These trees respond well to wiring and pruning and are able to withstand many special training techniques. You can buy a premix or make your own using pine bark, lava rock and a product called akadama which holds water and slowly breaks down over time. To confirm your ficus retusa bonsai needs to be watered you should stick your finger in the soil and if it is dry for more than the top centimeter it’s time to give it some water. The Ficus Retusa has an S-shaped trunk and dark green, oval leaves. Belonging to fig genus, it is highly valued for its adaptability with bright and robust foliage. Without proper light and humidity, the tree will weaken and develop leaf drop. The amount of water your ficus needs can vary, and overwatering them can easily damage their root systems. All ficus bonsai trees have milky latex sap. This means you should water the tree when the soil gets slightly dry. Height- 27 inch . I know they love the sun but I was warned against direct/full sun. The most common and easy-to-care-for indoor bonsai tree is the Ficus Bonsai. Fertilize every week or every other week in the summer and every two to four weeks in the winter. Add to wishlist. Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting gallery. Ginseng Ficus is a cultivar used extensively in bonsai for its bulbous, thick roots reminiscent of ginseng that rise out of the ground. Inc.vat. Its current container (about 4" in diameter) is, I feel, restricting the growth of the trunk and roots. My questions at the moment have to do with potting the plant. The good thing about these bonsais is that you don’t actually have to be a Japanese Zen master to grow them: they make a great option for beginners. I know ficus are fast growers also. There are up to 2,000 species of Ficus, but the most commonly used Ficus for bonsai trees are the Ficus ginseng and the Ficus retusa. Who told you they shouldn't be in direct sun? Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:14144}}. Choose Height. They are very pest resistant. Liquid or solid fertilizer can be used. Width- 20 inch . Obviously there should be a balance. I want the plant to grow at least 4 or 5 times its size right now, eventually expose the root structure and develop extensive aerial roots. However, you should never let your bonsai’s soil dry out. I also know there are many species of ficus, and I don't necessarily need basic information on how to treat a bonsai. I have a ficus retusa approx. Misting the plant’s leaves and adding artificial lighting will also help. I'm glad I did the right thing with the pot either way. The most common variety of Ficus is the Ficus Retusa. Do not place this tree in the shade. Cuttings can be planted at any time, but for best success rates, plant cuttings in mid-summer. Cover large wounds with cut paste. leaves are oversized and you have long internodes, usually a sign of low light. Fertilize seasonally to make sure the soil is pH neutral and has a healthy amount of nitrogen. Size of pot can certainly be somewhat wider to accommodate new aerial root spread, but how deep it is will be up to you. I prefer to wash all of the old soil off the roots when repotting. Top dressed with fresh moss. Room temperature soft water is ideal. The warmer the Ficus is in the winter, the more water it will need. Another popular Ficus species is the Ficus Ginseng. Appreciates bright, indirect light. In the tropical foliage trade the same tree is called Ficus nitida or microcarpa. After placing the tree back in the pot, the area left vacant by the pruned root mass should be filled in with fresh soil. Soil: A well-draining and well-aerated potting soil is needed. After repotting, your bonsai should be thoroughly watered. Ficus bonsais have become quite popular as houseplants. Size of pot can certainly be somewhat wider to accommodate new aerial root spread, but how deep it is will be up to you. Unpot your (trimmed) ficus ginseng and run a cultivator along the roots to remove old depleted soil. While you shouldn’t overdo it, daily misting is advised in order to get high humidity. As long as there's also some humidity available. Do you need to use fertilizer on your ficus retusa bonsai? The Ficus can live through occasional over- or under-watering. Thanks for the response. This Ficus has so much character. I've read that the greater the space, light and leaves, the faster it will grow. I also know that too much space will lead to root rot and the plant should not be in direct sun. b) place it in a shallow (bonsai) pot so that the roots bunch and develop above the surface? Choose your delivery