Page 44 - Ebook bonsai for beginner

Typical for all fig Bonsai species is their milky latex sap, which will leak
from wounds or cuts. The tropical figs are evergreen trees, small shrubs
or even climbing plants. Some of them can produce nice flowers, while
most ficus species have hidden flowers in small receptacles from which
the fruit grow. Only specialized pollinating fig wasps can pollinate those
hidden flowers.

Most ficus Bonsai trees can produce aerial roots in their natural habitat,
which are often presented in appealing Bonsai creations with many aerial

root pillars or root over rock styles. To enable aerial root growth in our
homes a humidity of nearly 100% must be achieved artificially. You can
use a glass cover, fish tank or a construction with transparent sheets for
this purpose.

Specific care guidelines

Position: The ficus tree is an indoor Bonsai that cannot endure frost. It
can be kept outside in summer, if temperatures are above 59F (15
degrees C) and it needs lots of light – full sun is ideal. A shady position is
unfavorable. The temperature should be kept relatively constant. Figs
can endure low humidity due to their thick, waxy leaves, but they prefer a

higher humidity and need extremely high humidity to develop aerial roots.

Watering: The Ficus should be watered normally, which means it should
be given water generously whenever the soil gets slightly dry. The Ficus
can tolerate occasional over-or underwatering. Soft water at room
temperature is perfect. Daily misting to maintain humidity is advised, but
don’t overdo this as fungal problems can appear. The warmer the
position of the fig during winter the more water it needs. If it overwinters
at a cooler place it only needs to be kept slightly moist.