All You Need To Know About Ficus Bonsai Care
There are many, many species of trees that are used successfully for bonsai. Each of these trees have three specific attributes - (1) they look exceptionally attractive when dwarfed, (2) they live at least for a few decades and (3) are easily moldable. Only when a tree fits these three criteria does it become a success with bonsai.
Tips On Ficus Bonsai Care That Would Keep Your Tree Both Happy And Beautiful
One such perfect match is the ficus which is also known as the miniature banyan tree for its very close resemblance to the latter. This is an exceptional tree, easy to grow and maintain provided you know all about ficus bonsai care.
First of all you need to know that the ficus is an indoor plant, though it at times needs a breather of fresh air and a little direct sunlight. The ficus bonsai care dictates that its soil be kept always slightly humid as this tree tends to die without water. Ensure that you check the soil for humidity from time to time so you would know when it needs watering.
The best way to ensure it has adequate water is to immerse the pot in water for about 10-15 minutes and then take it out and drain it until no water drips out. This procedure would ensure that your ficus bonsai tree has enough water at any given time.
The next concern on the ficus bonsai care agenda is the repotting of the tree. This needs to be done every two years only during the spring. You need to closely watch the tree as sometimes it just shoots of with sudden spurts of growth in which case you would need to repot it ever year. Every time you repot it, allow it to stay in shade for about two to three weeks so its roots have sufficient time to adjust to the new soil.
One very important yet often overlooked aspect of ficus bonsai care is the temperature at which it is comfortable. The ficus bonsai should never be exposed to temperatures lower than 60 degrees because it would kill it. Therefore, in winter you need to keep in a controlled temperature room where direct sunlight is available so it could bask in the sun for at least a few hours every day.
Even when showered with utmost care the ficus still tends to shed a few leaves in the winter, though it does not really impact its overall well being. While you are taking care and keeping it comfortably warm, remember that the tree needs water as often as possible so as to ensure that the soil is always wet.