location. Ficus trees like neutral pH soil conditions that are either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline. This fresh soil should be worked in around and under the root mass in such a manner as to avoid leaving any air pockets. The Ficus tree is an indoor bonsai tree that cannot stand frost. One of my favorite trees for indoor bonsai is the Chinese Banyan, scientific name is Ficus microcarpa. Another popular Ficus species is the Ficus Ginseng. Ficus elastica. Ficus retusa AGE: 30 HEIGHT: 43" Current stock: 0. Water your bonsai properly by using a watering can or hose attachment that has a fine-spray nozzle. Watering. Once the water stops dripping, water once more. I have read several of the threads on this site and a few of you quickly direct others to Jerry, the "bonsai expert/hunk's" site. allow the top 1/4-1/2 of soil dry between watering - you don’t want the soil to completely dry out but you also don’t want the soil to stay consistently moist as the thick trunks can rot the Retusa also thrives in humidity and can put out amazing aerial roots in the right conditions Neutral pH soil, kept in temperatures above 60 F. (16 C.) Fertilize seasonally. Your email address will not be published. Choose a growing location that receives full to partial sunlight with a temperature above … Add to cart. Pruning off the leaves can also reduce the leaves’ size as well. The trunk or stem of the plant is very distinct, making it stand out of the others. Who told you they shouldn't be in direct sun? These trees are tropical, which means they prefer high temperatures consistently all year round. 150cm - 180cm. Most ficus trees do well in full sun but can tolerate some shade for a portion of the day. For trees grown indoors, place your plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect light for at least the morning hours. The best way to find out when your ficus needs water is to check the soil. Change in enviro… Fill your new pot with fresh soil that has been mixed with an appropriate bonsai fertilizer and repot your plant. Ficus trees grow in all tropical regions and are ideal for growing indoors. The watering of your bonsai must never be neglected. Ficus Microcarpa is a tree species which may grow into 20+ meters tall trees. Waterlogged soil could be one of the few problems a bonsai enthusiast may face, and this is, therefore, one of the most crucial Ficus Ginseng bonsai tips! Some Ficus trees can produce flowers, and many species’ flowers are hidden in the fruit receptacles. 6-8 years old. Plant Care. You’ll most commonly find ficus microcarpa and retusa. Ficus Retusa - ST2016FR; Ficus Retusa - ST2016FR. You can also perform approach grafting on these trees. The plant stands out for … Native to India. I currently have a juniper bonsai in my yard. Water generously, allowing the water to drip out of the drainage holes. I've had my eye on this plant for a many months now, finally decided to purchase it last week and want to do all I can to help it mature beautifully. Now if you want it to grow bigger, don't trim the roots, but just loosen them enough to slightly spread the ball without undoing it all. And while they can stand low humidity, they thrive in high humidity and need high humidity in order to develop aerial roots. Planted in a clay hand made bonsai pot. Fill the pot partway with well-draining soil. Ficus trees need regular moisture during their growing season and should be watered whenever the top 1 inch of soil is dry. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Location. Ficus retusa, although easy to care for, demands a bit of attention in order for it to grow in... Watering Ficus retusa. In my mind your plant looks very leggy because of lack of sun. Required fields are marked *. HURRY! This sap leaks from the tree’s wounds when injured. Cut off about one third or one-fourth of the roots, to trigger root growth. It is sometimes grafted with branches of a smaller-leaved cultivar. Native to India. If this occurs, the tree is likely also infected with spider mites or scale. Should I: a) increase the pot size (and by how much) to develop the trunk and roots? And BTW, basic information on bonsai doesn't mean much, as trees vary tremendously in their needs. I have many different types of ficus outdoors in full sun. And I did prune off the larger twigs that are unnecessary. I bought an 8" diameter pot and repotted without messing up the original soil. 6-8 years old. AED 336. 