fikusit

Fikusit, or ficuses, refer to a large genus of flowering plants in the Moraceae family (genus Ficus). With about 850 described species, they span trees, shrubs, and climbing plants native to a wide belt of tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are known for their latex-rich sap and for producing fruiting structures called syconia, commonly known as figs.

Commonly cultivated as ornamentals, ficuses are popular as houseplants and in landscapes in warm climates. Well-known species include Ficus benjamina (weeping fig), Ficus lyrata (fiddle-leaf fig), and Ficus elastica (rubber fig). In the wild they can form large trees and, in some forms, strangler figs that recruit hosts as they grow. Some species, notably Ficus carica, bear edible figs, but many cultivated indoor forms are sterile and do not fruit.

Care and cultivation: Most ficuses prefer bright, indirect light, with some tolerance for medium light. They thrive at typical indoor temperatures but dislike sudden drafts. Use a fast-draining potting mix and containers with drainage holes. Water when the top inch of soil dries; overwatering can lead to root rot. Humidity helps some species; pruning is used to control size and shape. Propagation is commonly by stem cuttings or air layering.

Reproduction and safety: Many ficus species produce edible fruit only in natural habitats or on specialized pollination; indoor plants rarely fruit. They exude a milky latex that can irritate skin or mucous membranes. All parts can cause mild toxicity if ingested by pets or humans; the sap can irritate skin, and ingestion may cause digestive upset. Ficus plants are generally considered non-edible for most people.