How to care for a Ficus microcarpa bonsai
Answering questions for netizens about how to care for a Ficus microcarpa bonsai and the key points of caring for a potted Ficus microcarpa, let's learn about it together.
Many people place a Ficus microcarpa bonsai as decoration in their homes, which looks stylish and upscale! Despite being a popular bonsai, many people are not yet familiar with the daily care of Ficus microcarpa. Let's take a look at the daily care methods for Ficus microcarpa.
1. Water and fertilizer management: Ficus microcarpa is very easy to care for, able to adapt to environments with ample fertilizer and water, as well as being drought and water-resistant, growing even in crevices. To grow it into a bonsai, you first need to develop a strong trunk, forming a stake, and frequently apply a light dose of decomposed organic fertilizer, about once 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 quickly, thus forming a bonsai. After it has survived, the Ficus tree can accumulate water for a long time, otherwise, it may only grow roots and not the trunk.
2. Daily pruning: Pruning is a method for shaping the Ficus microcarpa tree. Pruning can achieve the goal of making the Ficus tree look beautiful. Ficus microcarpa is also quite resistant to pruning, which can make the tree look very aesthetically pleasing. Ficus microcarpa can be pruned throughout the year. A well-proportioned bonsai Ficus tree is mainly shaped through pruning, and tying is not necessary. During its most vigorous growth, it can be pruned twice continuously, mainly to shorten the branches and make the trunk thicker, and the lower branches should be trimmed in a timely manner.
3. Pinching: Pinching can promote the germination of axillary buds, increase branching, expand the canopy, and also inhibit the excessive growth of branches. The timing and frequency of pinching are greatly related to the species of the tree. For Ficus microcarpa, pinching is generally done when 3-4 leaves have grown, for the first time. When new branches grow another 3-4 leaves, continue pinching in this manner to make the branching look nice. Finally, you will get a Ficus microcarpa with many branches and a lush canopy.
4. The importance of thinning buds: Thinning buds, which often occur when many buds germinate at the same time during the budding season, is very necessary for the better growth of Ficus microcarpa and can also make the tree look more beautiful. Thinning buds actually means removing extra buds from the top of the Ficus microcarpa branches and leaving only one or two appropriate ones. This can not only reduce the loss of nutrients but also shape the tree, as too many small 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 turn yellowish and lack luster, while old leaves show no significant changes, branches are thin and yellowish-green, and new shoots do not grow. Remove the Ficus microcarpa from the pot and place it in a well-ventilated, shady area to let the soil clump dry before putting it back in 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 get enough sunlight to produce chlorophyll, causing the whole plant's leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Supplementing light can prevent this disease.
3. Lack of fertilizer:表现为嫩叶颜色变淡，呈黄或淡绿色，而老叶比较正常或逐渐由绿转黄。Check the soil of the Ficus microcarpa pot. If it has hardened, change the soil. Apply a light dose of fertilizer frequently and water with some sulfate water at the right time.
4. Yellowing due to excessive fertilizer: Excessive or overly concentrated fertilizer causes the plant to turn yellow. This is evident in the brown tips of new leaves, usually thick and lacking luster, and the old leaves become yellow and fall off. Immediately stop fertilizing and, in severe cases, wash away some of the fertilizer with a large amount of water.
The above is the full content on how to care for a Ficus microcarpa bonsai and the key points of caring for a potted Ficus microcarpa, hoping it will be helpful to green plant enthusiasts!