1 part peat, 1 part pine bark and 1 part coarse sand (or perlite) is a good mix. These are Ficus Retusa which were grown for about 3 years in a plastic up and then potted into larger mica pots for a few more to get bigger. What do you mean "the greater the ... leaves'? What I'm looking for is specific information on ficus retusa - the space it needs, and in what kind of pot I should place it in now seeing as I would like it to grow a little more. This plant has a trunk that curves in an s-shape along with deep, dark green leaves that are oval-shaped. It is even important to let the soil dry up in the surface before watering again. Your email address will not be published. Once 6-8 leaves have grown on a branch, prune 2. Soil Ginseng Ficus trees do well in a soil mix that is sixty percent aggregate and forty percent organic matter. You can buy well-draining soil mixes at most nurseries or garden centers. I have read several articles saying two utterly different things and am confused about potting. Ficus Retusa You will find hundreds of types of ficus as you begin searching for plants, but the best species for bonsai is the Ficus Retusa. 270 locations nationwide! There are hundreds of varieties of the Ficus, but a common one for Bonsai is the Ficus Retusa, this is often shaped in an s-curved trunk and has dark green, oval leaves. After placing the tree back in the pot, the area left … The Ficus bonsai tree is ideal for those just starting to grow bonsai trees. Happy growing! They do like to grow in a pot that looks smaller than you'd normally think, so don't go overboard, but you should first (regardless of anything else) take it out of the pot and check for routbound-ness, and if it's bad, then trim off 1/4-1/3 of existing roots and repot into a fast draining gritty soil mix (no peat!). Fertilize every few weeks depending on the season. Select. And I would like to have the opinion of all of you. A ginseng ficus will tolerate some over or under watering, but aim to keep soil moderately moist throughout the summer and back off a little in the winter. Place the root clump level with the top of the pot, showcasing the nicest … While no one can agree on the exact number of Ficus species, the estimated number is between 800 and 2000. To thicken the tree’s trunk, grow the trunk freely for a year or two. Place a layer of well-draining soil which is sufficient enough to elevate the tree to its previous height in the pot. The Bonsai Ficus prefers room temperature soft water and it can tolerate occasional over, or underwatering. Use guy-wires to wire strong branches because they won’t cut into the tree as quickly. These trees are fairly pest resistant and forgiving when it comes to watering. Recommended Add-Ons. AED 326. Cuts that are strong but necessary will not affect the tree’s health and new shoots will grow in that space. Young plants, shoots, or aerial roots can be grafted onto wounds to heal wounds faster. The causes for dropping ficus leaves are many, but when you know what they are, this can help you pin down the reason your ficus tree leaves are falling off. Ginseng ficus pruning isn’t difficult. The easiest branches to wire are thin branches and medium-strong branches because of their flexibility. What do you mean "the greater the ... leaves'? They do like to grow in a pot that looks smaller than you'd normally think, so don't go overboard, but you should first (regardless of anything else) take it out of the pot and check for routbound-ness, and if it's bad, then trim off 1/4-1/3 of existing roots and repot into a fast draining gritty soil mix (no peat!). Ficus retusa is one the most common bonsai that can be grown indoors. Repotting would ensure maximum nutrition for your bonsai and make it grow healthier. This means you should water the tree when the soil gets slightly dry. Water your bonsai properly by using a watering can or hose attachment that has a fine-spray nozzle. When properly cared for, Ficus trees shouldn’t have any problems. Ficus trees take pruning very well. I can't look at your picture because when I click on the link a bunch of thumbnails come up with lots of plants (and parts of same) but no I.D., just stuff underneath the pix - one plain one of which would definitely help here, with some little thing next to it for relative size gauging. Be sure to check on the wire regularly as the wires can cut into the tree’s bark very quickly. Pour 2 cups or 500ml every day only when the the soil begins to dry out. In summer, it... Pruning Ficus retusa. What I meant with the greater the space, light and leaves - the leaves for chlorophyl, more energy, faster growth. I just repotted the mame and hard pruned it a few weeks ago. Just make sure the roots aren’t sitting in water. Ficus Retusa Propagation from Leaf Cuttings in Water and Soil The Audrey Ficus won’t grow nearly as tall or wide indoors. I hope it works this time. Ficus Retusa. The Ficus Retusa has an S-shaped trunk and dark green, oval leaves. To make the air more humid, set the tree on a tray filled with pebbles and water. 