Let's Go Bonsai, Ficus Ginseng Tree
There is something undeniably breathtaking about the simple elegance of making bonsai. It seems to take the part of the natural world and make it portable. Even in artificial lighting, synthetic structures and CD noises, a little tree still lives. It takes a lot of time and patience to grow bonsai. By focusing our attention on one plant, this can help us take better care of the entire environment.
Choosing Your Palette
If you are a beginner at bonsai, Ficus Ginseng trees are a good choice for you to begin with. Other good trees for beginners at the art of bonsai are Japanese Maples and Baby Jades. Often in web sites, books and gardening places that cater to bonsai, Ficus Ginseng will be referred to as Ginseng Ficus, Banyan Fig or Taiwan Ficus.
Whatever you call this eye-catching bonsai, Ficus Ginseng is clearly distinguishable from may other tree species. It has a very thick trunk and partially exposed roots. Some even look like they are standing on tip toe. These thick upside down forked trunks are topped with very dark green leaves. Although it might sound a peculiar choice for bonsai, Ficus Ginseng seedlings often become beautiful and elegant bonsai trees.
Your seedling or young tree becomes your palette in bonsai. Ficus Ginseng is able to blend in with a variety of different displays, decorations, interior designs and pots. However, it is also clearly recognizable as a tree. Many people enjoy pursuing bonsai to help them express their creative sides.
Basic Care
Shaping and pruning are the main brushstrokes of bonsai. Ficus Ginseng trees are usually pruned with dull instruments in order to prevent excessive bleeding. When your Ficus Ginseng has about ten leaves, prune about six to eight of them off. You won't need to prune the roots until it's time for repotting.
Repotting is done every couple of years. This gives you a chance to prune away half of the root system and to make any changes in the display. Putting a bonsai in a new pot or display tray is akin to reframing a painting or photograph. Sometimes, Ficus Ginseng grows so quickly that you might need to repot yearly. It's best to do this in the spring.
Unlike other species of bonsai, Ficus Ginseng can tolerate many kinds of soil conditions. They do best in strong light conditions, but will manage to live in low light. Many Ficus Ginsengs are tolerant of being over watered, but try not to make a habit of over watering. They need less watering in winter than in summer.
