How to care for a Ficus microcarpa bonsai
Introduction: This article provides tips on how to care for a Ficus microcarpa bonsai and the key points for maintaining a potted Ficus microcarpa. Let's find out more.
The Ficus microcarpa has an elegant posture, sturdy and ancient appearance, remains green all year round, and symbolizes longevity and auspiciousness, making it highly favored by people and often crafted into beautiful bonsais for display.
Ficus microcarpa prefers a warm and humid environment. When caring for it as a houseplant, it is necessary to provide a suitable growing environment with proper watering, fertilizing, and lighting to ensure the plant thrives.
I. Planting and Cultivating Soil
Ficus microcarpa is an acid-loving plant. The potting soil should be rich in organic matter and have good drainage and aeration. A mixture of leaf mold, peat, garden soil, coal slag, and coarse sand can be used as the potting soil. If the soil becomes too alkaline, it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and the plant to become weak.
II. Watering Requirements
Ficus microcarpa is a moisture-loving plant. During regular maintenance, the soil should be kept slightly moist, avoiding excessive dryness or积水. Prolonged积水 can cause a large number of yellow leaves to fall. Water the plant thoroughly when the soil feels dry to the touch. During the hot summer season, place the pot in a shady and well-ventilated area and frequently sprinkle water on the plant to cool it down and increase humidity.
III. Fertilization Management
A plant's growth depends on adequate nutrients. If it lacks fertilization for an extended period, the leaf edges will turn yellow, and the lower leaves will gradually fall off. To ensure vigorous growth, apply a balanced NPK fertilizer once a month or regularly apply well-fermented organic liquid fertilizer.
When fertilizing the Ficus microcarpa, avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer. It is best to use a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. Otherwise, it may cause the plant to grow excessively and lose its original shape, affecting the ornamental value.
How to care for a Ficus microcarpa bonsai
IV. Adequate Light
When the plant lacks light for an extended period, it can affect normal growth and cause leaves to turn yellow and fall. Sufficient light can promote vigorous growth and make the leaves greener and more lustrous. Therefore, the pot should be moved to a sunny area regularly to allow the plant to photosynthesize better. However, avoid direct sunlight in the summer to prevent sunburn on the tender leaves.
V. Pruning and Shaping
The Ficus microcarpa bonsai grows quickly and requires regular pruning and shaping, as well as root training to achieve a perfect combination. The shaping of the Ficus microcarpa mainly involves cutting, with wiring as a secondary method. For young plants one or two years old, avoid extensive pruning. Let them grow first. If there are too many or tangled branches, a small number of tangled branches can be pruned in the spring. After they grow thicker and stronger, appropriate pruning can be performed.
For mature Ficus microcarpa bonsais, prune the vigorous, suckering, weak, and intersecting branches in spring and autumn to make the overall appearance more balanced and natural.
The Ficus microcarpa is a tree species native to the south, preferring a warm and humid climate. When growing it as a houseplant in the north, it is necessary to provide a warm and humid environment. After winter, promptly move the pot to a warm indoor area for care.
The above information (from Greenery Enthusiast Network) on how to care for a Ficus microcarpa bonsai and the key points for maintaining a potted Ficus microcarpa is detailed and we hope it can be of help to you!