In this article, we offer a comprehensive guide on how to care for a Ficus benjamina bonsai.
Ficus Benjamina Bonsai: Indoor or Outdoor?
The Ficus benjamina is a tropical species like most figs, so it does not tolerate temperatures below 15 °C. Sudden temperature changes negatively affect its health, causing leaf drop. While it requires well-lit areas, it also cannot withstand direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
Given these factors, it’s safe to conclude that this bonsai is best suited for indoor environments, unless you live in a temperate tropical zone. This tree is also highly valued for its beautiful aerial roots, which only develop in conditions of nearly 100% humidity. Therefore, you may need to create a mini greenhouse or cover it with a glass container to achieve the necessary humidity levels.
Ficus Benjamina Bonsai: Essential Care Guide
Like all bonsais, the Ficus benjamina requires extensive care and attention to thrive. If you’ve never cared for a bonsai before, remember that nurturing one is significantly more demanding than caring for most common houseplants. However, the satisfaction of witnessing its beauty in return for your efforts is immensely rewarding.
If you’re ready to embark on this journey, consider the following basic care guidelines for the Ficus benjamina bonsai.
- Place the bonsai in a spot with plenty of natural light but where it does not receive direct sunlight.
- When it comes to watering your Ficus benjamina bonsai, make sure to thoroughly moisten the soil whenever it feels dry. It’s better to water by immersion. Applying fine mist on the leaves daily or every other day can also be beneficial for maintaining high humidity levels, especially if you aim to promote aerial root development. In winter, the Ficus will need less water, yet it will remain more active in warmer conditions.
- Fertilization should occur every one to two weeks during the summer and monthly in winter. You can use either liquid fertilizer or organic sphere fertilizers.
- Transplant the bonsai every two years in spring. Utilize a substrate with a base of compost, peat, and coarse sand.
- Wiring can take place throughout the year, but be careful to protect the bark during this process. For significant bends, wait until winter. Remove the wires after about six weeks to prevent damage and scarring on the branches.
When and How to Prune Your Ficus Benjamina Bonsai
Pruning Ficus benjamina is best done in the spring. Pinching back, which involves trimming green shoots to promote rapid new growth, helps keep the tree’s growth in check while ensuring young, vibrant branches. The first pinching typically occurs around April and should happen no more than two or three times a season. Avoid pruning weak or unhealthy trees.
For effective pruning, wait until the stem has developed about six leaves and cut it back to leave only two. The cuts naturally seal with a substance that the tree secretes; do not remove this.
Why is My Ficus Benjamina Bonsai Losing Leaves?
If your bonsai is shedding leaves, it likely indicates that one or more of the care guidelines mentioned above aren’t being followed properly.
The most common cause is sudden temperature fluctuations, whether due to home heating and cooling or seasonal changes. Strive to stabilize the room’s temperature and pay close attention to its watering and fertilization.
Remember that while this tree enjoys humidity, excessive moisture can lead to fungal issues. If you notice these appearing, consider using homemade fungicides.
