The evergreen figs, originally native to the tropics, can easily be grown as bonsai. A few of these Ficus species impress with their beautiful flowers. Most fig bonsais, like their relatives in the home garden, produce inconspicuous, cup-shaped calyxes from which small fig fruits develop.
How to care for a bonsai fig tree?
A bonsai fig tree needs a bright location, moderate watering, annual repotting and regular pruning. In the summer months the fig tree can be placed outdoors. Daily spraying with lime-free water and 14-day fertilization during the growth phase are also important.
Caring for Bonsai
Although the Bonsai Ficus is easy to care for, there are a few basic things to consider:
- Bright location with normal room temperature between 18 and 22 degrees
- Avoid drafts
- Well-drained substrate
- Water moderately and only water when the substrate feels dry on the surface
- Repot annually
- Fertilize every 14 days during the growth phase
In the summer months you can put the small ficus outside. Accustom the plant carefully to the changed climatic conditions and do not suddenly expose the bonsai fig to the sun. Strong sunlight burns the leaves of the plant and subsequently leads to leaf drop.
Watering and spraying
The bonsai fig tolerates a lack of water better than too much moisture. Soft watering water that should not be too cold is ideal. Spray the plant daily with lime-free water.
Cutting the bonsai
Regular care cuts are necessary to promote and maintain the planned growth habit of the bonsai. After six to eight leaves have grown on a branch, you should use bonsai scissors (€13.00 on Amazon). Shorten to two sheets. If these have grown too large for a bonsai, you can reduce the leaf size by targeted pruning.
Small bonsai with thick trunk
Bonsai figs look very attractive when they form a thick trunk. To do this, let the ficus grow unchecked for one to two years and then shorten the bonsai significantly. To prevent bacteria from entering, the interfaces should be covered with sealing agents.
The cut fig will readily sprout again and can then be trained into the desired shape. Wiring the elastic branches is easy, but the wire quickly grows into the soft branches. Therefore, bracing is preferred.
Tip
The bonsai fig has the rare property of allowing trunks and branches joined together to grow together under pressure. This means that the Bonsai Ficus forms extremely interesting plant structures. Severed aerial roots can be grafted onto other locations, allowing you to give free rein to your creative creativity.