Ficus Bonsai Care guidelines
Placement
The ficus, a tree best suited for indoor environments, cannot withstand cold, frost-prone conditions. During summers, if the temperature consistently exceeds 60°F (15°C), it may be placed outside. It thrives in abundant light and benefits from direct sunlight, so avoid dimly lit areas. Maintain a stable temperature to promote its health. While the ficus can survive in low humidity owing to its thick, waxy leaves, a higher humidity level is beneficial and crucial for the growth of aerial roots.
Watering
Contrary to daily watering labels, observe your Ficus before watering. Water generously as the soil begins to dry. Room-temperature, soft water suits the Ficus best, and it withstands occasional over or underwatering. Daily misting is recommended to keep up the humidity, but be wary of excessive misting which may lead to fungal issues. In winter, a fig's need for water increases with the indoor temperature; conversely, keep the soil just moist if it's residing in a cooler space. For a comprehensive guide on Bonsai watering, continue to watering Bonsai trees.
Fertilizing
During the growth period in summer, fertilize bi-weekly. In winter, reduce this to every four weeks unless the growth ceases. Both liquid and organic fertilizer pellets are suitable.
Pruning and wiring
Regular trimming maintains the shape of the tree. After 6-8 leaves have sprouted, trim back to two leaves. To minimize leaf size — as some species have inherently large leaves — employ leaf pruning (defoliation). For substantial trunk thickening, allow the Ficus unconstrained growth for one to two years. The Ficus recovers well from severe pruning, sprouting anew from old wood. Apply cut paste to larger wounds for protection. Thin to medium branches of the Ficus bend easily due to their flexibility, but monitor wires frequently to prevent scarring. To shape sturdier branches, use guy-wires; they can remain on the tree longer without causing damage.
Repotting
In spring, repot your Ficus every other year with a standard Bonsai soil mix. It handles root-pruning exceptionally well. For details on the repotting procedure, visit repotting Bonsai trees.
Propagation and grafting
Mid-summer is the ideal time for planting cuttings, while air-layering succeeds best in early spring (April-May). Sow Ficus seeds in spring for optimal results. Approach-grafting enables creative cultivation, allowing branch, root, or trunk fusion with applied pressure to create intriguing structures. Multiple young plants can merge to form a single robust trunk. Even aerial roots are graftable—both to branches and alternatively positioned roots. Speedy healing of large wounds can be promoted via grafting young plants, shoots, or aerial roots directly onto them. With Ficus retusa's farming flexibility, growing it as a Bonsai becomes particularly appealing for the experienced grower.
Pests and diseases
While generally pest-resistant, ficuses can face challenges depending on their environment and the season, with winter often being the most trying time. Conditions such as dry air and inadequate lighting can lead to leaf dropping and susceptibility to scale or spider mites. Overcoming pest issues may require insecticide sticks or sprays, but enhancing the living conditions of a weakened ficus is equally crucial. Using plant lamps for 12-14 hours a day along with frequent misting aids recovery. For more tips and techniques, explore our Bonsai tree care section.