A Tough Plant that is Low Maintenance
The green island ficus, for the most part, is a gardener’s favorite. This garden beauty with its round shiny green leaves is a low-maintenance plant that can save you time and work in the garden. I have seen these plants over the years making their mark in so many gardens and landscape designs.
What is also great about this plant is that it is a slow grower so no need to worry about constant pruning. The green island ficus is also drought tolerant meaning it can survive on very little water and the added bonus is it is also salt tolerant so if you are living in a coastal area and looking for a plant that can survive the salt sprays which are carried by the wind then this is the plant for you.
The green island ficus can complement just about any garden and landscape design but how do we care for these garden beauties which have made a name for themselves. Below we will be discussing how to successfully grow the green island ficus and where to place them in your garden.
Planting Location
When planting green island ficus look for an area that gets full to partial sunlight.
Soil Type
The soil type should be soil that has good drainage because these plants do well on very little water.
Watering Methods
When watering allow the soil to dry out before giving your green island ficus another drink of water.
Fertilizing Methods
Fertilize your green island ficus with a slow-release fertilizer, read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pest of the green island ficus
- Scale insect pests
To be honest with you the only garden insect pests that I have come across are scales. These pests can be controlled by applying insecticidal soap.
Diseases of the green island ficus
- Anthracnose disease
Anthracnose disease is caused by a fungus. The spores are spread when water is splashed by rainfall or irrigation. To bring this disease under control keep the surrounding area clean of debris. Leaves should not be allowed to remain on the ground but should be raked and disposed of. Branches that are disease infected or dead should also be pruned and properly discarded.
This disease affects fruit, leaves, and twigs. Signs of anthracnose appears first along the leaves margin, as the diseases progress the entire leaf turns yellow and then brown. At this point the plant’s tissues are dead.
Applying a fungicide especially during the rainy season when the pathogen is most active will bring this disease under control. Application treatments should be carried out every 7-10 days.
Some ideas on where to install the green Island ficus
Here are a few ideas where the green island ficus can be installed.
- The green island ficus can be grown and used as and hedge
- Can be used as a backdrop in a garden bed
- These beauties can be slotted through different areas of the plant bed
- Install the green island ficus along driveways
- Can be planted along garden paths.
- Looks great planted around the trunks of large trees that are bare or does not have low growing branches
- Looks great planted along fences
- Can be installed along walls
- Dose well as a foundation plant
- Can be planted on either side of a door entrance
- Can be grown in containers and placed on patios and porches
Container grown green island ficus
Growing green island ficus in containers is pretty simple. The container should be large enough for your plant to fit comfortably. Since these plants are low maintenance or can survive on very little water it is best to use garden soil that has good drainage. The container should have drain holes to allow excess water to drain.
Placing the pot in an area that gets full to partial sun is so important for your green island ficus to survive. Fertilize as discussed above with a slow-release fertilizer. Since these plants are slow-growing the maintenance procedure is low which is so great especially for persons who don’t have the time to put lots of effort into caring for plants but want a few around the home.
Additional information
1. The green island ficus can be grown as a shrub or can be grown as a standard plant.
2. Can be grown in a variety of well-drained soil.
3. Though slow-growing can reach heights of 8 ft.
4. The leaves have a natural gloss.
5. These shrubs produce small berries that are hardly seen.
6. The sap of the green island is milk-white and may cause skin irritation it is good to wear garden gloves when handling these plants.
7. When installing green island ficus, install them 3 ft apart for proper air circulation.
8. Overwatering can cause root rot so proper watering practice is so important.
9. Because the plant is sappy after you have prune clean your pruner with a degreaser, wipe clean with a dry cloth, and spray WD 40 because if your pruner is not cleaned after each uses the sap will cause the pruner to become sticky losing its sharpness.
The final word
The green island ficus is a garden beauty that can work wonders. As said earlier I have seen them used in many garden and landscape designs. So if you are looking for a plant that is low maintenance and not fussy at all then this is the plant for you. The green island ficus has made a name of its self, though a slow grower the green island ficus has proven that it is worth the investment so, invest in these garden beauties that will add flavor to your landscapes and gardens.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.