Ficus a spiritual tree has been cited by many religions and leaders. The earliest recording was in 288 BC, when King Tissa of Sri Lanka planted a Ficus religiosa tree in the temple at Anuradhapura and also part of the Ficus family the Fig is mentioned in the Christian bible when Adam and Eve covered there nakedness with Fig leaves.
As a bonsai, how do you nurture this spiritual tree, after all as it is an historical tree, it does need some respect!
Ficus bonsai care guide
- The Container. Medium sized pot for a young bonsai and as it gets older you should look at deeper sized pots.
- Ventilation. Like any indoor specimen keep it away from draughts.
- Sunlight. It loves plenty of light, but just be careful with not too much direct sun light.
- Temperature. It can take heat, but does not like fluctuations in temperature.The Ficus carica can grow outdoors in sheltered location. In other words no strong winds or too open for frosts.
- Maintenance. Leave any aerial roots that develop and remove unwanted shoots growing out of the trunk. Like any indoor plant wash the leave to remove any dust that settles.
- Growth. These are fast growers and you can quickly achieve the desired shape you want.
- Soil. An acid loving plant, use Ericaceous compost mixed equally with loam, coarse sand and leaf mould. The Ficus like damp warm soil.
- Watering. The roots can be kept dry in the winter months, but in autumn and spring give a little amount of water with a bit more in the summer when it is warmer.
- Misting. Mist daily if you can as Ficus like humid conditions.
- Food. Mix between a liquid and solid fertilizer.
- Pruning. As usual this is dependent on the desired shape.
