Ficus ginseng microcarpa bonsai learn how to grow

Ficus ginseng microcarpa bonsai, the beautiful piece of art that you can make easily.

Ficus is a genus of evergreen plants that are distributed in the tropical and sub tropical regions all over the world. There are more than 800 species of plants in the family that includes trees, shrubs and creeping vines.

For example Ficus religiosa and Ficus benghalensis are very common in the south Asian countries. Especially that are associated with Hindu as well as Buddhist temples in India, Sri Lanka etc.

Moreover a lot of Ficus varieties are cultivated as ornamental trees. The woody nature, lush green lustrous foliage, hanging roots etc. are the attractive features of Ficus benjamina, Ficus microcarpa etc. For this reason, these low maintenance plants are the favourites of garden lovers.

Ficus maclendaii alii, a cultivated attractive variety, with long leaves, looks entirely different from other species of Ficus plants. Surely we can use it as an ornamental plant for pot planting, landscaping, fencing etc.

In addition, creeping vines in the family like the Ficus pumila, is ideal for decorating the compound walls, and arch trellises.

Ficus ginseng microcarpa bonsai

In general, all Ficus plant varieties are wonderful sources of endless supply of oxygen. Also these are detoxifying plants, ideal for our gardens, balconies or indoors.

Likewise, most of the Ficus plant varieties are ideal for making bonsai. Because, we can train them easily to any of the required bonsai styles.

Here, I am trying to share with you the simple tips, to make Ficus ginseng microcarpa bonsai. Definitely it is one of the most fascinating bonsai trees from the Ficus family. In addition to the small shiny leaves, the fat roots exposed above the soil level, is one of the key features of the bonsai.

The plant , also known as Chinese banyan, Taiwan Ficus etc. often confused with the medicinal plant Panax ginseng. But remember, that the similarity between the two plants, is only in the shape of the roots.

Besides, the toxic sap of the Ficus plants may cause irritation to pets, if ingested.

However, this decorative plant is ideal for keeping in homes, offices or any other such places.

Propagation of the Ficus ginseng microcarpa bonsai

Definitely we can use stem cuttings of the plant, for propagation. For this, collect cuttings with a length of about five inches and thickness with that of the small finger. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone. Then, insert it about three inches deep, in a pot filled with a mixture of river sand and coco peat.

Keep the pot in shade and water regularly. Gradually the stem cutting starts rooting, which is marked by sprouting of leaves.

Let the plant remain in the pot till it becomes healthy, with a vigorous growth of leaves.

Training the Ficus ginseng microcarpa bonsai

For this, first prepare a potting medium with ingredients mixed in the following ratio

River sand 30%

Garden soil 20%

Coco peat 20%

Crushed bricks 15%

Neem seed powder, bone meal and compost 15% ( 5% each)

After that, fill the medium in an ordinary terracotta pot. Then, transfer the sapling carefully to the new medium, without causing any damage to the roots.

Keep the pot in shade, water regularly and feed the plant with any organic manure. Preferably at intervals of about three to four weeks.

Always remember, that proper caring is essential for the healthy growth of our bonsai.

Gradually move the pot to a place, where the plant gets bright but indirect sunlight. Moreover, Ficus plants always like a humid atmosphere.

Pruning

Pruning really helps to keep the plant healthy. For this, remove about half of the leaves as well as the extra branches. Surely we can use a sharp knife or pruning shears for this.

The leaves that develop after pruning, will be smaller in size, with which your bonsai really looks more attractive.

Wiring

We can use soft aluminium wires for this. Gently wind the wires around the stems, and bend it in the required direction. Always remember to avoid winding the wires too tightly, to prevent leaving marks on the stem.

Root pruning

Root pruning is the first step of repotting your Ficus ginseng microcarpa bonsai. For this take the plant out of the pot carefully. Remove the soil from the roots using a root rake. Then remove two third of the roots using a pruning shears.

Repotting your Ficus ginseng microcarpa bonsai

For this, first prepare a pot, that is much larger than the previous one. Then, fill two third of the pot with the medium prepared in the same ratio as stated above. After that, plant your bonsai in the pot, keeping the thick roots above the soil level.

Repeat the same steps as done, while transferring the plant to the training pot.

Once the plant adapts to the new medium, you can place it in a favourable location. Especially with moderate light and essential humidity, that can make the plant lively.

Certainly, it is one of the best plants for bonsai beginners. Hence, try to grow your own Ficus ginseng microcarpa bonsai, following the above simple tips. 
( Picture courtesy : Tamarind Bonsai, Kottayam )