The following is a potted plant that is very good at purifying the air. It is Ficus microphylla. Some varieties with leaf spots are called Ficus mosaic. They are very popular indoor purification plants and do not need to be grown indoors. With regular care, it can be kept evergreen all year round, and its branches and leaves will grow very thickly, making it a good ornamental.

Ficus microphylla likes a warm and humid environment all year round. It is very easy to grow in a cool indoor environment. It can grow to several meters high in an outdoor environment and can also be grown as a bonsai plant indoors.

1. Maintenance location

Ficus microphylla can grow in various environments, but it is best to be given appropriate light. It is good to keep it in a semi-shady and semi-sun place. It likes warmth all year round. In a humid climate, small-leaf figs maintained in pots should be repotted regularly to keep their plant shape uniform and avoid growing crookedly. When the temperature is above 10 degrees, they should be grown outdoors or on a windowsill with more sunlight, without light and temperature. Too low and it will keep losing leaves.

2. Soil selection

Cultivation of Ficus microphylla requires loose, fertile and slightly acidic soil rich in humus. Avoid using peat soil for cultivation, otherwise its root system will have problems. A little more sand should be added to make sure the soil drains well.

When cultivating Ficus microphylla seedlings, avoid exposure to the sun. You can first grow them in a brightly lit environment and do not move them frequently.

3. Container selection

Don’t choose a container that is too big for cultivating Ficus microphylla, otherwise it will easily accumulate water. The bottom of the seedlings’ rhizomes should be covered with appropriate thin soil, and you can choose a container with larger drainage holes. Flower pot, which is conducive to the growth of the root system of the small-leaf fig. Water it thoroughly every time and add some leaf mold soil regularly.

4. Fertilizer

Ficus microphylla is a very fast-growing ornamental plant during the growth period. It is necessary to ensure that there are sufficient nutrients. It is usually properly decomposed every month in spring and summer. of organic fertilizer, which can promote good growth. When the weather gets cold in autumn, you should start to stop fertilizing to maintain year-round warmth and avoid yellowing of leaves.

5. Watering

Spring and summer are the peak growth seasons of Ficus microphylla. Regular watering is required, but excessive moisture in the soil should be avoided. Another problem is to control the humidity, which should be avoided. The air is dry and it likes a high-humidity environment. If you find that the leaves of Ficus microphylla are curling or turning brown, it is probably overwatering. Make sure the pot soil is dry before each watering.

After it gets cold in autumn, watering should be properly controlled, but the air humidity should be maintained at a high level.

6. Sunshine

The location where you care for Ficus microphylla must be at least brightly lit. It is best to have appropriate scattered light every day and give appropriate light every day. Ficus microphylla grows very quickly, but The newly transplanted Ficus microphylla should be kept away from direct sunlight. You can first keep it in a brightly lit place. You can give it moderate sunlight in the morning. After its rhizomes grow strong, you can then slowly increase the light. If you find that the leaves of the Ficus microphylla have become dry. , usually the light is too strong.

7. The best conditions

The optimal growth temperature of Ficus microphylla is between 18 and 25 degrees. In summer, proper shade should be maintained when growing outdoors, and the temperature should drop to When the temperature is about 10 degrees Celsius, move it indoors to avoid frostbite. It is a tropical plant and is afraid of cold.

The small-leaf fig kept indoors must maintain a certain air humidity, and it is most suitable to keep it between 50% and 70%. If the air is dry, it will continue to lose leaves, and you should avoid keeping it in Next to a heater or vent.

8. Propagation and maintenance

The easiest way to propagate Ficus microphylla is to use branch cuttings to propagate it. Directly cut a branch about 12 cm long, usually about one year old. Take softwood branches, remove the leaves at the bottom of the branches, place them in water, and grow roots in hydroponics. Change the water every two or three days and place them on a bright windowsill. Keep the temperature at about 22 degrees, and they will take root easily.

Ficus microphylla is a plant that is very easy to grow and can adapt to various indoor environmental conditions. Despite this, the potted Ficus microphylla maintained indoors should not be moved frequently and should be fixed in a place with scattered light. Where it grows, it should be pruned appropriately every spring and autumn to maintain a good plant shape.

9. Pests and diseases

Ficus microphylla is occasionally infected with pests and diseases. The most common ones are red spider mites and mealybugs. It is usually caused by dry air or improper watering. It may also be caused by soil erosion. The most direct symptom of pests and diseases is that leaves keep falling off and the leaves keep turning yellow. If you find diseased leaves and branches, you should cut them off in time, improve the maintenance environment, and spray pesticides in time