Ficus elastica ‘Shivereana’ is a cultivar that appears to be available in other countries but is rarely found in the US. As a result, the few listings I locate for this plant are quite expensive, making it one of the most expensive cultivars I’m aware of.
It’s a plant with cream, yellow, and green variegation. When you look at examples of this, you’ll see that they’re all extremely different. Some of the leaves are predominantly cream with a lot of scattered greens. Others, like Tineke and Ruby, have greater splotches of color.
The Indian rubber plant, Indian rubber fig, or Indian rubber tree are all names for the ficus shivereana. It gets its name from the fact that its barrel is made up of 15% rubber. The plant can be found in the Himalayas all the way to Malaysia in its native state. These plants can reach a height of up to 30-40 meters in the wild. These plants are also known to be mildly harmful, but don’t be concerned. There’s nothing to be concerned about. Plants of the ficus shivereana are typically regarded safe for indoor use.
Ficus Shivereana Sunlight Requirements
You’ll want to ensure your Ficus Shivereana is positioned in a place with bright, indirect light. Think of a cozy spot next to a sheer curtain, rather than a blazing sunbeam. Too much direct sun can scorch your plant’s leaves, leaving them with a less than desirable appearance.
But, wait! I hear you asking, “What about low light? Can my Ficus Shivereana survive in the shadows?” Well, the short answer is no. Your Ficus Shivereana needs at least a moderate amount of light to thrive. So, don’t be afraid to move it around your home or office until you find that just right spot with the perfect balance of light.
You may also want to consider rotating your plant every once in a while, just to ensure all sides get an equal amount of light. And, who doesn’t like to change things up every now and then, right? A little spin, a little dance, a little extra light – it’s all good!
Ficus Shivereana Soil Requirements
Don’t worry, I’m here to give you the dirt on Ficus Shivereana soil requirements (pun intended).
Let’s talk about what Ficus Shivereana plants don’t like. They’re not fans of heavy, compact soil that doesn’t allow for proper drainage. This can lead to root rot and, nobody wants that.
Now, onto the good stuff! What your Ficus Shivereana does love is a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic pH level between 6.0-6.5. You can achieve this by mixing peat moss and perlite or sand into your regular potting mix.
And, don’t forget to give your plant some breathing room by using a pot with holes for proper drainage.
Ficus Shivereana Water Requirements
Ficus Shivereana hates being constantly soaked. No, seriously, this plant is not a fan of having wet feet. So, don’t let it sit in a puddle of water for too long! Give it a drink, let it drain, and then move on with your day.
Now, the real question is how often should you water your Ficus Shivereana? Well, the answer isn’t set in stone (or soil, for that matter). It all depends on the environment it’s in. If it’s hot and dry, you may need to give it a drink more frequently. If it’s cool and humid, you may be able to hold off a bit longer.
The key to keeping your Ficus Shivereana hydrated is to check the soil moisture level. Stick your finger in the soil and if it feels dry a few inches down, it’s time for a drink!
And don’t worry, this plant won’t judge you if you forget to water it every now and then. Ficus Shivereana is pretty resilient and can handle a bit of neglect. Just make sure to give it a big drink when you remember and it will bounce back in no time!
Ficus Shivereana Humidity Requirements
Just give it a daily mist, place a humidifier nearby, or even use a pebble tray filled with water. This will help maintain a comfortable and healthy environment for your plant.
But wait, there’s more! Did you know that Ficus Shivereana can also benefit from a humidity boost during its growing season? Yes, that’s right! Just like a spa day for humans, a little extra humidity will give your Ficus Shivereana a much-needed boost and keep its leaves looking shiny and happy.
Ficus Shivereana Temperature Requirements
Are you someone who cranks up the AC in the summer and blasts the heater in the winter? Don’t worry, Ficus Shivereana is here to handle it all with ease. This plant can tolerate temperatures ranging from a cool 60°F to a warm 85°F.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the Ficus Shivereana is native to tropical regions, so it’s best to keep it away from cold drafts. Don’t let the thermometer drop below 60°F, or you’ll have a sad plant on your hands.
But wait, there’s more! This plant is also super resilient when it comes to sudden temperature changes. So if you’re prone to leaving windows open overnight or letting the AC blast, don’t worry – Ficus Shivereana can handle it.
Do I Need Fertilizer for Ficus Shivereana?
Now, to keep your Ficus feeling just as fabulous as it looks, you’ve got to give it the right amount of food. And that’s where fertilizer comes in! The right fertilizer will give your Ficus all the nutrients it needs to grow and shine.
But don’t overdo it! A little goes a long way with fertilizer. Too much can actually harm your plant. So, let’s not make the mistake of overfeeding our Ficus. A light hand with the fertilizer, about once a month, will do the trick!
