Question

1. You are trying to grow your ficas plants in the basment of your home. The ficas in a south-facing window and you give it 1 cup of water in the morning everyday. Still your plant is unhealthy. Propose two hypotheseses about this observed phenomenon, along with two experiments to test them. (Hint: how many varibales should you change in an expieriment?)

2. Draw the general structure of the atom, labeling all parts.

Answer 1

1.

When growing ficus indoors, it is important to maintain a relatively high humidity around the plant. Regular misting or setting the ficus tree on a pebble tray filled with water is a great way to increase their humidity, but keep in mind that while they like high humidity, they do not like overly wet roots. Therefore, when watering, always check the top of the soil first. If the top of the soil is wet, do not water as this means they have enough moisture. If the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, this indicates that they need water.

Also while caring for a ficus plant, you should be aware that they are rapid growers and require plenty of nutrients to grow well. You will need to fertilize once a month in the spring and summer and once every two months in the fall and winter.

Common Problems When Caring for a Ficus Plant

Almost everyone who has owned a ficus tree has asked themselves at some point “Why is my ficus tree dropping its leaves?” A ficus tree losing its leaves is the most common problem these plants have. Leaf drop is a ficus tree’s standard reaction to stress, whether it’s from any of the following:

• Under watering or over watering
• Low humidity
• Too little light
• Relocation or repotting
• Drafts
• Change in temperature (too hot or cold)
• Pests

If your ficus is losing its leaves, go through the checklist of proper ficus tree care and correct anything that you find wrong.

Ficus are also prone to pests such as mealybugs, scale and spider mites. A healthy ficus tree will not see these problems, but a stressed ficus tree (likely losing leaves) will surely develop a pest problem quickly. “Sap” dripping from a ficus houseplant, which is actually honeydew from an invading pest, is a sure sign of an infestation. Treating the plant with neem oil is a good way to handle any of these pest issues.