In plants you have the “normal” versions and the variegated versions. These are characterized by different colors, but also by care. For example, a ficus and a variegated ficus are totally different. Do you know how to take care of a ficus variegata?
Don’t worry, if you manage to get hold of one (and you’ve already been told that some varieties are pretty cheap) we’ll give you a hand so you know what all the care is. In fact, here is a guide.
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How is a ficus variegata
Ficus variegata, also called variegated ficus or variegated rubber tree, does not differ too much from the usual ficuses. That is, it originates, like the normal version, from tropical Asia, it grows up to 30 meters and has the same characteristics as the green version.
But there is one thing that differs: its leaves. Ficus variegata have large oval leaves, like green ones, but the color is not the same. In these cases the leaves are green in the center but at the edges they may be irregular white or yellow. In fact, it may even have leaves with white or yellow spots, giving it a unique look.
How to care for a ficus variegata
If you are lucky enough to have a ficus variegata, or have it given to you as a gift, you are surely looking for information on its maintenance. However, in few places are the peculiarities that these plants have. And although they do not differ too much from the care of a ficus, the truth is that they do There are some things you need to keep in mind.
Do you want to know what they are? Well, let’s go.
location and temperature
As you know, ficus is a sun-loving plant and likes to spend many hours in the sun, even some of them in direct sunlight. Also, in the case of the ficus variegata it is necessary to pay attention to the rays of the sun because, being mainly white (or yellow), they burn very easily, that will make you lose that beauty that you have.
It’s best to place it in a place where it can take advantage of the light, but don’t hit it directly. Actually, the first year, we recommend that you do not (unless you bought it in a store in the same city and are used to it). The reason is that it must adapt to the new climate and environment to gradually tolerate such changes.
As for the temperature, she does not like drafts at all, so try to protect her from them otherwise you risk the leaves falling and she will be bald. In addition, you have to control the temperature because it is a bit tricky compared to these. When it’s below 13°C, it starts to sufferso in winter you have to place it in a greenhouse or similar (this would be its best place due to humidity, which we will talk about a little later).
Substrate
The soil that ficus variegata needs must be moisture resistant. Therefore, a mix with peat and drainage (like perlite) might be ideal. And it is that if you only put peat on it, the roots can rot by keeping too much water. Try mixing in a 60 to 40 ratio of soil and perlite respectively.
Watering and humidity
As we have told you that it needs soil that helps resist humidity, you will have understood that irrigation is one of the most important cares for the ficus variegata. And it’s not for less. Don’t like to be too dryTherefore, in the summer you will have to water 2-3 times a week, or even more when it gets too hot.
In winter, on the other hand, the waterings could be reduced to 1 or 2 times a week; it will all depend on where it is and what weather you have.
what yes It is important that you let the substrate dry between waterings and waterings so as not to damage the roots.
As for humidity, it is very necessary. Ficus variegata needs high humidity, especially in the leaf part. You will therefore need to put it next to a humidifier or spray the leaves daily to keep them healthy. Otherwise, it will begin to lose its leaves.
Subscriber
The subscriber, like any ficus, will be needed. But unlike others, which are paid monthly, the ficus variegata will only have to be paid every two months. Moreover, only half of the dose established by the manufacturer of the product is applied to them.
This should only be done in spring and summer, leaving the rest of the season without paying. Some experts recommend only fertilizing once in fall and winter, but we don’t recommend this if you’ve transplanted it because you could over-fertilize it and it’ll be worse.
Size
Like the green ficus, the variegata will also grow, and a lot. For that, in spring, it is necessary to cut the branches that are too long to give it some shape.
Remove dead or damaged leaves and branches.
Plagues and diseases
As for pests and diseases, they do not differ from green-leaved ficus. But it is true that they affect the variegata more negatively (and seriously). This is why it is important to prevent them and to be aware of them.
In general, on the pest side, you have to be careful with mites, mealybugs and mealybugs. For its part, the diseases that can attack it are root rot (usually caused by poor irrigation), powdery mildew or anthracnose.
Multiplication
Do you want to multiply your ficus variegata? As soon as you see it, you will surely want to do it and the best way to do it is, without a doubt, by cuttings. In fact, you can take them as early as the pruning season since several can serve you.
First of all You should know that the cuttings to be taken must always come from new shoots. Older branches won’t serve you as well (they are harder to reproduce).
Also, you need to make sure that they are between 10 and 15 centimeters long.
Once you have it, you need to remove all the leaves under the bud and put it in water. You can add a little rooting agent to help form the roots since, as long as it does not have them, you will not be able to transplant it in a pot (or on the ground).
Another way to propagate ficus variegata is aerial layering. That is to say, cover a branch with moss, moisten it and roll it with transparent paper to make it form roots in the wound that is being made.
Eventually, You would also have the option of seeds, but these are very slow and sometimes do not guarantee that the ficus will come out variegated.
You already have the keys to knowing how to take care of a ficus variegata, all you have to do is find a specimen that you like and bring it home. Do you already have one? Can you give us any advice on how to take care of it and make it healthy and happy? We read you.