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TheGreen Island Ficus – Ficus microcarpa , [ FY - kus my - kro - KAR - puh ] is a slowly - growing plant that belongs to the fig family Moraceae .
Ficus lyrataandFicus benjamina treeare other pop indoor Ficus Tree . However , the root system of Benjamina is considered invasive .
Photo Credit: Instagram @tropicallandscapers
The Ficus microcarpa , also known as the ‘ Ficus Nana plant ’ with its showy leave , is dissimilar and known for its smaller size and more ‘ friendly ’ root system of rules .
I call up first being introduced to this Ficus in South Florida during the plant craze of the late seventies . In 2001 , the Florida Nurserymen and Growers Association ( FNGLA ) make out theGreen Island Ficus as the ‘ Plant of the Year . ’
In this article , In this clause , we ’ll dive deep into everything to know about green island ficus care .
Green Island Ficus Plant Care
With a quick coup d’oeil at this Ficus variety with lustrous , deep green leaves , one could mistake the plant for a jade plantat home in a tropical garden .
Ficus Green Island Size and Growth
In its aboriginal region , Ficus microcarpa green island can reach over 20′ foot tall with a monumental canopy .
The selected assortment commonly sold and cultivated in North America are a little little , contact 8′ metrical unit grandiloquent if left neglected .
The green island Ficus plant is typically grow as a genus Ficus bush , a low hedge , or as a ground back . The shape is managed by pruning to keep the Ficus at the want peak .
Some people keep it garnish from an former age to hold it as a modest Ficus nana bonsai tree .
The Ficus microcarpa features dense gullible leafage with small , rounded leaves . The glossy foliage is often used to serve complement wall plants with a tropic garden feel .
As a shrub , the Ficus light-green island is a irksome raiser , which makes it wanton to carry off . However , the source organization incline to propagate speedily , which is why it should n’t be planted tight to other flora or structure .
Flowering and Fragrance
The ficus microcarpa ‘ green island ’ plant rarely flowers . It’sgrown for its obtuse , rich green shiny leafage , offering subtlety or help to establish a perimeter .
Light and Temperature
One of the notable ficus microcarpa benefit is that it is relatively easy to spring up in quick , humid regions like South Florida . However , it requires a niggling more patience in cooler areas .
The ficus is a tropical plant and thrives in lovesome , humid locations . It ’s urge for USDA hardiness zona 9 to 11 .
In areas with ironical or cool conditions , the Ficus unripened island should be grown indoors or moved indoors in the fall .
Outdoors , this plant life should receive full Lord’s Day to partial ghost but can raise well in brilliant igniter .
Ficus microcarpa flora can handle full Sunday and is recommend in region with high humidity levels , while part shade is prefer for drier expanse , helping the soil retain more moisture .
When direct indoors , ensure the genus Ficus green island bonsai capture plenty of light throughout the 24-hour interval .
view go under it on an enclosed porch , as the large Methedrine window often avail trap in more humidity compared to the ease of the house .
Green Island Plant: Watering and Feeding
This Ficus variety is alow upkeep shrubthat does n’t require frequent lachrymation except when young .
Until mature , weewee two to three time per week throughout the warm months . Fertilizer is n’t needed .
After the plant matures , it only require infrequent lacrimation , about once every one or two weeks .
Give it a deep , thoroughgoing lachrymation , saturating the dirt without totally drowning the plant . Ficus nana is more drought - resistant than other Ficus mixed bag .
Soil and Transplanting
apply ordinary houseplant soil with good drainage . The island Ficus is humiliated criminal maintenance and an easy plant to uprise . It tends to take root in almost any term unless the air is too ironical or cool .
If the works is grow in a container throughout the yr , transplant it every two days to freshen the soil or if it outgrow its home .
Transplant genus Ficus microcarpa ‘ green island ’ in the early spring before alive outgrowth starts .
Green Island Ficus Bonsai
Maintenance and Grooming
care for a Ficus Microcarpa bonsai requires attention to detail and proper techniques for shaping and styling .
When planted in large containers and planters , the green genus Ficus industrial plant becomes an attractive bush when lop for chassis .
Grooming is the principal maintenance project , and dead offset should be remove to encourage denser emergence .
Always utilize discriminating pruning tools and trim throughout the year as needed .
TIP : absent beat leg to encourage denser growth .
But remember to hold out gloves because parts of the ficus esmeralda plant , especially the milky sap , hold toxins that can get tegument temper .
How to Propagate Ficus Microcarpa ‘Green Island’
The genus Ficus microcarpa generation is possible with root cuttings , which spread quickly , often reaching several feet so they can be divided and tell to spread the flora or grow new plants .
The roots can be part and separated to spread the plant or grow new plant .
Take a cut from a young plant , duck it in tooth root hormone , and constitute it in its own four - inch starter container .
Do n’t pass over it with charge card . Simply gear up itnear a windowand keep it watered .
Within a few weeks , the cutting should take root , becoming its own fresh plant .
Ficus esmeralda can then be transplant to the earth or continue in the container as a small bonsai .
Ficus Microcarpa Pests or Disease Problems
Microcarpa is light to give care for , withno major pests or disease problemsto worry about .
However , mealybugs and scale insect pests do position up residence on the underside of leaves and along folio axil .
Inspect plant for pests and utilise Neem oil colour for ascendence .
Suggested Uses For The Ficus Island Microcarpa
Island Ficus is best grown as a low hedgerow in the landscape , a foundation bush , or a modest Ficus bonsai works .
you could create a beautiful green island genus Ficus hedge by plant multiple plants together .
The green island fig bonsai grows easily indoors or alfresco as a belittled houseplant . When planted in tumid containers and planters , it makes an attractive bush when clip for shape .
When grow from clipping , it ’s easy to keep trimmed as a small bonsai tree .
Other ficus nana plant benefit admit acting as a natural humidifier , releasing moisture into the air , and improving the overall humidity level in the room .
Your Ficus Island Microcarpa will also count beautiful for decks , a terrace , a fence , and canopies around the porch .
