Ficus

Profile:  The Ficus is a part of the fig family and grows in subtropical and tropical regions of the globe. For this reason, the Ficus is best grown inside (where night temperatures are above 15 degrees Celsius). Generally, the Ficus has dark or light green coloured leaves. A popular bonsai species is the Ficus 'Pandora', which has small green glossy leaves that curl at their tips.

Tree Position: Keep this bonsai inside close to a bright window. Adequate airflow and humidity are necessary with indoor bonsai. Keep a window open near it when you can, and mist the leaves on warm days. The Ficus will shed leaves quickly if it is under stress (over watering or bad placement). Even though the Ficus is mainly grown as an indoor bonsai in New Zealand climates, placing the bonsai outside during the warmer parts of the year will increase its health and vigour. When the Ficus is placed in a location that is below 15°C or above 30°C, then the Ficus will slow its growth and lose vigour. Lastly, try to keep your Ficus tree in a position for some time before moving it. Constant climate change will stress the tree and it will begin to lose leaves. The Ficus is quite hardy though, and any lost leaves will be replaced in a matter of weeks if the bonsai is placed in a humid, warm, and semi-shaded spot inside to recover.

Watering: The Ficus loves frequent watering on hot days. Ensure that the soil is always damp but not soaking wet. How often you water your bonsai will depend on the weather and how deep your bonsai pot is. Use your finger to check how damp the soil is before watering. If it feels a little dry, then go ahead and water. As a general rule, water every day when it's hot, and water twice a week in colder winter months. Try not to follow a schedule when watering though, instead, check the soil to see if it is wet or dry. Wait a minute or two after watering, then water again. In Japanese bonsai culture they have a saying for this; 'For bonsai, it rains two times'. An indoor bonsai is different than an outdoor bonsai. Inside, you may have a fireplace, heat pump, or double glazed windows that keep your home nice and toasty. Make sure your bonsai gets a drink when it's warm. Keep your indoor bonsai well-watered even if it's cold and wet outside. 

Fertilizing: Feed your Ficus fortnightly from spring through to autumn with a liquid fertilizer that has a balanced N.P.K ratio. For indoor bonsai, you can continue to feed through autumn and winter, just apply a little slow release fertilizer to the base of the tree and stop liquid fertilizing until spring. Always follow the directions on the fertilizer packet, and water the bonsai thoroughly before feeding to avoid root burn. Do not fertilize if the tree is weak or diseased. Lastly, do not fertilize newly re-potted trees for at least a few weeks.

Re-potting: Re-pot this tree every year or two during late winter or early spring just before the buds break. The soil you use should be a well-drained soil. A basic mix consists of 1 part Dalton's coarse pumice and 1 part Dalton's potting mix. Ideally, you should use a 2 mm sieve to get most of the fine particles out. You can trim up to one-third of the roots before your bonsai goes back into the bonsai pot. Secure the tree to the pot with wire through the drainage holes. The Ficus will benefit from extra moisture in the soil (add more potting mix to achieve this). Place the bonsai in a sheltered and slightly shaded spot for a week or two after re-potting. At this crucial stage, we want to shelter the bonsai from the hot sun, heavy rain, frost, snow, and wind. Lastly, be careful to not over-water your bonsai after re-potting. 

Trimming: During spring and summer, your bonsai will be in full growth. Trimming is done to keep unwanted growth in check, direct growth, and to develop ramified foliage. Throughout the growing season, cut back stems to a maximum of 1 or 2 leaves. For example, if a stem has elongated too far (say it has 10 leaves), you can cut this back. Leave a minimum of 1 or 2 though. Doing this will result in dense growth. When making a cut, use sharp scissors and cut on a 45-degree angle. Aim to cut right above a leaf node. Before trimming spindly growth, think to yourself, will this stem grow into a branch that I may find useful? When your bonsai takes off in spring or mid-spring, allow the tree to grow so it can recover its strength. After a month or so of active growth, you can then trim your bonsai into shape. When plucking leaves or trimming, you may notice a milky sap appear from the stem. This is actually latex and in its milky form, and the liquid is actually quite toxic. Wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes after touching the sap.

Pruning: This involves cutting larger branches and requires you to have a concave or branch cutter ( if you have neither, a sharp pair of secateurs will do) The best time to make strategic pruning cuts on a Ficus is in Spring, but generally a Ficus will tolerate this treatment year-round if its in good health. Don't remove more than one-third of the tree's foliage when pruning unless the Ficus was vigorous in its last growing season. The overall shape you are trying to achieve is a triangular silhouette where the top of the tree is highest. Unsightly branches should also be removed. This includes dead branches, branches that cross over each other, and branches that hide the bottom third of the trunk. Create space so light and air can enter the tree.

Wiring: Wire the Ficus at any time of the year. Larger branches will take longer to set than smaller branches. Ficus branches (when relatively small) set in place after a very short period of time during the growing season. Ensure you are using the right thickness of wire for each branch. A general rule of thumb is that you should apply wire that is roughly 1/3 the thickness of the branch you are planning to wire. Remember to check on the wire that is applied in summer as branches thicken quickly during this time and the wire may cut into the wood and leave marks. There have been Ficus trees that have begun to show wire marks after a week when the growth is strong and the wire is a little too tight. When wiring, try to turn any straight growth into curves (this includes the trunk and branches. Old trees tend to have twisted trunks and branches, so we copy nature here. 

Pests and diseases: Ficus can be affected by scale and spider mites. You will notice mildew on the leaves if your bonsai is placed in a position without enough air circulation or light. Ficus does not like any insecticides that contain Malathion.

Bonsai Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