How to care for a Ficus microcarpa
This article introduces the care and cultivation methods for Ficus microcarpa and盆栽 (potted) Ficus microcarpa, providing some green plant maintenance tips. Detailed information follows below.
Many people place a Ficus microcarpa bonsai in their homes for decoration, which is both stylish and upscale! Despite being a popular bonsai, many people are not yet familiar with its daily care. Let's take a look at the daily care methods for Ficus microcarpa together.
1. Water and fertilizer management: Ficus microcarpa is very easy to care for, as it can adapt to environments with ample fertilizer and water, and is drought and moisture resistant, capable of growing in crevices. To cultivate a bonsai, you first need to develop a strong trunk, forming a stake. Regularly apply a thin layer of fertilizer, using decomposed organic fertilizer as a top dressing, every 2-3 days. Use decomposed organic fertilizer as a base fertilizer when transplanting or repotting. Only with sufficient fertilizer and water can Ficus microcarpa grow thick and strong, allowing it to become a bonsai. Once established, the tree can handle long-term water accumulation, otherwise, it may only grow roots and not the trunk.
2. Daily pruning: Pruning is a method for shaping the Ficus microcarpa tree. It can achieve an aesthetically pleasing shape. Ficus microcarpa is also quite tolerant to pruning, which can make the tree very beautiful. You can prune Ficus microcarpa throughout the year. A well-groomed bonsai is mainly shaped through pruning, and tying is not necessary. When it is growing most vigorously, you can prune twice consecutively, mainly to shorten branches to make the trunk thicker, and also to remove bottom branches promptly.
3. Pinching: Pinching can promote axillary bud germination, increase branching, expand the canopy, and also inhibit the excessive growth of branches. The timing and frequency of pinching are closely related to the species. For Ficus microcarpa, pinching usually occurs when the tree has grown 3-4 leaves, and this is the first pinching. When new branches grow another 3-4 leaves, continue pinching in this manner to achieve a beautiful branching pattern. In the end, you will get a Ficus microcarpa with many branches and a lush canopy.
4. The importance of thinning buds: Thinning buds is necessary for the better growth of Ficus microcarpa and can also make the tree more beautiful. Thinning buds involves removing extra buds from the top of Ficus microcarpa branches, leaving only 1-2 appropriate buds. This not only reduces nutrient loss but also shapes the tree, as too many buds growing into branches can be unsightly.
If you encounter the following problems, you can solve them according to specific methods:
1. Yellowing due to overwatering: Young leaves are dark yellow and lack luster, while old leaves show no significant changes, the branches are thin and yellow-green, and new shoots do not grow. Remove the Ficus microcarpa from the pot and place it in a well-ventilated, shaded area to let the soil dry before returning it to the pot.
2. Lack of light: If the Ficus microcarpa tree is kept in a shaded environment for a long time, the leaves do not receive enough sunlight to produce chlorophyll, causing the entire plant to turn yellow and shed leaves. Supplementing light can prevent this disease.
3. Lack of fertilizer: This is evident when young leaves turn pale, yellow, or light green, while old leaves are relatively normal or gradually turn from green to yellow. Check the soil of the Ficus microcarpa pot; if it is dry and compacted, change the soil. Regularly apply a thin layer of fertilizer and water with some sulfate occasionally.
4. Yellowing due to excessive fertilizer: Excessive or overly concentrated fertilizer can cause the plant to turn yellow. This is evident when the tips of new leaves turn brown and dry, the leaves are thick without luster, and concave, and old leaves turn yellow and fall off. Stop fertilizing immediately and, in severe cases, wash off some of the fertilizer with a large amount of water.
The above is a summary of how to care for a Ficus microcarpa and the cultivation methods for potted Ficus microcarpa. I hope this article provides you with some help!