Ficus

By Tien

Bonsai Sensation Nursery
www.bonsaisensation.com.au

There are hundreds of varieties of the Ficus, but the most popular one for Bonsai is the Ficus Retusa, which is often shaped in an s-curved trunk and has oval, dark green leaves.

Excerpt from Bonsai Empire

Maintenance

  • Anything rootwise growing downwards is cut off.

  • Choose widest level of roots and all below that level are cut off.

  • Makes tree develop new roots and want to survive.

  • Develops good wide base.

  • Repot figs every year. Taper is important.

  • Ficus and Chinese elm and maples can be cut back hard and they will regrow. Serious pruning required.

  • Need to look at every tree at least once a month.

  • Feed once per month while growing. Prune tropical trees in middle Summer.

  • Pick off all leaves 4-6 times per year. 

  • Wiring. Pull to one side first.

  • In Winter frost will kill leaves.

  • With lots of new shoots, choose one leader and allow to grow.

Nicole DentonFicus