How can you develop a Ficus Retusa Bonsai

Ficus Retusa, which is also called as Banyan Fig or Taiwan Ficus, is a native tree species from Southeast Asia. Growing a Ficus retusa bonsai is becoming more popular because it has attractive aerial roots and it is a type of tree that can adapt easily to poor environmental conditions.

What is ficus retusa?

Ficus retusa (Ficus microcarpa nitida) is a tree species that originated from the Southeast Asia. It grows in warm tropical forests. The most interesting feature of it is that it has aerial roots, which add up toits exquisiteness and exceptional beauty. The trunks and branches are covered with grey to red barks, which have small horizontal marks that is almost the same with the marks on the skin of a tiger. Ficus retusa has big trunks, and along its branches there grows dark green leaves that have oval shapes.

What makes Ficus retusa a good miniature tree?

Ficus retusa is a good miniature tree because it can be propagated by beginners in bonsai propagation. Ficus retusa bonsai can tolerate poor humidity levels and less exposure to sunlight. You can actually grow it inside your home or office, as long as you supply it with necessary nutrients, water, and light.

How can it be propagated?

• You can start a Ficus retusa bonsai from cuttings, air-layers, and seedlings. But when you grow seedlings, you need to make sure that the seeds have undergone germination process that can be natural or forced.

• Use a soil mixture that is suitable for your Ficus retusa bonsai. It should be able to hold enough water and drain out excess amounts of water from the bonsai pot.

• Your miniature Ficus retusa tree needs to be exposed on a bright indirect sunlight for about four to six hours each day.

• If you are growing it indoors, you can place it near the window where sunlight can pass through it. You can also make use of a fluorescent lamp instead, and place your miniature ficus retusa tree underneath the fluorescent lamp.

• Do not put it into a very cold environment or in a place where the temperature has reached below 15 degree Celsius because it can not tolerate frost.

• You must water it whenever necessary. Water it when the soil gets dry, but you should not allow it to get dry for long periods as this can cause dehydration to your bonsai.

• When watering the miniature tree, it is recommended to use a watering can that has fine nozzle. This will prevent washing out the soil from the bonsai tray or container.

• Use a high quality fertilizer. The fertilizer should primarily contain high amounts of nitrogen because this will promote proper growth and development.

• Feed you Ficus retusa bonsai during the spring season, and when it is sickly or unhealthy.

• You should protect the miniature tree from pests and diseases because they can cause damage to its parts. Although it is resistant to a lot of pests and diseases, it is very important to prevent it from attacking and infecting your bonsai.