And, if you’re feeling fancy, you can even go for a slow-release fertilizer. That way, your Ficus will get the nutrition it needs, without you having to worry about overdoing it.
Ficus Shivereana Growth Rate
Ficus Shivereana is no slouch when it comes to growth. This little beauty is known to put on quite a show, growing faster than Usain Bolt on a caffeine binge! But, hold on just a sec, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.
So, how fast does Ficus Shivereana grow? Well, it depends on the conditions it’s living in. If it’s in a cozy and comfortable home, with all the right lighting, water, soil, and nutrients, it’ll grow like gangbusters! On the other hand, if it’s in a less-than-ideal environment, it might not grow quite as fast. But, don’t worry, it’s a tough little plant that will still keep growing, just at a slower pace.
Now, let’s talk about what you can do to make sure your Ficus Shivereana is growing at its fastest rate possible. Make sure it’s getting plenty of bright, indirect light, but not too much direct sun, which can scorch its leaves. Water it regularly, but not so much that the soil is constantly soggy. And, give it a balanced fertilizer once a month to give it the boost it needs to keep growing.
In conclusion, Ficus Shivereana is a fast grower, and with the right care, it’ll grow even faster!
Ficus Shivereana Pruning
When should you prune your Ficus Shivereana? The best time to prune is during the spring and summer months when the plant is actively growing. If you prune in the fall and winter, you could stunt the growth of your plant, so be sure to keep an eye on the calendar.
So, how do you actually prune your Ficus Shivereana? It’s simple! First, gather your tools – a sharp pair of pruning shears, a glove to protect your hand, and maybe a piece of music to jam to while you work. Then, identify the areas that need pruning, such as yellowing leaves, crossing branches, or new growth that’s growing in an unwanted direction.
Next, it’s time to get snipping! Make a clean cut just above a node (where the leaf meets the stem) and watch your Ficus Shivereana transform before your eyes! Just remember to not overdo it, as you don’t want to shock your plant by cutting too much at once.
Repotting your Ficus Shivereana
Why do we even need to repot our Ficus Shivereana? Well, it’s because these beauties love to grow, and sometimes their current pots just don’t have enough room for all that growth! And let’s be real, who doesn’t love a little bit of extra space to spread their roots and soar to new heights?
So, what do we need to get started? A new pot with some fresh soil, of course! But before we get too excited, let’s make sure to choose a pot that’s just the right size – not too big, not too small. We don’t want our Ficus Shivereana feeling cramped or drowning in soil!
Now it’s time for the big move! Take your Ficus Shivereana out of its old pot and gently loosen the roots. Don’t be afraid to give them a gentle trim if they’re a little too cozy in there. Then, plop that baby into its new home and fill in the gaps with soil. Make sure to give it a good drink of water to settle everything in place.
And that’s it! You just gave your Ficus Shivereana the gift of more room to grow, and you’re one step closer to becoming a repotting pro!
How to propagate your Ficus Shivereana?
Ficus Shivereana can be propagated in two ways: by stem cuttings or by air layering.
Stem cuttings are a no-brainer, just cut a stem from the mother plant, remove the lower leaves and stick it in a pot filled with moist soil. That’s it, folks! Just make sure to keep the soil moist and keep it in a well-lit area, and before you know it, you’ll have a whole army of Ficus Shivereana!
For those of you who are feeling adventurous, air layering is the way to go! This method involves wounding the stem of the mother plant, covering it with moist sphagnum moss, and wrapping it in plastic to create an environment for roots to grow. In no time, you’ll have a whole new plant ready to be separated from its mother and planted on its own.
Ficus Shivereana propagation is a fun and easy way to add more of this stunning plant to your collection. Whether you choose to propagate by stem cuttings or air layering, the key is to have patience and a green thumb.
Where to Buy?
You can find an affordable option by visiting Etsy, there you can find also cuttings. I get most of my plants from there. You can check out the prices and sellers’ reviews and decide if you want to try this option instead of other places where you will be paying much more.
Ficus Shivereana: Common pests & ilnesses
All pests can be found on this plant, although spider mites are by far the most prevalent. All Ficus trees are a favorite of spider mites.
Cleaning your plant’s leaves on a regular basis can help prevent spider mites from forming a population, but it may not be enough to eliminate the problem.
Is Ficus Shivereana toxic?
The good news is that Ficus Shivereana is not toxic to humans or pets, so you don’t have to worry about any drama. In fact, it’s so safe, you could even use it to decorate your lunch! (But seriously, don’t do that.)
So, if you’re looking for a plant that’s both stunning and safe, look no further than the Ficus Shivereana. It’s the gift that keeps on giving – beauty and peace of mind.
Important
Other types of Ficus plants you may be interested in: Fiddle Leaf Fig, Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig.
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