Ficus robusta or elastica is a very undemanding plant to grow. This plant, typical of tropical countries, needs indirect light, misty water and temperatures never lower than 15°C. 

Essential for your   apartment   . There is more than one reason to grow  ficus robusta  in an apartment,    in short, in addition to its large green leaves capable of adding a touch of elegance to every corner of the house, there are more.

This tropical plant is able to humidify a closed environment and at the same time absorb   pollutants   present in the air; In particular, it appears to be very effective against   formaldehyde   , a substance released by various household products and cigarette smoke that is unhealthy for humans.

A robust fig tree
  • 1.
    Characteristics
  • 2.
    Exposure
  • 3.
    Soil and fertilizer
  • 4.
    Irrigation
  • 5.
    Pruning
  • 6.
    Diseases and parasites

Characteristics

 Ficus   robusta  or elastica, belonging to the  Moraceae family   , is a beautiful houseplant that originates from the Far East. In nature, ficus robusta is destined to become a true   tree   , known as   a rubber tree   , hence the name   ficus elastica   or   rubber fig   , because high quality rubber can be extracted from the latex of the plant. Otherwise, ficus robusta is recognizable by its central vertical stem from which large, glossy, deep green leaves develop.

Exposure

Ficus robusta is   a tropical plant   , so it tolerates heat, but not cold, i.e. temperatures below 15°C. In summer, you can let the plant grow outside, in semi-shade, in winter it is better to seek shelter from the cold and remember that the ideal temperature to keep in the apartment should be between 16°C. and 27ºC. Ficus robusta can be placed in the light, but not in direct sun, mainly to avoid burning the leaves.

Soil and fertilizer

After you get   a large pot with a diameter of at least 25 cm   , add some   expanded clay   and then some   universal soil   or soil for green plants. Use a liquid fertilizer for green plants and dilute it in the water you normally use to water the plant.   When to fertilize?    Every 15 days in spring and summer, once a month in winter

Irrigation

You should water the plant approximately every five days in the warmer months and every ten in the colder months. To avoid mistakes, often check the soil on the surface with your finger: if it is dry, water, otherwise wait. Just watch out for   stagnant water   , which could cause rot and suffocation of the plant’s roots.

Another recommendation: if your ficus robusta is in an apartment, it can suffer from heating in winter and air conditioning in summer. To give it some relief when the environment is particularly dry, occasionally   spray a little non-lime water   (so as not to damage the leaves)   at room temperature  on its leaves  .

Pruning

To limit the size of a plant that can grow too much, or to remove damaged parts of the plant, it is possible to proceed with   pruning operations.    The best time for this is   spring   , although the removal of dried parts can be done at any time of the year.

Diseases and parasites

Check regularly if your   ficus robusta   has been infected with   mealy bugs   , and if it has, use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to clean the leaves.

Improper exposure, insufficient or excessive watering and accidental stagnation of water can cause   ficus robusta leaves   to turn yellow, turn brick or even fall off. In this case, you are making some mistakes, so read the instructions for growing   a robust ficus   and try to save what you can.

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