Watering and Fertilizing Methods for Potted Ginseng Ficus

The Ginseng Ficus has a unique shape and is very suitable for making bonsai. Its roots resemble ginseng, with a naturally graceful form; the root base is exposed above the soil surface, and the trunk shape closely resembles a person standing watch, which is why it is named "Ginseng Ficus”. Its canopy is lush and elegant, with a distinctive charm. So, in the process of home cultivation, how should a Ginseng Ficus bonsai be watered? What is the fertilizing method for Ginseng Ficus?

How to Water a Potted Ginseng Ficus

1. When growing Ginseng Ficus day to day, keep the soil in a slightly moist state, but it strongly dislikes waterlogging, so you must control the amount of water when watering.

2. During the growing season there must be enough water; never let the soil become on the dry side. Once you notice the soil is no longer on the moist side, you can water it. At the same time, pay attention to ensuring sufficient sunlight, which can effectively prevent large-scale leaf drop in the Ginseng Ficus and serious damage to its ornamental appearance.

3. During the growth of new shoots and buds, reduce watering; this can make the new branches slightly shorter, so the leaves become thicker and fuller, and their color more vivid.

4. In summer, besides keeping the soil slightly moist, also frequently spray water on the leaf surfaces and the surrounding areas.

5. The Ginseng Ficus should be repotted once every two years, usually in spring, and after repotting water only a small amount; never water too much.

6. Once the temperature rises above 20 degrees, you can resume normal watering.

Fertilizing Methods for Ginseng Ficus

1. Actually, the Ginseng Ficus is not demanding when it comes to fertilizer, so a simple approach is to give it a compound fertilizer once each season, but the fertilizer should be mainly nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium; 3 to 4 times a year is enough. Never use too much fertilizer, as it will cause the plant to grow excessively and affect its overall shape.

2. During its growing season, you can fertilize once a month, mainly with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer. When fertilizing, simply bury the fertilizer in the soil, but do not let it come into direct contact with the roots, to avoid burning them.

Grafting Methods for Ginseng Ficus

These include two types: branch grafting and wedge grafting.

1. Branch grafting

1. Branch grafting is generally done in early April or in autumn when the branches sprout. For the rootstock and scion, newly sprouted branches should be used; in particular, the rootstock must use tender branches, preferably ones that are still growing and have not yet formed a terminal bud.

2. The specific steps of branch grafting include: first, use a sterilized blade to cut off the top of the rootstock, then cut a small slit downward along the pith. Next, take a short scion that retains the terminal bud and leaves, cut its lower section into a V shape and insert it into the rootstock. At this point, note that it must be aligned with the cambium, and finally bind it tightly. After grafting the Ginseng Ficus, water it thoroughly, then cover it with a plastic bag and move the plant to a sunny, ventilated and warm place. After that, uncover the bag every day to let it breathe; in about a month and a half it can roughly be untied.

2. Wedge grafting

1. Wedge grafting is generally carried out in spring when the branches have just sprouted and the shoots have not yet emerged.

2. The specific steps of wedge grafting include: first, select a robust one-year-old branch and cut a 6 to 10 cm section with an axillary bud as the scion, and cut its base into a slant with one side 3 cm and one side 1 cm. Then cut the rootstock into a flat surface, split a small slit vertically, and insert the scion into the rootstock with the long cut face inward, aligning it with the cambium. Finally, bind it with a plastic strip, then put on a plastic bag to retain moisture, until the scion sprouts.

Repotting Methods for Ginseng Ficus

1. To repot the Ginseng Ficus, take it out of the pot with the soil, then remove one-third or two-thirds of the old soil from the lower part, then prune the roots; old roots and overly long roots should all be cut off.

2. Then replace the potting soil. Since it is grown for bonsai appreciation, when choosing a flower pot, choose one that harmonizes with the plant. Generally, a plain-colored rectangular or round pot is fine; the material is best as a purple clay pot, and ceramic pots and earthen pots are also acceptable. The soil should be loose and fertile, with good permeability and water retention, and a little decomposed organic fertilizer can be added.

3. Then pot it up: first make a drainage layer in the flower pot, then put in soil, then place the Ginseng Ficus into the pot and fill in the soil.

The Ginseng Ficus is cultivated from seedlings of the small-leaved ficus (Ficus microcarpa). Its swollen basal tuber is actually formed by variation and mutation of the radicle and hypocotyl when its seed germinates. Some plants also have Golden Coin Ficus or ovate-leaf ficus (a variety of small-leaved ficus) grafted onto the base of their trunk, making them appear even more elegant.