How to Grow and Care for Ficus Bonsai?
The word Bonsai is a Japanese form of unique outmoded Chinese sculpture, penjing or penzai. And the word Bon-sai means planted in a container. However, the eventual goal of growing a Bonsai is to create an artistic but realistic picture of nature in the form of a tree.
Ficus plant (Bonsai) care are not inherently dwarfed plants. The techniques such as wiring branches, pruning, and pinching buds are applied to give it a charismatic look. You can also buy Ficus plants online in India by visiting here.
Ficus Plant Introduction
Ficus is one variety of this bulky group of fig trees. It is native to Southeast Asia. The Ficus indoor plant is also called laurel fig, Taiwan Ficus, and banyan fig. It is prominent in appearance as it grows thick roots that are exposed above the ground.
The tree grows oval with dark green leaves. Although the stem of Ficus plant is reddish grey and thick whereas the leaves grow gruffly, giving you a thick covering. And the best part of growing Ficus as a Bonsai tree is that it needs little care.
How to Grow a Ficus Bonsai (Ficus Retusa)?
Ficus Bonsai plant is a perfect choice for anyone new to Bonsai as it needs simple and minimal care. But firstly, you must find a good place for your tree.
As Ficus naturally grows in warm, and soggy climate. Hence, you should place the plant where the maximum sunlight reaches the sun as the frigid temperate and humidity can suck moisture from its leaves.
But make sure that the Ficus houseplant gets exposed to indirect light and bright light. Additionally, the Ficus plant grows indoor with warmness and light but also appreciates outings. So you can place it outdoors in summer months.
The art of bonsai is in its unique shape and outline. You can design your tree by having the visual in mind. In terms of how much to trim, the general rule is to take off two to three leaves for every six new leaves that grow and mature. Ensure to leave at least two or three leaves on a branch to sustain its healthy growth.
5 Important Steps to Take Care & Growth of Ficus Bonsai
- General care
Ficus is one of the most loved bonsai for many reasons. It is an exceptional tree for trainees, as most species of golden Ficus plant are fast growers which makes this a fine indoor succulent plant. However, Ficus harvests a unique fruit which is an inverted flower.
Additionally, Ficus trees grow in dim sunlight light but flourishes in extreme sunlight. As Ficus growing in dim light results in weak and off-colour growth whereas it suffers from leggy and disease-prone plants. When it is grown indoors, give the plant ample window light or supplement with non-natural light for 18 hours a day.
As with any Bonsai giving Ficus plant the supreme amount of light will benefit it to keep them healthy and robust. Visit here to buy ficus indoor plant in Delhi, India.
- Watering
Ficus are tolerant of being over or underwater. However, to make the air moister, place the tree on a tray filled with pebbles and water. And do make sure that the roots aren’t sedentary in water.
As the water evaporates, it creates an appropriate level of moistness. Thereby, Read Ficus Bonsai plants care as the best plant for natural environment.
- Pruning / Training
Leaf pruning can be used to reduce leaf size. Prune back to 2-4 leaves after 6-10 leaves have grown. Ficus plant bleeds a milky latex profusely when it’s pruned but it forms its natural cover.
Besides, the cuts should be even or somewhat bowl-shaped. Pruning can be done any time of the year. But late summer and autumn pruning will reduce damage and enhance the Ficus Bonsai care chances.
- Insects / Pests
Keep the leaves free from dust and inspect regularly for pests or fungus. However, insect swarms can be controlled with a harmless solution of 1 tsp dish soap to 1-quart lukewarm water.
And likely, spray the entire plant with the mixture. Additionally, fertilize your Ficus Bonsai every two weeks during the growing season and decrease the dose of fertilizers in the winter.
- Propagation
You can repot Ficus Bonsai every, 2-3 years at the beginning of the spring before the growing season begins. Choose to plant it in sharp river sand in a pot that at least measures 4 inches in height.
Cut the leaves of Ficus plant. Replant in the same pot and keep it in the shadow for two weeks. Likely, initiate nourishing the plant with liquid seaweed compost. Then begin feeding a fertilizer suitable for hydroponic for the next three months. Additionally, root growth should be taken care of.
Thereafter three months, remove the cutting from sand. And finally the Bonsai will indicate a healthy development of fibrous roots ready to be planted.
Conclusion
Ficus microcarpa bonsai plants is a popular indoor plant. And with just a little attention, budding, and preserving, Find “ficus plants near me” to get golden Ficus plant as a Bonsai tree. Howsoever, it’s an imaginative venture for any plant lover as the plant lasts for years to come.