Monday, November 14, 2011

Ficus Elastica aka Indian Rubber Plant



Ficus elastica, is commonly known as the rubber fig, rubber bush, rubber tree, rubber plant, or Indian rubber bush and  is a native to northeast India and southern Indonesia. It grows up to 30–40 metres (98–130 ft) (rarely up to 60 metres / 200 feet) tall, with a stout trunk up to 2 metres (6.6 ft) diameter. The trunk develops aerial and buttressing roots to anchor it in the soil and help support heavy branches.  

Ficus  elastica  prefers bright sunlight but not hot temperatures. It has a high tolerance for drought, but prefers humidity and thrives in wet, tropical conditions.  

Ficus elastica can be grown by asexual propagation i.e. by planting cuttings or air layering. Air layering is done by cutting a slit in the plant's stem. The wound, which oozes with the plant's latex, is packed with rooting hormone and wrapped tightly with moist sphagnum moss. The whole structure is wrapped in plastic and left for a few months. When it is unwrapped, new roots have developed from the plant's auxiliary buds. The stem is severed and the new plant is potted on its own.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Cycas Palm Tree aka Cycas Revoluta


Cycas revoluta commonly known as Cycas Palm Tree is actually not a palm but belongs to  cycad. It grows best in sandy, well-drained soil, preferably with some organic matter. It needs good drainage or it will rot. It is fairly drought-tolerant and grows well in full sun or outdoor shade, but needs bright light when grown indoors.   But one disadvantage of its domestic use is that it is poisonous to animals and also to human beings.  

Monday, November 7, 2011