The growing and caring of bonsai’s has long been an art dating back to ancient Chinese dynasties as early as the year 706. Although there are people who dedicate their lives to this time honored tradition, you don’t need to have a magical green thumb to care for your bonsai tree. Plus, you have more than enough help and advice from The Rambling Rose Team! We’re here to show you how.
Ficus Bonsai Care & Tips
If you’re a proud owner of your very own Ficus Bonsai tree (also known as Ficus Retusa, Ginseng or Fig Bonsai), go ahead and breath a sigh of relief. This is a very forgiving bonsai species and is popular because it is the perfect type of bonsai for beginners. How to care for a ficus bonsai;
Position: The ficus bonsai tree is an indoor bonsai but can be kept outside in summer, as long as the tempreture isn’t below 15 degrees. Fcus bonsais love sunlight – full sun is ideal, in the house as well as outside (if the tree is exposed to outside sunlight gradually). Avoid keeping your ficus bonsai in shadey spots. It needs consistent temperature, so try keep it away from the side of your house or office that is the coldest and away from drafty areas.
Watering: The Ficus should be watered normally like any toher plant, which means you need to give it water whenever the soil appears dry. The Bonsai Ficus can tolerate over- or underwatering, but a neat trick to avoid either is to set it in a dish of water for 10 minutes, so that the water soaks up into the pot. That way the excess water can drain out naturally. If you live in the famously dry aired JHB, try misting your ficus bonsai with a spray bottle of water once a week or every second week (especially in winter).
Fertilizing: Put liquid fertilizer in your watering dish once a month. You can also use fertilizer pellets that are stuck in the soil.
Pruning: Since these little guy is a evergreen bonsai, regular pruning is necessary to retain the tree’s shape. Prune back to 2 leaves after 6-8 leaves have grown. Leaf pruning can be used to reduce leaf size, as some ficus bonsai species normally grow large leaves. If you’d like your ficus bonsai to grow more freely, prune at the end of the month. Be careful not to over prune and stick to the 2-3 leaf rule stated above.
Repotting: Repot the tree during spring every 2nd or 3rd year, using a basic soil mixture from your local nursery. The Ficus Bonsai can tolerate root-pruning very well too if you feel you need to.
Pests / diseases: The fig species are quite resistant against pests. Depending on the location, especially in winter, a number of problems can occur anyway. Dry air and a lack of light weaken the bonsai ficus and often result in leaf drop. In a poor condition like this, ficus bonsai are sometimes infested with scale or spider mites. Use a normal insectitcide to sort the problem.