Page 89 - Ebook cây cảnh Art of Bonsai

89

Lipstick ficus

Ficus virens var. glabella

If you name a plant after a type of cosmetic, it will have Key features
a lot to live up to, and the lipstick fig does not disappoint.
∙This tropical tree is a
Its soft new leaves are a spectacular bright pink with
fast grower, so it needs
cream-colored veins. They change to lime-green then constant work to develop
become stiffer, darker green leaves in just a few days. it effectively. You can
This is a bold, large-leaf plant, so do not expect to grow it into any style
cultivate a small, delicate bonsai. except broom style.
∙Frequent pruning will lead
to slightly more compact
Handsome, stiff, growth and slightly
mature leaves smaller leaves. It buds
readily from older wood.

Looking closer
Top: The stunning new leaves
appear after a very brief
period of leaf fall.
Center: Trunk and branches
will quickly develop an
aged appearance.
Below: The fruit are small,
Like all figs, this
variety has a smooth, and greenish, with
well-defined trunk tiny red dots when ripe.
Root restriction prevents the
growth of aerial roots that
characterize the tree in the wild 28in / 70cm tall
Courtesy of Mangala Rao

The shallow
rounded pot
balances the tall,
rounded growth