Ficus 'Amstel King'

The Ficus Amstel King is a beautiful and full plant that can become a real king in the house. With its soft dark green leaves and elegant appearance, the 'Amstel King' is a real eye-catcher in any room. Originally from Southeast Asia, this strong plant is able to grow up to 30 meters high and can reach an age of more than 500 years. With its air-purifying effect and slow growth rate, the 'Amstel King' is ideal as a partition or filling in any room indoors. With the right care and love, this Ficus will grow into a long-lasting friendship and a real eye-catcher.

The Ficus 'Amstel King' likes a sip of water

The Ficus Amstel King has an average water requirement and it is important not to let the soil dry out. It is advisable to give the plant a little water regularly and to ensure that the soil remains slightly moist. It is also good to check the soil first before watering, to prevent the roots of the plant from getting too wet. In addition, the Ficus likes to be simulated with a rain shower every now and then by spraying the plant. By taking good care of the water supply of the Ficus Amstel King in this way, the plant remains healthy and you can enjoy it for a long time.

Summer

During the summer it is very important that this plant, when it is outside, is kept well moist. Especially during the warm days it should be watered every day, so that the root ball is well moist. On the less warm days this can sometimes be skipped for a few days. This is so important because otherwise the plant 'drinks' moisture from its leaves, causing it to become dry and eventually die. This should of course be prevented.

Winter

When winter is upon us, the rules are reversed! If the Ficus 'Amstel King' is outside, it must remain dry so that the moisture does not freeze and damage the plant. The Ficus 'Amstel King' does not suffer from a dry root ball during this period, it is in a kind of hibernation!
When the plant is kept indoors during the winter it should be kept slightly moist, so not soaking wet (as in summer), but just so that the root ball feels slightly damp.

General rules

In addition to the above guidelines, it is best to follow these rules:

First, give the plant a little water. If the soil is dry within 2 days, it means it needs a little more water. Adjust the amount of water until it still feels slightly moist between 2 and 5 days after watering, and almost dry after 5 days. If it feels very wet after 5 days, wait until it is almost dry and water again, but reduce the amount.

Spraying

We recommend that you spray the Ficus 'Amstel King' weekly with water. However, we do not recommend this during warm summer days, so that you do it either in the evening after sunset, or on days when the sun shines little, because the water droplets bundle the incoming sunlight into small points that become very hot. These make the leaves dry, or even burn through.
Apart from the detrimental effect of bright sunlight on wet leaves, misting has beneficial effects for your Ficus 'Amstel King'. Namely, it removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to absorb sunlight better and look more beautiful, and it prevents certain types of pests.

Where is the best place to place the Ficus 'Amstel King'?

The Ficus Amstel King is a houseplant that prefers a light spot, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. The plant thrives in an environment with plenty of natural light and likes a stable temperature and humidity. It is important not to move the plant too often, as this can cause stress. In addition, the Ficus Amstel King has a moderate water requirement and likes regular spraying to keep the humidity at the right level. With the right care and location, this beautiful plant will grow into a real eye-catcher in any interior.

Light

The Ficus 'Amstel King' is a plant that likes a fair amount of sunlight. It likes to be in full sun or half shade, taking in all the light. Is it indoors? Then it wants a spot near a window or where light comes in. The Ficus 'Amstel King' requires at least 1 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day

Wind

Make sure the Ficus 'Amstel King' experiences as little wind as possible. Wind can damage the leaves, causing them to die off more quickly. A little wind is no problem.

Temperature requirements

Minimum temperature 18 ℃ during the day
At night minimum 18 ℃

Repotting, why and when?

Repotting the Ficus Amstel King is important to keep the plant healthy and to give it space for further growth. In general, it is recommended to repot the plant once every three years, or when the roots clearly grow through the drainage holes of the pot. Repotting may also be necessary when the plant becomes too large for its current pot.

It is important to be careful with the roots and to ensure good drainage, for example by choosing an earthenware pot with drainage holes. Repotting the Ficus Amstel King gives the plant the space to grow and develop further, so that you can enjoy this beautiful plant even longer.

