Ginseng Ficus Bonsai Tree - (Ficus Retusa)

Also known as Banyan Fig and Taiwan Ficus. The Retusa has small dark green leaves which alternate up the stem and which are more oval than the Benjamina. Grey to reddish bark dotted with small horizontal flecks, similar to tiger-like markings. All have heavy trunks with exposed aerial roots. Among the most tolerant, versatile and trouble-free bonsai trees for indoor use.

The ficus or fig is a tremendously popular bonsai tree species. They are tolerant of low light conditions, overwatering, and beginner mistakes. For these reasons it is often recommended as a beginner bonsai or indoor bonsai tree. Other popular features include its interesting surface roots and aerial banyan roots that can develop and hang down from its lower branches. This is why they are so often used in root over rock styles. This article will go into more detail on how to care for ficus bonsai.

Watering and feeding your ficus.
Ficus including salicifolia and neriifolia are not very hard to water. This is a good quality for a beginner bonsai to have as many beginners to the hobby tend to kill their first tree by over or under watering the tree. The tree will be happy as long as it isn't allowed to completely dry out. Ideally keep the soil moist and mist the tree daily. The key is to keep it moist but not wet as that leads to root rot. Ficus will usually let one know they are being overwatered by dropping leaves. Fertilizing can be done by mixing in a half strength liquid fertilizer when the tree is watered every 2 to 4 weeks.

Temperature and Growing Range
Ficus are tropical and do well in USDA zones 10-11. They grow exceptionally well in Florida where it is sunny and the temperature rarely gets very low. Ficus do not like temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit and should be brought indoors in areas with cold winters.

Repotting Ficus
Ficus' vigorous growth does not only occur above ground. Their roots grow just as quick. In order to prevent the tree from becoming pot bound it can be necessary to repot and root prune the tree every year. Fig do not require more than a basic bonsai soil that is aery and drains well. The pot should have good drainage.

How do I make the leaves smaller on my ficus bonsai?
The leaves on ficus trees, especially ficus benjamina, can be a little on the large side for proper perspective on smaller bonsai styles. There are a couple things one can do to encourage the tree to grow smaller leaves. First, increase the amount of light. As mentioned earlier, the ficus will produce smaller leaves and more compact growth in response to higher lighting conditions. Second, techniques such as defoliation and leaf pruning can be used. However, defoliation is hard on a tree and should only be used on healthy trees usually no more than a few times per year.

Why is my ficus losing its leaves?
Ficus may drop their leaves in response to stress. If the tree was recently moved it may lose leaves, but as long as the new location is suitable the leaves should quickly regrow. Leaf drop may also occur if the tree is being overwatered or if the soil is allowed to overdry. Ficus have also been known to drop leaves when a cold front comes through. Lastly, check for insect infestation if any of the other causes don't seem the be the cause.


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