Product Description:
The Ficus genus belongs to the family of mulberry plants or Moraceae, and it’s the most popular indoor tree species for Bonsai beginners. Ficus bonsai, especially the small-leaved species such as the banyan fig, are well suited for bonsai. The branches are easy to shape and, above all, fig bonsai are very easy to cut.
Water:
The Ficus should be watered normally, which means it should be given water generously whenever the soil gets slightly dry. The Bonsai Ficus prefers room temperature soft water and it can tolerate occasional over, or underwatering.
Fertilizer:
Fertilize every two weeks during summer, and every four weeks during winter if the growth doesn’t stop. Liquid fertilizer can be used as well as organic fertilizer pellets.
Light:
Place your bonsai ficus tree in a bright, preferably south-facing window where it will get plenty of direct sunlight. If you don’t have a window that receives several hours of bright sunlight every day
Soil:
Ficus trees do well in a soil mix that is sixty percent aggregate and forty percent organic matter.
Temperature and Humidity:
These are tropical plants, so they prefer warmer temperatures and higher humidity levels.
Keep the temperature consistent, preferably around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Never let the temperature drop below 60 degrees.
While ficus species with waxy leaves, like the ficus ginseng, can tolerate lower humidity, they will thrive when the humidity in their environment is on the high side.
Unless you live in a fairly humid environment and don’t run the heat or AC often, you may want to sit your bonsai ficus on a humidity tray or set up a humidifier nearby.
Repotting:
2 years is the bonsai owner consensus in regards to when you should think about repotting your ficus tree. This should be done so the roots have more room to expand and your ficus can keep on thriving. Some bonsai experts recommend that you double-check the following before repotting:
- Place your bonsai on a table.
- Gently dig your fingers between the pot sides and the soil. Make sure a body that combines soil and roots has formed. This body should have the shape of the pot.
- If this is true, then you should be good to go with the repotting.
Wiring:
Wiring is a method used in the Art of Bonsai to train Bonsai trees into different shapes and styles. To do this, the wire will be wrapped around the tree branches in order to reposition and bend them to the desired position. Training the bonsai will typically take a few months, but once the wire is removed, the results are substantial.
It is very easy to wire Ficus trees. Their thin to medium branches are very flexible and can be easily shaped. Just make sure to check on your wire regularly to make sure they do not cut into the bark.
Meanwhile, thicker and less resilient branches of your tree should be bent using guy-wires. These can be left on the tree for a longer period and will do a better job at shaping less flexible areas.
Pruning:
Ficus is a very fast grower. Prune back to 2-4 leaves after 6-10 leaves have grown. Ideally, do the heavy pruning in the spring but it can be done year round. Keep the new growth trimmed back during the growing season. When you trim a Ficus, it will bleed a milky, white sap—actually latex. This latex dries quickly and makes a great sealant. When pruning back smaller branches leave a short stub which will dry out over the following days, then just take the dry branch off and it will heal with less of a scar.
Pests and Diseases:
Ficus are quite resistant to pests and diseases. However, there are a select and common few that Ficus are prone to. This list includes Scale, Mites, and Mealybugs. Ficus cannot tolerate any insecticides with Malathion in them, however, you may use a small amount of Dormant oil.
Ficus leaves also sometimes will droop due to issues pertaining to dry air or wetness. When this happens to the Ficus, it may be more susceptible to disease and insects.