General rules

When the Ficus 'Amstel King' has taken root (often every 2-3 years) we recommend repotting it in the spring. If it is always inside, it does not matter. If it is outside, it is not a problem to repot it in the summer, but we advise against it in the fall and winter, because it will not grow and take root optimally. This can make it somewhat weak, and it may suffer damage from frost.

When you decide to repot your Ficus 'Amstel King', choose a nice pot that is twice the size of the root ball. Place a layer of hydro grains at the bottom of the new pot for better moisture control. It will be grateful for that. Fill this layer with some Mediterranean potting soil. This type of soil ensures that the Ficus 'Amstel King' roots optimally and is fed. Then you can place the root ball on the ground. Make sure that the top of the root ball is slightly below the edge of the pot. Aim for a difference of 2 to 6 cm. This difference ensures that the water does not run off the root ball when you water it.
Every year you should replace the top layer of soil, because it hardens and 'wears out' in nutrients, due to regular watering and because of the sunlight on the upper edge of the root ball.

Provide the Ficus 'Amstel King' with good nutrition

The Ficus Amstel King does not need much nutrition, but it is important to ensure that the plant receives the right nutrients to stay healthy. During the growing season, the plant needs nutrition once a month, while in the winter months once every six weeks is sufficient. It is advisable to use special houseplant nutrition that is suitable for the Ficus Amstel King. This nutrition contains the right ratio of nutrients that the plant needs, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

Administering the nutrients is easy. Mix the nutrients with water according to the instructions on the packaging and give it to the plant. Make sure that the nutrients are evenly distributed over the potting soil. It is important to give the right amount of nutrients so that the plant can grow and bloom optimally. Regular feeding of the Ficus Amstel King will contribute to healthy and lush growth of this beautiful and impressive houseplant.

Diseases and pests

Ficus Amstel King is a beautiful houseplant that with the right care and attention can be a valuable addition to your interior. Unfortunately, there are also possible diseases and pests that can affect this plant and it is important to be prepared for this.

A common problem with Ficus plants is aphids. These small insects suck the sap from the plant's leaves, which can lead to yellow leaves and reduced growth. To combat aphids, you can spray the plant with a mild soap solution or insecticide. Also make sure that the plant is checked regularly and that any affected leaves are removed.

Another common problem with Ficus plants is spider mites. These small mites thrive in warm and dry environments and can attack the leaves of the plant. To combat spider mites, you can spray the plant with a soapy solution or insecticide. It is also important to increase the humidity around the plant by spraying regularly.

Root rot is another problem that can occur with Ficus plants as a result of overwatering. Root rot can be recognized by limp leaves and poor growth of the plant. To prevent root rot, it is important to regularly check the plants for moisture and only water when the soil feels dry. It is also advisable to place the plant in a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to drain away.

Finally, Ficus plants can also be susceptible to fungal infections, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. Powdery mildew manifests as a white powdery coating on the leaves, while leaf spot manifests as dark spots on the leaves. To combat fungal infections, you can treat the plant with a fungicide and ensure that the plant gets sufficient airflow.

It is important to keep a close eye on the health of your Ficus Amstel King and regularly check for signs of disease and pests. With the right care and attention, you can ensure that your plant stays healthy and happy and can enjoy its beauty for a long time.

How and when should you prune the Ficus 'Amstel King'?

The leaves of the Ficus 'Amstel King' will eventually wither. If this is the case with a leaf, you can simply cut the stem near the trunk. It is not a problem to prune an entire leaf with the stem of the plant. This is the way the plant forms its trunk.

How can I propagate the Ficus 'Amstel King'?

The Ficus Amstel King can be propagated by cuttings. Cut off a healthy branch and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in water or potting soil and water regularly. Once roots have formed, the cutting can be placed in a separate pot. Propagating the Ficus Amstel King by seed is less common and can be more difficult. Cuttings of this beautiful plant are therefore the best way to get more Ficus Amstel Kings in your home.