An Introduction to the Characteristics and Daily Care of Ficus Bonsai
Ficus bonsai are bonsai cultivated from the fig tree, a plant of the genus Ficus in the mulberry family, and are mostly made from varieties such as the Chinese banyan (Ficus microcarpa) and the ginseng ficus (Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng'). The fig tree is an evergreen tree with glossy, leathery leaves and well-developed aerial roots; it is long-lived and sprouts vigorously, and after pruning its branches and trunk readily take on a rugged, ancient-looking form, so it is regarded as an excellent tree species for making bonsai and occupies an important place in Lingnan bonsai.
Common ficus bonsai styles include the formal upright style, the slanting style, the cascade style and the forest style, among which the ginseng ficus, because its roots are swollen and enlarged and resemble tuberous roots, is often trained in the exposed-root form and is highly ornamental. Aerial roots and buttress roots are important features of ficus bonsai; by methods such as guiding and mounding soil, the growth of aerial roots can be induced, creating the unique spectacle of a single tree forming a forest.
In terms of care, the fig tree likes warmth, humidity and plenty of sunlight, and is best placed in a sunny spot with good ventilation, with appropriate shading in midsummer. Water according to the principle of watering when dry and letting it dry out between waterings, and avoid prolonged waterlogging in the pot, which otherwise easily causes root rot and leaf drop. During the growing season, apply light fertilizer frequently, mainly dilute organic liquid fertilizer, and combine leaf plucking and pruning to control the tree shape and encourage compact foliage; generally repot once every two or three years, trimming the roots at the same time.
In daily management, common problems with ficus bonsai include abnormal leaf drop, leggy growth of branches and leaves, and pests. Leaf drop is mostly related to overwatering, insufficient light or sudden changes in the environment, so the care conditions should be checked first before making adjustments. When ventilation is poor, scale insects and red spider mites are easily bred; once found, they can be wiped off with a damp cloth or controlled by spraying the appropriate pesticide. In northern regions, it is best to move the plant indoors for the winter, keeping the temperature no lower than five degrees and reducing watering, so the plant can pass through its dormant period smoothly.
