How to Grow and Care for Ficus Microcarpa Ginseng

Ficus Microcarpa Ginseng, often known as ginseng ficus, is a popular type of tree that is often used in bonsai arrangements. Even though it is commonly mistaken with Ficus retusa, it is in fact a member of the same family as figs, Moracaea, and not Ficus. This species, which is native to China and other parts of tropical Asia (as well as Australia), is often cultivated as a shade tree in urban settings.

The ginseng ficus bonsai, on the other hand, is a visually stunning specimen that you should try cultivating. Tropical in climate and with a lovely trunk and abundant roots, it is an excellent option for bonsai cultivation. It grows well indoors and has a lush canopy of green leaves. A variety of names have been given to this plant, including laurel fig (also known as laurel rubber), Chinese banyan, and Indian laurel fig.

Due to its appealing growth habit, the ginseng ficus bonsai has earned the moniker “Ginseng.” Its distinctive pot-bellied trunk is robust and twisted, and it resembles a ginseng root in appearance. There are up to 2000 distinct varieties of ficus plants in the Ficus genus, which is a subspecies of the Ficus genus (including Ficus retusa, another popular choice for bonsai and one with which ginseng ficus bonsai, or Ficus microcarpa, is often grafted).

Taking ginseng ficus bonsai cuttings in the middle of the summer is the most effective method of propagating new plants. If you want to undertake air layering, the optimum time to do it is in the spring, when it is also the greatest time to sow ficus seeds.

Best Way to Take Care of a Ficus Microcarpa Ginseng

Sunlight

The ginseng ficus bonsai should be maintained in direct sunshine at all times. If temperatures stay above 60 degrees at all times throughout the summer, it may be left outside during the summer months. Alternatively, maintain stable temperatures inside.

Watering

Because it is more resistant to low humidity than many other varieties of bonsai plants, ginseng ficus bonsai can withstand periods of drought. It has thick, waxy leaves that do not need nearly as much water as other types of plants. However, just because they are able to withstand less water does not imply that they should do so.

In an ideal situation, you should water your plant once a day or whenever the soil begins to dry up. Daily misting is recommended since it will help to maintain humidity while not over-saturating the soil and causing fungal issues in the soil.

Fertilizing

When it comes to fertilizing your bonsai, you should do it once every two weeks during the summer and once every four weeks during the winter, provided that its development does not stall. You may use either a liquid fertilizer or an organic fertilizer pellet to fertilize your lawn.

Potting and re-potting

A ficus tree should be re-potted once every two years at the absolute least. Bonsai soil mixtures should be used for this, which should be done in the spring.

Pruning a Ginseng Ficus Bonsai (Japanese Ficus)

Pruning your ginseng ficus bonsai on a regular basis can help it maintain its form. After six to eight leaves have developed, you should cut two of them. This kind of trimming, referred to as defoliation, will aid in the reduction of leaf size. If you want your tree to have a thicker trunk, you may completely avoid any trimming.

Thin branches may also be wired and bent since they are relatively flexible, but you should check the branches often to ensure that the wires are not cutting into the shadows. Other unique training procedures, such as approach grafting, may be used in conjunction with your tree.

Pests and diseases

The ginseng ficus bonsai, like other plants in the fig family, has a reputation for being highly pest-resistant. In order to protect yourself against some pests and illnesses, it is necessary to be vigilant, especially during the winter months.

When your plant is exposed to dry air and low sunlight levels, for example, it may get weak and lose its leaves. At this time, you may also notice difficulties with the plant (induced by the plant’s weakened state), such as scale and spider mite infestations.

Your plant will recover more quickly if you provide it with grow lights over the winter and wet the leaves on a regular basis. If you want to get rid of the bugs, you may apply a pesticide as well.

A wide variety of nurseries and gardening stores should have ginseng ficus bonsai plants available for purchase as potted plants. It is more likely that you will have better experience obtaining bonsai from expert dealers, who will offer plants that have been well cared for and have not been improperly grafted. Choose these to ensure that your plants flourish to their full potential.