Growing a Ficus Bonsai Tree
While almost any tree can be used for a Bonsai, some species seem to be better adapted for that purpose.
One of the better choices is a tree from the ficus family.
Ficus trees typically will generate a very good root system, which is one of the main requirements of a healthy Bonsai tree.
The ficus tree is typically an indoor plant, but can be grown outside.
When planted outdoors the root structure of the ficus has been known to grow down to a depth of several feet.
The root structure of the ficus will twist, turn and intertwine as it grows, this feature adds structural integrity to the tree.
To grow a ficus as a bonsai tree, you will be training it into a particular shape or form.
The training is done by removing leaves and branches as they form, and by orienting the branches as dictated by your design for the tree.
The branches are held in the desired position by the use of wires attached to the branches, these wires guide and hold the branch as it grows.
The ficus benjamina is one of the most common indoor plants grown, it is also one of the most popular trees.
At the same time the ficus benjamina seems to cause more grief and frustration than any other indoor plant.
The truth is that the ficus tree does not like change.
When it senses a change in its environment, such as moving from the heat and humidity controls of the greenhouse to your home, it will begin to protect itself.
This protection is seen as dropping of leaves and reduction of foliage.
The ficus tree generates internal ethylene when exposed to moisture stress.
This ethylene in turn cause the leaves to drop.
The more moisture stressed the tree is, the more ethylene it develops.
For this reason alone, when you bring the ficus into your home, begin a regiment of watering to keep the plant moist, not wet.
Also put the tree into an area that receives a generous amount of sun light.
Allow the tree to acclimate to its new environment before you begin pruning or training.
If you acquire the tree during the winter season, you might want to consider supplementing the light with a fluorescent Grow-Lux bulb.
Once the tree is again a healthy specimen, and new growth has started to appear then you can begin the process of pruning and training.
One of the better choices is a tree from the ficus family.
Ficus trees typically will generate a very good root system, which is one of the main requirements of a healthy Bonsai tree.
The ficus tree is typically an indoor plant, but can be grown outside.
When planted outdoors the root structure of the ficus has been known to grow down to a depth of several feet.
The root structure of the ficus will twist, turn and intertwine as it grows, this feature adds structural integrity to the tree.
To grow a ficus as a bonsai tree, you will be training it into a particular shape or form.
The training is done by removing leaves and branches as they form, and by orienting the branches as dictated by your design for the tree.
The branches are held in the desired position by the use of wires attached to the branches, these wires guide and hold the branch as it grows.
The ficus benjamina is one of the most common indoor plants grown, it is also one of the most popular trees.
At the same time the ficus benjamina seems to cause more grief and frustration than any other indoor plant.
The truth is that the ficus tree does not like change.
When it senses a change in its environment, such as moving from the heat and humidity controls of the greenhouse to your home, it will begin to protect itself.
This protection is seen as dropping of leaves and reduction of foliage.
The ficus tree generates internal ethylene when exposed to moisture stress.
This ethylene in turn cause the leaves to drop.
The more moisture stressed the tree is, the more ethylene it develops.
For this reason alone, when you bring the ficus into your home, begin a regiment of watering to keep the plant moist, not wet.
Also put the tree into an area that receives a generous amount of sun light.
Allow the tree to acclimate to its new environment before you begin pruning or training.
If you acquire the tree during the winter season, you might want to consider supplementing the light with a fluorescent Grow-Lux bulb.
Once the tree is again a healthy specimen, and new growth has started to appear then you can begin the process of pruning and training.
