Ficus retusa bonsai, Ref. 8071

Ficus
Ficus retusa/microcarpa

One of the most suitable plant species for beginners, tolerates pruning, shaping, and apartment conditions very well.

Age: 9 years
Height: 21 cm

Advantages:
- Evergreen tropical tree
- Grows quickly
- Tolerates heavy pruning very well
- Easily forms aerial roots
- Thrives indoors
- Does not require cold wintering

Temperature and humidity
Optimal: 20–28 C
Minimum: +15 C
Likes high humidity and regular spraying (see here)
Requires a tray with wet pebbles (see here)

Lighting
Bright light all year round, 6-10 hours a day
East or south window
In winter, supplement with a grow light, 10-12 hours (see here)
Insufficient light will result in leaf growth and elongated shoots.

Soil
Ficus likes air- and water-permeable substrate.
Ideal composition:
40% akadama
30% pumice
20% lava (drainage)
10% organic matter (see here)

Watering
Water after the top (1–2 cm) layer of soil has dried out.
Use warm, settled water.
More often in summer, less often in winter.
Overwatering is the main cause of death for ficuses.

Fertilizer
During the growing season: balanced (see here)
In autumn: less nitrogen
In winter: do not fertilize

Shaping
Use: pruning, wire
Wounds heal well (see here)
When the shoot has grown to 6–8 leaves, prune to 2–3
Regular pinching is necessary - the more often, the smaller the leaves.

Use aluminum wire for forming.
Check every 2–3 weeks, do not leave for long - it grows in quickly.

Air roots (optional)
Stimulate with high humidity and frequent spraying.

Transplanting
Spring or early summer.
Young ficuses once a year, adults once every 2–3 years.
When repotting, cut back up to 30% of the roots
Remove thick roots growing downward

Diseases and pests
Spider mites (dry air)
Scale insects
Aphids
Prevention:
Humidity
Regular inspection of leaves
Neem oil preparations (see here)

Common mistakes
- Overwatering
- Lack of light
- Infrequent pruning
- Cold drafts