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One of the most popular trees for indoor bonsai,
the Ficus genus consists of over 800 different species of evergreen
trees, shrubs and woody climbers usually found in moist forests
in tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world. Of these there
are at least a dozen species and hundreds of varieties that are
suitable for bonsai cultivation.
As plants from sub-tropical and tropical areas, Figs are not frost
hardy and need to be grown indoors when day or night temperatures
are lower than 15°C; for much of Northern Europe this means that
outside placement is only possible during June and July. Figs
suitability for indoor growth is largely due to its tolerance
of poor humidity levels and poor light levels that prevail in
our centrally-heated homes. This tolerance to poor light is largely
due to the native habitat of many Figs on the forest floor, shaded
by the forest canopy above. Figs are able to tolerate poor humidity
levels and dry air with their thick waxy leaves.
It should be noted though that Figs will not grow well in poor
conditions; the better the humidity and light levels are, the
more vigorous the plant is. Ficus bonsai should be given as much
light as possible to encourage strong growth.
FICUS SPECIES SUITABLE FOR BONSAI
The following is a list of commonly used species; there are also
large numbers of varieties of these species available and the
suitability of these should be determined primarily by leaf size.
FICUS
SALICIFOLIA/ Narrow Leaf or Willow Leaf Fig
Small, narrow leaves that produce excellent branch ramification.
Is capable of producing good basal rootage and excellent aerial
root formation in humid conditions. Has a habit of dropping leaves
if stressed so should be kept in ideal growing conditions.
FICUS BENJAMINA /Weeping Fig
Oval, thinly leathery leaves, easily available but less desirable
as indoor bonsai. Has a habit of not taking severe reduction;
reductions to the trunk and the branches should be made gradually.
Also defoliates easily when stressed. Branches will quickly dieback
if no foliage is left on them after pruning or defoliation. Always
leave a strong bud or leaf at the very end of the branch to encourage
sap-flow.
FICUS RETUSA VAR. MICROCARPA/ Chinese Banyan
Bears oval, glossy, dark-green leaves upto 10cm long though these
reduce with ease. The Chinese Banyan is the probably the classic
fig for bonsai especially favoured for its ability to regenerate
from very hard pruning, its vigour and willing to cope under poor
growing conditions.
FICUS MACROPHYLLA /Morton Bay Fig
Bears glossy, dark-green leaves and small red/orange flowers.
Readily produces aerial roots given high humidity levels. Rarely
drops leaves and can withstand hard pruning.
FICUS RUBIGINOSA/ Port Jackson Fig
Glossy, dark-green oval leaves, again vigorous growing fig, readily
producing aerial roots given the right conditions and reduces
well.
FICUS RETUSA 'GREEN ISLAND' /GREEN ISLAND FIG
Variety of Ficus retusa that is often seen for sale, similar to
previous species but is less tolerant to low light levels and
poor humidity which can lead to the loss of inner leaves.
Also worth trying are Ficus burt-davyi, F.regiosa, F.deltoidea,
F.aurea/ Strangler Fig, F.petiolaris, F.palmeri, F.traiangularis,
F.benghalensis, F.buxifolia/ Box leaf fig, F.carica/ Common fig,
F.natalensis/ Natal fig, F.pumila/Creeping Fig.