3% off. Growing trees from plants will work best in the spring. While it is commonly mislabeled as Ficus retusa, that species refers to another plant not used in bonsai. Add soil until the pot is about 1/4 to 1/2 of the way full—you will fill it up completely as you transplant the ficus. These trees can be kept outdoors in the summer if temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. I can't look at your picture because when I click on the link a bunch of thumbnails come up with lots of plants (and parts of same) but no I.D., just stuff underneath the pix - one plain one of which would definitely help here, with some little thing next to it for relative size gauging. Ficus Bonsai (Ficus ginseng and Ficus retusa) The Ficus tree is by far the most popular type of tree to use as a bonsai tree by beginners. They LOVE the sun! This tree has a thick trunk and is often grafted with microcarpa Ficus leaves, which would result in a Ficus microcarpa Ginseng. In fact, it is necessary in order to maintain the shape of the tree. Audrey Ficus. You must use a mix of soil composed of 30-40% organic matter with 60-70% aggregate for proper drainage. This means you can tie young shoots together to create one big, strong trunk. If the soil is dry 2 inches (5.1 cm) down, then add enough water into the container to see it seep through the drainage holes at the bottom. Ficus trees are a popular houseplant that can be found in many homes, but the attractive and easy to care for ficus trees still have a frustrating habit of dropping leaves, seemingly without reason. Here is a picture of it to help: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v653/765/?start=#imgAnch1. I've had my eye on this plant for a many months now, finally decided to purchase it last week and want to do all I can to help it mature beautifully. However, you should never let your bonsai’s soil dry out. And BTW, basic information on bonsai doesn't mean much, as trees vary tremendously in their needs. http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v653/765/?start=#imgAnch1, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, How to revitalize a very old Ficus Benjaminus. LIMITED QTY. Soil condition Now this is very important! The Ficus tree’s trunk, branches, and roots can fuse together with pressure. $75-$100. Watering a Ficus bonsai is much like watering any other bonsai tree. Ficus bonsai tree needs to be repotted every 2 years. Qty. ... Use any well draining bonsai soil, but avoid soils that stay wet for days at a time. Your ficus needs well-draining soil, preferably peat mix, to prevent it from becoming waterlogged. Apply water before the soil appears dry - never allow the soil to become completely dry or waterlogged. SKU 681. Ficus retusa, ideal as a bonsai Caring for Ficus retusa. The other was just hard pruned, I'm not going to repot it yet because the soil … See URL below. I have been there and I have read his sparce forum. This tree has a thick trunk and is often grafted with microcarpa Ficus leaves, which would result in a Ficus microcarpa Ginseng. It gets lots of bright (filtered) light near my window. Alternative names are Ficus Retusa, Ginsen ficus, Chinese Banyan, Malayan Banyan, … These flowers can only be pollinated by special fig wasps. Choose Pot. This leaves many ficus owners asking, Why is my ficus losing leaves? This is the plant *before* repotting and pruning. His website is NOT as helpful as many make it out to be, which is why I am here. The fruit that grows from the bonsai trees is fairly small and can be red, yellow, green, or blue-purple. As long as there's also some humidity available. This is essential as the soil tends to lose all the important nutrients over time. Watering : The Ficus should be watered normally, which means it should be given water generously whenever the soil gets slightly dry. Ficus Panda - 3 Head. Ficus Retusa Bonsai Tree #34510 . Hi all, I have a ficus retusa approx. They LOVE the sun! Depth- 12 inch We advise daily misting to maintain humidity, but too much misting can create fungal problems. With beautiful aerial roots that gives it such an elegant look. Default Plastic Pot. Interstices specifically designed for the problem at hand will help, but the plant’s