The Ficus bonsai trees (bonsai fig trees) are members of the Moraceae family which contains mulberry plants. This genus grows commonly in ...
The Ficus bonsai trees (bonsai fig trees) are members of the Moraceae family which contains mulberry plants. This genus grows commonly in tropical regions throughout the world.
Ficus genus has more than 800 species. Among them, only a few subtropical and tropical species are fit to for growing as bonsai trees.
In forests, they thrive on shady floors. Hence, they can tolerate poor indoor lights and dry air. However, they cannot tolerate temperatures below 15 c (59 F). So, bring them indoors during cold winters, if you have placed them outdoors.
Growing Ficus Bonsai Trees (Bonsai Fig Trees)
With thick-waxy leaves, Ficus bonsai trees can tolerate poor indoor lightings and dry air. However, for thriving healthy, they need a bright space or full sunlight. They also require very high humidity to develop attractive, gnarled aerial roots.
To create a high humidity environment, place the Ficus bonsais pots on trays that contain water. Keep this arrangement away from the heating sources.
These plants do well when the temperature is between 59°F and 86°F. Hence, it is recommended to place them outdoors when the night temperature stays above 54°F
Watering
Water moderately, aiming at the base of Ficus bonsai trees (bonsai fig trees). Do not let the soil dry completely. However, these trees can survive a little bit of under watering and over watering fluctuations. In addition, mist them occasionally from the top.
They may require more water as you keep them warm in winters. Similarly, they may require less water if you keep them normal or cool in summers.
Fertilizing
You can feed the bonsai trees with organic or liquid fertilizers two times a month during summers and one time a month during winters. However, reduce the fertilizing frequency as the trees mature.
How to Shape Ficus Bonsai Trees (Bonsai Fig Trees)
Pruning
Most Ficus trees can be pruned throughout the year. However, it is best to prune them during spring as they produce more milky white sap liquids in this season. This helps in faster wound healings. The stubs dry after a few days. Then remove them from barks to minimize the scar marks.
Regular pruning is essential to maintain the shape of the trees. Since most of these trees develop large leaves, you can use defoliation methods to reduce the leaf size.
To grow thick trunks, leave the trees to grow undisturbed for one or two years. After that, these trees develop the ability to withstand shortcuts with almost no health issues. New stems sprout out readily from the pruned trunks quickly.
Wiring
Generally, thin to medium branches have the most flexibility. You can use wiring methods to shape them. But check the wires regularly as they can cut through the branches.
Strong branches are not flexible. You can use guy wires for shaping as they can be left out on branches for longer periods.
Approach-Grafting
In this technique, different branches, roots, and trunks are fused together and pressurized to form appealing structures. You can also use simple grafting techniques to heal wounds of any size quickly.
Propagation
Ficus bonsai trees (bonsai fig trees) can be grown throughout the year. However, for high success rates, cutting propagations can be done in summer. Seed propagation or Air-layering can be done in spring.
After propagation, repot the bonsai trees every year in spring. Use high-quality bonsai mixture for repotting. You can also trim the roots to encourage fresh growth.
Most fig species can resist pests and diseases. However, poor indoor environments like low light, dry air, etc., can weaken them. This may cause leaf drop. Some common pests like scales and spider mites can also infect weak indoor plants including Bonsai trees.
Use insecticidal sprays or neem oil sprays to deter the pests. Keep the plants every day under plant lights for about 12 -14 hours. In most cases, these steps can help the trees to recover from weakness.
Common Varieties
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Benjamina is one of the rare species. This slow grower needs typical caring. Also known as ‘weeping fig’, these trees are often pruned 3- 6 feet tall to fit indoors.
Arching gracefully, the slender branches provide appealing looks. The light grey trunk is sometimes decorated for festivals and events.
The leaves are dark green in color and have glossy textures. These trees shed their leaves under stress.
When you relocate them indoors, these plants think it's time to produce new leaves according to the new environment. So, they shed their existing leaves appearing barely for some days. Hence, avoid shifting these trees often.
Ficus Retusa
Ficus retusa is one of the rare fig species that can be grown both outdoors and indoors. They usually have thick, small trunks. Most commonly, the trunks of these trees are wired to form “s” shapes. The dark green leaves have oval shapes.
Like most other fig species, these trees need plenty of sunlight to thrive healthily. With a beautiful appearance, these trees are perfect for modern homes and also for natural spaces.
Ficus Salicifolia
If you are a beginner, start bonsai culture with Ficus Salicifolia trees. Also known as Willow Leaf Ficus Bonsais, these trees are easy to care.
They also have a miniature appearance with their small, narrow, and willow-like leaves. The trunks turn into thick caudex within a few days. Like most fig species, these plants like to grow under full sun. With their great adaptational abilities, they can also grow in partial shades and also indoors.
Surviving several years, these trees are most active in summers. They are mostly shaped with wiring techniques.
Ficus Ginseng
With thick roots posing above the soil, Ficus Ginseng trees have unique looks. The appears is as though the plant stands on its multiple legs. The reddish-grey stems have tiger-like stripes.
The densely growing dark green leaves have oval shapes. Comparatively, these trees require very little caring.
