How to Care for Ficus Bonsai

Author:

Jess Shaw

There are many types of bonsai trees that are sold on the market today. The Ficus bonsai doesn’t belong to the list of the fastest selling bonsais for nothing. First, it is naturally miniscule so pruning is easier for the gardener especially for a beginner.

Second, it is great to keep indoors. In fact, it is more beneficial for the plant to stay indoors rather than outdoors.

The Ficus bonsai has many types namely: The Golf Ball Ficus (or the so-called Ficus Benjamina), Root Over Rock Ficus, Chinese bonsai, Taiwan Ficus (this is also called the Banyan Fig), The Curved Shaped Trunk, and many more.

Here are a few tips in keeping your Ficus Bonsai:

1.    Just like most bonsais, the Ficus likes to keep itself dry in between your waterings. If you want, you can touch the soil daily to be able to determine if it’s time to water again. If your bonsai has a rock on its surface, lift the rock and feel the top portion of the soil. One good way of watering this type of bonsai is to put it in the sink and have the water level reach up to its trunk. This should be no longer than 5 to 10 minutes. Drain afterwards.

2.    The Ficus isn’t ‘choosy’ when it comes to its lighting conditions. It could dwell in either a well-lighted place or a semi-lighted one. Others prefer to keep their Ficus in shady areas to ensure that it is kept away from the glaring afternoon sun. Although chemical fertilizers could be allowed, the organic ones are most preferred.

3.    To be able to gauge the humidity around the Ficus, you can use a humidity tray (which has humidity stones). In the absence of this tray, you can use simple tray with stones and water.

4.    Always keep the Ficus indoors during the winter season. Be sure to keep the plant in a well-lighted area during these months.

5.    The Ficus should be transferred to a different pot every two years. Repot during springtime and make sure that ample water is given so that the roots may grow. A word of caution: make sure that it is kept in a shady area for a few weeks!

These are basic ways of caring for your Ficus bonsai. What you have is a thing of beauty. Be sure to have enough time and enough love to care for it.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/how-to-care-for-ficus-bonsai-618371.html

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