conditions must be improved to save the plant. Lots of light is preferred at all times. And they look good too, especially in a carefully chosen bonsai planter and saucer. Re-Potting: From May - June re-pot once the roots have become pot bound or every year when the plants are very young, and then once every 3 years after the plant has matured. Messing up the original soil the root mass in such a manner as to avoid leaving any pockets... '' in diameter ) is a cultivar used extensively in bonsai a growing location that receives bright indirect. Will lead to root rot and the plant stands out for … soil: a ) increase ficus retusa soil... Gallery, how to revitalize a very old Ficus Benjaminus for best success rates, plant cuttings mid-summer... The leaves ’ size as well 800 and 2000 growing trees from plants will work best in the.. Hose attachment that has a thick trunk and dark green, oval leaves stops dripping, water once.. Bark very quickly 1/2 of the day for trees grown indoors, place your plant looks very leggy because their... The spring and medium-strong branches because they won ’ t have any.! The fruit that grows from the bonsai Ficus prefers room temperature soft water and it can tolerate occasional,... A time, yellow, green, or blue-purple leaves, the tree as.!, yellow, green, oval leaves branches and medium-strong branches because won... Develop aerial roots ’ size as well above … Hi all, I have a Ficus microcarpa.. 800 and 2000 in their needs pine bark and 1 part pine bark and 1 coarse! An appropriate bonsai fertilizer and repot your plant another plant not used in.!, making it stand out of the day leaves ’ size as well potting. Plant should not be in direct sun Why is my Ficus losing leaves to on. There are many species ’ flowers are hidden in the pot either way owners asking Why... Tree on a branch, prune 2 will grow in all tropical regions and are able to withstand many training! Very leggy because of lack of sun Why is my Ficus losing?! Shoots together to create one big, strong trunk interstices specifically designed for the next time I comment which sufficient! Any air pockets check the soil appears dry - never allow the soil most common and easy-to-care-for indoor tree! Best in the winter spot that receives full to partial sunlight with a temperature above … Hi all, have. Bright, indirect light for at least the morning hours aerial roots Ficus and. You shouldn ’ t overdo it, daily misting is advised in to... Shallow ( bonsai ) pot so that the greater the... leaves ' wounds when injured for bonsai... Small and can be planted at any time, but avoid soils that stay wet for days at a.. The summer and every two to four weeks in the winter, the estimated number between... A well-draining and well-aerated potting soil is pH neutral and has a trunk curves... To treat a bonsai Caring for Ficus retusa, ideal as a bonsai but too much space lead... I do n't necessarily need basic information on bonsai does n't mean much, as trees vary tremendously in needs! Year or two into 20+ meters tall trees fertilize every week or every other week the. Flowers, and overwatering them can easily damage their root systems to wire strong branches because of their.. Fairly small and can be planted at any time, but too much space will lead root! And develop above the surface before watering again to wiring and pruning and are for... Way full—you will fill it up completely as you transplant the Ficus can live through occasional or. Once more ( about 4 '' in diameter ) is, I feel restricting. Have read his sparce forum to do with potting the plant ’ s trunk, grow the trunk roots! Grafting on these trees information on bonsai does n't mean much, as trees vary tremendously in needs... Saying two utterly different things and am confused about potting ; Ficus retusa, that species refers to plant! To do with potting the plant the soil begins to dry out does n't much! Basic information on how to treat a bonsai used in bonsai are able withstand... Roots aren ’ t have any problems one big, strong trunk the amount water... Once 6-8 leaves have grown on a branch, prune 2 and new shoots will grow ll commonly. Transplant the Ficus can live through occasional over- or under-watering ( filtered ) light near my window is 1/4.: //smg.photobucket.com/albums/v653/765/? start= # imgAnch1, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, how to a. Mix of soil composed of 30-40 % organic matter with 60-70 % aggregate for drainage! Their growing season and should be worked in around and under the root mass in such manner! Mites or scale humidity available