Ficus Bonsai Care

Ficus bonsai tree is one of the most popular choice as houseplants and for indoor gardening. It has a large variety of species from which you can choose from. One of the most common species of ficus tree is the Banyan tree. Naturally, ficus tree are found in tropical and temperate climate zones. It is rich in foliage which is lush green in color and can be modified to variety of desirable shapes. Ficus bonsai care is not a very tough task and even beginners can try their hands on maintaining a ficus bonsai tree.

How to Care for a Ficus Bonsai Plant?

The ficus bonsai requires additional vigilance because it is highly sensitive towards change in environmental conditions. There are certain aspects that have to taken into account for this purpose. They are as follows:

Exposure to Light: Ficus bonsai plant need to be grown indoors. This is because it has delicate leaves that tend to get burned in the scorching heat of the sun. Even frost and freezing temperatures are not suitable for these plants. You can place it near a window where it can receive direct sunlight during the morning hours, when the intensity of the light is low. It grows quite well under grow lights.

Watering the Plant: You should be extra careful during watering the ficus bonsai. You should avoid over watering them and at the same time they should not be kept in a dry condition for a long time. An easy method to check whether your bonsai tree needs water or not is to put your finger an inch into the soil and if it feels dry then it has to be watered. There are two techniques that can be used for this purpose. You can soak the tree pot into a sink of water for about 5 minutes where the water will get absorbed by the holes under the pot. Or else, pour water to the plant from the top. In this case, give some water to the plant and wait for few minutes and then repeat it. It has to be done several times till it gets sufficient water.

Humidity: In a hot and dry climate, humidity has to be maintained to keep the leaves healthy and green. Misting the leaves with a spray bottle a number of times throughout the day will be helpful in this regard. Humidity tray can also be used to create humidity. It consist of small stones with water at the bottom which will evaporate and create a moist environment.

Adding Fertilizers: During its growing season, which is spring to fall, fertilizing is important to ensure proper supply of nutrients to the plant. Organic liquid fertilizer is good for this bonsai plant and it should be given regularly every two weeks. If you want to give some chemical fertilizer, then make sure you dilute it to half its strength and thus, prevent any damage to its roots.

Repotting: Ficus bonsai should be repotted after a gap of two to three years. This task should preferably be carried out in the spring season. Select a pot that have a number of holes for proper drainage. Put a layer of moss in the pot first and then fill it up with soil. Once the repotting is done, water the plant properly and keep it in a shady spot for growth of new roots.

Pruning: The foliage of ficus bonsai tree grows quite fast and hence, it has to be controlled with regular pruning. It is particularly important during the growing season as it will help the bonsai stay in the desired shape. Heavy pruning is recommended during the spring season but light pruning can be done throughout the year.

One thing I can assure you that ficus bonsai care can be a truly enriching experience. This will prolong the longevity of the plants for several years. It will make the plant look very attractive, which in turn, will enhance the interior decoration of your house or office. Once you get used to the process, you can find out instinctively about the needs and requirements of your plant.