Even into the 1970s, the rubber tree was a common ornamental plant in living rooms. It also makes a wonderful container plant in stairwells or office buildings. Ficus elastica, as it is botanically known, has large, rubbery, dark green and glossy leaves. The tropical ornamental tree is a very robust and easy to care for plant, which you can enjoy for a long time.
In the Ficus Elastica family there are colorful varieties that differ not only in color, but also in the whims of care. However, Ficus Tricolor has become an exception to the rule. Its external characteristics are not very different from colored Elastica representatives: leaves are oval up to 20 cm long and 15 cm wide. The leaf plate is smooth, leathery, and is colored in three colors: dark green, light green, and cream-white at the edges. The central vein is light, the “vascular” departing from it has a pinnate appearance. The newly appeared leaves are shrouded with pink pristine leaves up to 15 cm. long.
As for taking care of Ficus Tricolor, an important aspect is to ensure proper lighting, which will maintain the patterns on the leaves of the plant.
Rubber tree will be able to develop well if you offer it a bright and warm location. It does not have to be full sun, but it can get used to that as well. It can also tolerate warm drafts occasionally, but this is not optimal for it, so it should have a quiet and sheltered location if possible. In a bright corner of the room, not directly by the heater and the window, he feels most comfortable.
Also in entrance areas and staircases he does well and will develop undisturbed with proper care. However, the room temperature should not fall below 60.8°F and never below 50°F, colder temperatures, especially cold drafts, it absolutely does not tolerate. In summer, Ficus elastica can be gladly placed outdoors, on the balcony or terrace, as long as it is protected from the bright midday heat.
Although it tolerates dry indoor air, as a tropical tree, it actually loves a warm and humid climate; from time to time, therefore, the rubber tree should be sprayed with water that is as free of lime as possible. The bathroom or kitchen, if there is room, would also be ideal locations for this ornamental plant.
Taking care of Ficus Tricolor at home
- Lighting: as already mentioned, Ficus Tricolor is a motley sort of rubber, which means that it needs bright light. Of course, one should not forget about the damage of direct sunlight, which can leave burns on the leaves.
Attention! Lack of light makes the color of the leaves not so bright.
- Temperature: motley varieties of ficus prefer warmth, so in summer the temperature limits may vary between +71.6°F – +75.2°F, and can also withstand up to +86°F. In winter it is desirable +59°F – +60.8°F.
Many varieties of ficus, including Ficus Tricolor are very sensitive to sudden temperature changes or drafts.
- Watering: watering is required moderate: up to 3 times a week in summer and 1-2 times a week in winter. Between irrigations, the ground should be a little dry, but do not allow it to dry out completely.
- Air humidity: the ficus will be very grateful to you for spraying it clean, room temperature water. In summer you can do it more often, but in winter you can reduce it slightly. Rubbing leaves with a wet sponge will also be suitable.
- Transplantation: young ficus should be transferred every year, and the pot should be increased by about 4-5 cm in diameter. Adult plants do not require such frequent transplants, they only need to transfer once every 3 years, but every spring you need to replace the top layer of soil.
- Feeding: Feeding is done once every two weeks from spring to autumn. You can use both mineral and organic fertilizers, alternating them.
- Reproduction: Ficus Tricolor, like its brothers, is multiplied in two ways: by rooting cuttings and air taps.
To cut it with a sharp knife, separate a small shoot with several healthy leaves. Carefully remove the milk juice from the cut. Next, the cuttings should be rooted in water or substrate.
As for the air outlet, you need to cut the trunk, insert into the cut glass. Then wrap this place with moss, polyethylene film and fasten, for example, with a thread. When the first spines appear, the escape can be separated and planted in the soil.
- Care of the leaves: The large, shiny leaves create the decorative appearance and bring tropical abundance even in a soberly decorated office. Therefore, the plant lover pays special attention to the care of the leaves, because such a large area naturally traps dust and other air particles. If the kitchen is located nearby, a greasy film may spread on the leaves. This coating not only harms the natural beauty of the plant, but also impairs its ability to make the best use of the available light. The following fairly uncomplicated measures provide a remedy:
- gently wipe with a damp cloth or sponge
- shower with lukewarm water
- protect the pot ball with a plastic bag if necessary
- then drain well so that no waterlogging occurs
- alternatively spray leaves regularly with lime-free water
Diseases and pests
Ficus Tricolor pests can be damaged by spider mites, the shield and the mealy worm. To get rid of the enemies it is enough to spray the plant with insecticides, wipe the leaves with soapy water or use other specialized chemicals. However, you will first need to remove the shield by yourself with a cotton swab.
But the diseases that can affect the ficus, mainly arise from negligence and improper care:
- Salinization of the soil can occur because the water for irrigation was too hard;
- if the plant began to drop its leaves, you need to pay attention to the temperature and humidity of the air, if the room is cold and dry, the result will not keep you waiting;
- if the edges of the leaf have dried up, the ficus may not have enough watering or too much light;
- and, finally, stopped growing, which means a tight pot or not enough light.
