The large and highly decorative leaves of this plant make it a great favorite with interior designers. Gail uses this large beauty as a solitary specimen plant and her smaller arrangements as key parts of plant groups. The common name is Dumb Cane which is derived from the unpleasant effect of its poisonous sap on the mouth and throat. Remember to wash your hands after taking cuttings.

Secrets of Success And Special Problems

Temperature: Average or above average warmth, minimum of 60 degrees F. in winter. Light: Partial shade in summer and bright light in winter. Water: Water regularly from spring to autumn. Water sparingly in winter. Air Humidity: Mist frequently. Surround pot with damp peat and wash the leaves occasionally. Repotting: Repot in the spring every year. Propagation: There are several methods. Remove and pot up top crown of leaves, use a rooting hormone and provide bottom heat. Pieces of stem two or three inches long can be used as cane cuttings. Some varieties produce daughter plants at the base, remove and use as cuttings. Insects Keep watch for scale and red spider mite. Stem Base Soft and Discoloured: Stem rot disease is a condition encouraged by overwatering and low temperatures. If damage is slight cut out diseased area and spray with carbendazim and repot. If damage is severe, discard plant and use top as a cutting. Loss of Colour Direct sunlight or excessive brightness will give leaves a washed-out appearance. Move to a shadier spot. Loss Of Leaves Most likely reasons are temperature too cool, dry air or cold draughts if leaves are young. Old leaves tend to drop naturally with age. Leaves With Brown Edges Compost has been allowed to dry out, it should be kept moist but not soggy at all times. Cold air can have a similar effect.

Ficus

Gail has phenomenal Ficus (Rubber plants) adorning many rooms adding height and balance to the décor. Her varieties include F. elastica decora and F. benghalensis. Their leaves are always meticulously tended and the high gloss she has attained with her special care of the plant enhances the beauty and vibrancy.

The Ficus or Ornamental Fig family are found house plants which vary from stately trees to lowly creepers and since Victorian times the unchallenged head of the family has been the Rubber Plant. Once only the narrow-leaved F. elastica was grown, but this old-fashioned variety has now been replaced by the much more attractive F. elastica decora and F. elastica robusta. The all-green Rubber Plants are much easier to grow than the variegated ones and by far the most important danger is overwatering. Wash the leaves occasionally.

The weeping Fig is increasing in popularity because it is a splendid specimen plant for the modern home. Its leaves are not large, but it is so much more tree-like and graceful than the Rubber Plant.

At the other end of the scale are the trailing types, which are much smaller and more difficult to grow. This is because they need moist air are fussy about their requirement for evenly moist compost.

Secrets of Success And Special Problems

Sudden Loss of Leaves: The most likely reason depends on the type of Ficus. Rubber Plant overwatering is the usual culprit. Other possibilities are low winter temperatures, too little light, too much fertilizer and cold draughts. Weeping Fig most likely cause is too little light or movement of the plant from one environment to another. Loss of Lowest Leaf: The bottom leaf of tree types will turn yellow and drop with age, this is a natural process and some degree of legginess is usual after a few years. Yellowing Leaf Edges, Some Loss Of Lower Foliage:An early sign of more serious trouble, or the effect of underfeeding. Feed at the recommended rate throughout the growing season. Dry Shrivelled Leaves A common problem with trailing types, the most likely reasons are exposure to direct sunlight, failure to mist the leaves regularly and allowing the compost to dry out.