By Jim Ireland
Ficus bonsai can be cultivated indoors or outside in warm climates where temperatures remain above freezing.
The Ficus genus belongs to the family of mulberry plants or Moraceae, and it’s the most popular indoor tree species for Bonsai beginners. They can be found on every continent in the tropic regions and are very suitable for indoor Bonsai.
Ficus species commercially available as bonsai are: Ficus ginseng, Ficus benjamina, Ficus microcarpa and Ficus retusa. Similar Ficus varieties include; The Microcarpa, Tigerbark, Willow Leaf, Golden Gate, Religiosa, Benjamina, and Taiwan.
Most ficus bonsai trees will live for at least 10 years and some may even survive for 100 years or more!
WATER your Ficus bonsai when the top layer of soil feels dry, typically every 2-3 days, but adjust frequency based on factors like humidity and temperature, and always ensure the soil is well-draining.
LIGHT is essential for compact growth, vibrant foliage, and overall vigor in Ficus. These trees thrive in full sun, though during extreme summer heat, partial shade or a shade cloth (30-50%) can prevent leaf scorch and stress. In general, Bonsai trees require about 4-6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day and should be placed in a sheltered position that receives morning sun and afternoon shade.
Indoor bonsai plants prefer a brightly lit spot that’s protected from direct sunlight. However, It is recommended that some sunlight shines through a window and actually hits the leaves of the tree. A south-facing window is good. East and west-facing windows are also acceptable. Dark corners, bookshelves and coffee tables can often be too dark.
UNDERWATERING OR OVERWATERING INDICATIONS
Under-watering: Roots are dying off (crispy, brown) and leaves shrivel due to lack of water coming in.
Over-watering: Roots are rotting (black, smelly, and mushy) and therefore can’t take up water, causing leaf shriveling as well.
FERTILIZING: Feed regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) with balanced fertilizer, reducing in fall and winter.
PRUNING & SHAPING: Regular pruning helps maintain shape; wiring is best done on flexible branches but varies by species.
REPOTTING: Repot every 2-3 years, depending on root growth, using well-draining bonsai soil.
Final note: Ficus is actually TOXIC to dogs and cats. According to the ASPCA, contact with the skin can cause dermatitis, while ingestion can cause oral irritation, salivation and vomiting.
