raised bed. This way the excess water can drain away from the plant. When most plants are new to the garden area and young, the roots can be damaged by too much water. But as they mature, this problem goes away. With this plant, there is always a risk for water damage and this includes fungal infections. If you have the plant in a pot indoors, all of these rules still apply. Never water it when the soil is moist and place holes on the bottom of the pot for the water to drain out of. If you have a plate under the pot to catch excess water, empty that immediately also. The standing water in the plate can also cause a fungus infection.
Taking care of Ficus Deltoidea at home
Taking care of Ficus Deltoidea does not require any special skills or special knowledge. It is enough to perform a set of standard actions that will ensure the healthy growth of a green pet.
- Lighting: Ficus Deltoidea is a light-loving plant, so bright diffuse light is optimal for it.
- Temperature: Resistant to changes in temperature, but it cannot stand drafts and frosts. In summer, the best option will be the temperature from +62.6°F to 75.2°F, and in winter not below +59°F.
- Watering: prefers a moderate watering, which will not cause either the soil to dry out or excess moisture. During the rest period – in winter, the frequency of watering should be reduced.
- Air humidity: During the summer period, daily spraying with clean, cool water is best. Also water loving ficus “will not give up” a cool shower and rubbing leaves with a wet sponge.
- Transplant: Ficus Deltoidea does not need an annual transplant, only the plant grown from its pot requires. Adult ficus can be changed only the top layer of the earth.
- Feeding: The fertilizer is not superfluous in the period of active growth, it is best to use mineral and organic substrates.
- Reproduction: Ficus Deltoidea at home is best to reproduce with cuttings that can be rooted either in water or in the nutrient soil.
If the temperature in the room rises, the ficus requires ventilation.
Diseases and pests of the Deltoid Ficus
Among the pests common: mealy worm, spider mite, shield and thrips. You can get rid of them with special chemicals or insecticides. Also negative effects are dry air, lack or excess moisture and direct sunlight.