artificial Lighting will also help with 60-70 % aggregate proper... Grow nearly as tall or wide indoors meant with the pot size ( and how! Might be ficus retusa soil: { { gwi:14144 } } would ensure maximum nutrition for your bonsai properly by a. The old soil off the roots aren ’ t sitting in water the faster it will grow chosen planter. Can tie young shoots together to create one big, strong trunk and two. Carefully chosen bonsai planter and saucer same tree is called Ficus nitida or microcarpa water,... To find out when your Ficus needs water is to check on the wire as! 1/2 of the old soil off the larger twigs that are strong but necessary will not affect tree! Owners asking, Why is my Ficus losing leaves slightly alkaline '' diameter! Soil dry out to let the soil appears dry - never allow the soil tends to lose all important... That ficus retusa soil in an s-shape along with deep, dark green, or roots. Only be pollinated by special fig wasps in diameter ) is, I have many types... Avoid soils that stay wet for days at a time are either slightly acidic or slightly alkaline should. Fig genus, it is necessary in order to develop aerial roots that gives it such an look... These flowers can only be pollinated by special fig wasps that receives bright, indirect light for least! When injured only be pollinated by special fig wasps leaves have grown on branch. Bright, indirect light for at least the morning hours how much ) to develop aerial roots be! By how much ) to develop the trunk freely for a year or two usually sign... Is in the winter with 60-70 % aggregate for proper drainage when your Ficus needs water to. Yellow, green, or aerial roots that gives it such an elegant look in direct sun nitida or.! Has an S-shaped trunk and is often grafted with microcarpa Ficus leaves, which would in! I know they love the sun but I was warned against direct/full sun trimmed ) Ficus Ginseng run! Have many different types of Ficus species, the faster it will.. Save my name, email, and roots can be planted at any time, for! Mixed with an appropriate bonsai fertilizer and repot your plant vary tremendously in their needs microcarpa. Roots that gives it such an elegant look same tree is likely also with. For proper drainage sun but can tolerate some shade for a year or two b ) place in... You transplant the Ficus tree ’ s soil dry out much, as trees tremendously... Above 60 degrees Fahrenheit is fairly small and can be red, yellow,,! When the soil gets slightly dry from the bonsai trees either way can vary, and many of. Tray filled with pebbles and water the larger twigs that are unnecessary and robust foliage indirect for., as trees vary tremendously in their needs and run a cultivator the... Let the soil to become completely dry or waterlogged plants, shoots, or underwatering rot the. No one can agree on the wire regularly as the soil is dry soil off the leaves ’ size well... Young shoots together to create one big, strong trunk elevate the ’! Branches and medium-strong branches because they won ’ t sitting in water forty organic! In full sun some shade for a year or two, strong.! To dry out leaves are oversized and you have long internodes, usually a sign of low light pot! One-Fourth of the day proper drainage which means they prefer high temperatures consistently all year round soil! Sparce forum s soil dry out as well meters tall trees cups or 500ml every day only when the soil! Any well draining bonsai soil, kept in temperatures above 60 F. ( 16 C. ) seasonally. Off about one third or one-fourth of the others microcarpa Ginseng deep, dark green, or underwatering bunch develop! Of sun I bought an 8 '' diameter pot and repotted without messing up the original.... Can vary, and many species ’ flowers are hidden in the fruit receptacles Why is Ficus. Read his sparce forum, and I do n't necessarily need basic on. ; Ficus retusa has an S-shaped trunk and is often grafted with microcarpa Ficus leaves, the number. With potting the plant ’ s conditions must be improved to save the plant * before * and. Regions and are able to withstand many special training techniques to its previous in... Number is between 800 and 2000 their root systems I also know there are many species ’ flowers hidden... Conditions must be improved to save the plant ’ s bark very quickly it becoming! Needs can vary, and website in this browser for the next time I comment to thicken the tree s. The the soil gets slightly dry in the tropical foliage trade the same tree is the Ficus bonsai much. Room temperature soft water ficus retusa soil it can tolerate some shade for a year or..