Ficus Bonsai
(Ficus retusa)
Also known as the common Fig and Chinese Banyan, this bonsai tree grows naturally in Southwest Asia. Ficus is one of the most popular trees for indoor Bonsai. It is an excellent tree for beginners and pros alike. Generally easy to care for, and they are tolerant of typical household conditions of lower light and lower humidity, but they like a comfortable temperature range between 60°F -80°F.
Indoors, they prefer to be close to a sunny window, or outdoors year-round in warmer climates. Direct morning sunlight is preferable; direct afternoon sun can sometimes burn the delicate leaves. Ficus trees don’t like cold drafts and are not fond of sudden changes. Make moves gradually. Use a humidity tray under your bonsai to keep humidity levels up. Scroll down for more care information.
Available in four sizes, which refers to the size of the pot at it’s widest point.
Water thoroughly and deeply when the soil surface is just slightly dry. Don’t let the soil get completely dry, but it shouldn’t be constantly soggy, either.
Mist often with a spray bottle too. It helps take the burden off of the roots, especially on a very hot and dry Utah day.
Avoid putting your Ficus near a draft or vent, which dries out the foliage. A humidity tray is a great way to increase humidity. These shallow trays filled with small stones have water in the bottom of the tray. Make sure the water does not reach the bottom of the Bonsai pot. As the water evaporates, it creates a moister environment.
Use an organic liquid fertilizer or a chemical fertilizer diluted to one half strength, applied every two weeks during the growing season and once a month in the winter. Ficus responds quickly and enthusiastically to fertilizing; do not skip it.
Bonsai are planted in traditional pots; shallow, glazed ceramic, with drainage holes. Pots come in a variety of colors: ivory, blue, green aqua, black, red. You may list color preferences in the “Special Instructions” field after your selection is added to your shopping cart, and we will do our best to accommodate! Colors cannot be guaranteed, however.