Ficus species/Fig Species Guide
One of the most popular trees for indoor bonsai, there are at least a dozen species and hundreds of varieties that are suitable for bonsai cultivation.
Ficus are hugely popular in hotter climates where they are strong and robust. In the UK, ficus tend to be weak and require indoor cultivation much of the year, for this reason they should not be regarded as the 'easy' tree that they are in other parts of the world.
Ease of Cultivation 5/10 Suitablity and Ease for Bonsai Styling 8/10
Position Indoor/Outdoor tree. Maximum light possible but will tolerate poorer light indoors. Frost protection required below -5°C. Ficus must be kept in position where temperatures do not fall below 12-15°C as far as possible.
Repotting Repot in Spring every two years using basic soil mix.
Pruning Figs bleed a milky, white sap (latex) when pruned and this can be used to seal wounds by dabbing with paper or a cloth. When pruning back smaller branches, leave a short stub which will dry out over the following days, removal of this dry stub is easy and leaves a far smaller scar in the bark.
Propagation Figs are very easily propagated from cuttings at any time of the year and from air-layerings.
Pests and Diseases Scale insects and mites can be a problem. Will not tolerate insecticides containing Malathion. Leaf loss is nearly always due to stress caused by overwatering or incorrect placement.
For more detailed information please visit the main Bonsai4me.com website (not mobi)
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