Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree care

Ficus indoor bonsai tree care involves getting the location, watering, pruning and feeding right, aiding the successful growing of these popular bonsai trees.

Ficus Bonsai Trees are mainly tropical plants growing throughout south-eastern Asia. There are many species of Ficus. Ones found commonly in bonsai include Retusa, Religiosa, Carica, Benjamina and others.

Ficus produces glossy, waxy leaves which are long-lasting. They can feature aerial roots from the trunk and branches.

In bonsai, it is most frequently found in the informal upright style and in small groups. It also lends itself to formal upright, slanting, semi-cascade, twin-trunk, triple-truck and clasped to rock.

With care, it can be kept indoors and is therefore a popular choice for bonsai in the UK.

Location for your Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree

Ficus bonsai trees are quite tolerant of low levels of light. Having said that, they should still be placed in a bright location. 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. A conservatory is a good location for much of the year, though it can get too hot in summer and too cold in winter.

It is also possible to grow Ficus bonsai trees outdoors in summer. They look at the hot summer sunshine which gives them a real energy boost. Weakly growing and poorly Ficus bonsai trees will benefit from time outside. They are however frost tender. Move them back inside when nighttime temperatures drop down to single figures.

Watering your Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree

Ficus indoor bonsai tree care including watering. Ficus prefer moist soil. It is important that this is well drained, it does not want to sit in a pool of water. When being kept indoors, mist spraying with water is beneficial. The aim is to create a humid atmosphere around the bonsai. A drip or humidity tray will help with this, as the water in the bottom of the tree will gradually evaporate.

Too much water will damage the roots, and the leaves will yellow and fall off. Too little water will result in the leaves becoming dry and brittle. As with all bonsai tree care, the key to watering is balance.

Pruning your Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree

The tree extends shoots of lighter green new foliage when growing. These can be cut or pinched back to a few new leaves after first being allowed to extend for 7 to 10cm. The tree leaks milky sap when cut. Branches can be wired with ease.

Please note that the Ficus is an evergreen bonsai tree. This does not however mean that each leaf will last forever. New leaves are light green, maturing to dark green, before yellowing and falling off. This is a gradual process and is to be expected. The aim is to make sure that you get new growth to replace the old leaves before they fall.

Repotting your Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree

Repot every two or three years in Spring. Use a general bonsai soil mix. Please click to read our article, a discussion on bonsai soil.

Feeding your Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree

Feed once a fortnight throughout the growing season from spring to autumn.

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