Fig - Ficus sp.
 General information: This is a huge tree growing to 60 feet tall and 60 to 70
feet wide. The dense, rounded canopy and gracefully
drooping branches of Weeping Fig made it quite popular
as a landscape tree until recently. The thick, shiny,
two to five-inch-long, evergreen leaves generously
clothe the long branches, and the tiny figs eventually
turn a deep red. Branches will weep toward the ground
forming a canopy so dense that nothing grows beneath it.
There are over 600 species of Ficus, most of them
tropical and evergreen, although some, most notably F.
carica, the common fig, are deciduous. Ficus produces a
unique "fruit" which is actually an inverted flower. Not
all Ficus produce edible fruit. Ficus is one of the most
loved bonsai for many reasons. It is an
excellent tree for beginners, as most species of Ficus
are fast growers, tolerant of most any soil and light
conditions, make fine indoor bonsai, and perhaps most
importantly, are remarkably forgiving of those just
learning bonsai watering techniques. Most Ficus grow
"banyan" roots naturally; this feature is often
showcased by styling Ficus in dramatic air-root and
root-over-rock styles. At the end of this presentation
are various Addendum for specific varieties of Ficus.
Family: Moraceae
Lighting: Most Ficus
will grow decently in low light, but thrive in high
light conditions.
Temperature: Hardy
in zones 10B through 11. With the exception of F. carica,
most Ficus are tropical, and require temperatures above
55F. An excellent choice for an indoor bonsai. Indoor
Ficus appreciate being brought outdooors during summer.
Does not like draughts.
Watering: Moderate,
increasing in summer and decreasing in winter. Many
Ficus are very tolerant of being over or under watered,
which makes them ideal for beginners. Ficus likes a
daily misting to maintain humidity.
Feeding: Every two
weeks during growth, every 4-6 in winter, using a
half-strength plant food or a bonsai fertilizer.
Pruning and wiring:
Ficus are suitable for most styles of bonsai, but are
especially suitable for styles which make use of their
property of extensive rooting, such as air-root and
root-over-rock styles. Ficus can be used for all sizes
of bonsai, although, obviously, the small-leaved species
make the best miniature bonsai. Leaf pruning can
be used to reduce leaf size. Ficus can be wired, but
become quite stiff when lignified, and thus are best
wired while the shoots are a bit green. Watch carefully
to see that the wire doesn't bite in, as Ficus is a very
fast grower. Prune back to 2-4 leaves after 6-10 leaves
have grown. Ficus will bleed a milky latex profusely.
Many books recommend use of cut paste or other sealant
for this reason. I've tried it, and found it to be more
trouble than it's worth, since the oozing latex makes it
difficult for the cut paste to adhere. In any case, when
the latex dries, it forms its own natural seal.
Gustafson recommends using a dull pruning tool on Ficus,
as a clean cut made by a sharp tool tends to bleed more
than a ragged- edged cut.
Propagation: One of
the easiest plant to root from cuttings; although the
specifics for maximum success vary with species, it's
always worth sticking them into soil for the heck of it,
unless you're already overrun with baby Ficus! My
success rate, doing nothing special except an initial
dose of Superthirve, is at least 80%. Very large
diameter
cuttings of Ficus can be successfully rooted.
Air-layering is also quite easy. Ficus can be grown from
seed, but require heat and humidity, and easily succumb
to mold. I recommend growing from seed only if you
desire a rare Ficus that can't be purchased easily.
Repotting: Every 2-3
years, although some will grow rapidly enough that
yearly repotting may be necessary. Ficus is the single
most forgiving bonsai in terms of repotting season. The
best time is before a new growth spurt, especially in
spring, but Ficus can literally be repotted any time of
year if reasonable after-care is given. Roots can easily
be pruned by half. Basic bonsai soil is recommended,
although Ficus tolerates many soil conditions.
Pests and diseases: Pests:
Scale, eelworm, black fly, thrips.
Diseases:
Anthracnose fungus and various forms of rot. Some ficus
will lose leaves if overwatered or given too little
light (see addenda for individual Ficus care).
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