Ficus retusa is a beautiful, evergreen plant that can be found in the Malay Archipelago and Malesia region. The species name Ficus microcarpa has been widely mis-applied to this bonsai plant.
To learn more about the Ficus Retusa Bonsai, make sure to read this post.
General Information About the Ficus Retusa Bonsai
One of the strongest trees, Ficus retusa bonsai is perfect for those who love a challenge. This variety of bonsai is slow growing, but very easy to shape into a beautiful bonsai form.
The fig is unusual in that it will tolerate lower light levels. The dark green glossy leaves and tropical appearance of the Ficus Retusa make this a beautiful addition to any bonsai collection.
How to Take Care of a Ficus Retusa Bonsai
The Ficus Retusa is a popular bonsai tree that is native to Southeast Asia. It is an evergreen tree that has dark green leaves and small white flowers. The Ficus Retusa can be easily trained into many different shapes and is a popular choice for beginner bonsai enthusiasts.
When caring for a Ficus Retusa bonsai, there are a few things that it is important to remember.
- First of all, the Ficus Retusa should be placed in indirect sunlight.
- It should also be watered frequently during warmer months and less often during colder months.
- When watering your Ficus Retusa bonsai, only water the soil.
- Do not allow any water to get on the branches or leaves.
- The Ficus Retusa bonsai should also be fertilized once a month during growing season and no fertilizer should be applied during the winter months.
- In addition, it is important to not let your Ficus Retusa bonsai dry out completely between watering.
- When a Ficus Retusa bonsai is not being cared for properly, it will show signs of distress.
- The leaves will turn brown and begin to drop off, the branches will become brittle and may break, and the overall appearance of the tree will be stressed.
- A neglected bonsai tree will not survive for very long.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance bonsai tree, the Ficus Retusa is a good option. It is easy to care for and can be trained into many different shapes.
Be sure to follow the guidelines for caring for a Ficus Retusa bonsai and your tree should do well.
Usual Diseases That Attack the Ficus Retusa Bonsai
Ficus retusa is a bonsai that is usually attacked by pests and diseases. The most common pests that affect this type of bonsai are spider mites, mealy bugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause significant damage to the leaves and branches of the tree.
The most common diseases that affect Ficus retusa bonsai are Leaf spot and Anthracnose. The following sections provide a detailed discussion on these pests and diseases of the ficus retusa bonsai.
Once a ficus retusa tree is infested with spider mites, mealy bugs, or scale insects, the only way to get rid of them is to treat the tree with a pesticide. Be sure to read and follow the directions on the pesticide label.
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of Ficus retusa bonsai. As a result, the leaves become pale green with dark-brown spots on them. In the worst case scenario, the affected leaves will die and fall from the tree.
In order to prevent leaf spot from happening, ensure that your ficus retusa bonsai is in a well ventilated area and is not overcrowded. Also, make sure to water the tree properly. Overwatering can promote the growth of the fungus that causes leaf spot.
Anthracnose is another disease that affects the ficus retusa bonsai. As a result, the leaves of the tree become pale green with dark brown patches on it. In the worst case scenario, the affected leaves will fall from the tree.
Prevent anthracnose by ensuring your Ficus retusa is in a well-ventilated area and is not overcrowded. Also, make sure to water the tree properly. Overwatering can promote the growth of the fungus that causes anthracnose.
How to Water a Ficus Retusa Bonsai
Water your Ficus Retusa regularly, making sure to drench the soil well. Keep an eye on the moisture level of the soil; it should be slightly moist to the touch at all times.
Do not allow the pot to stand in water, as this can cause root rot. You may need to water more frequently during hot weather or in a brightly lit room.
Watering a ficus bonsai is an important part of keeping it healthy and looking good. Ficus trees need plenty of water to stay hydrated, but you don’t want the soil to be soggy. It’s important to find the right balance so your tree stays healthy and looks its best.
How to Fertilize a Ficus Retusa Bonsai
Fertilizing a ficus retusa bonsai is not difficult, but it is important to use the correct type of fertilizer and to feed the tree at the correct time. Fertilizer should be applied every other week from early spring until late fall.
A water soluble fertilizer such as 10-10-10 is a good start, but I prefer to use the organic time release fertilizer that has an NPK ratio of 10-10-8 or something similar. You can feed your bonsai with either type of fertilizer; it’s up to you. The best times to fertilize are in early spring and late summer.
How to Prune a Ficus Retusa Bonsai Tree
One of the most striking types of bonsai trees is a Ficus Retusa. They have incredibly thick stems with an abundance of small leaves. In some cases, the new growth will even outgrow the size of the pot it’s in before developing a strong root structure and becoming a full-grown tree.
Pruning a Ficus Retusa is an important part of keeping it healthy and looking its best. It’s also one of the most challenging tasks for a bonsai enthusiast. The key is to be gentle, yet decisive when pruning the tree.
1. First, remove any dead or damaged branches with sharp scissors. Be careful not to damage any of the healthy branches in the process.
2. Next, identify the branches that need to be pruned. For beginners, it’s best to start by pruning the top third of the tree. This will help create a more compact and symmetrical shape.
3. Use sharp scissors to carefully cut the branches right behind a healthy bud. If there are no buds in the area, choose another branch to make your cut. After you’ve pruned several branches, turn your attention to your tree’s roots.
4. Before removing overgrown roots with wire, be sure you have shaped them properly and that their size is balanced with the rest of the tree’s roots.
5. Finish your pruning by cutting off any dead or damaged branches that may have gone unnoticed earlier. Then, use wire to attach new branches where you want them to grow. This is called wiring and it’s also used to train young branches so they’ll take on the desired shape as they mature.
When it comes to pruning a Ficus Retusa, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The best way to learn is by experimenting and observing the results. Be gentle when you’re first starting out, as too much pruning can damage or kill a bonsai tree. As you gain more experience, you can try more aggressive pruning methods to achieve the desired results.
Conclusion
The Ficus Retusa Bonsai is one of the most popular bonsai trees. It is easy to care for and can be healthy and looking its best even with minimal care. Ficus retusa bonsai comes from a tropical plant family and makes the best indoor bonsai tree for beginners.
If you are new at growing ficus retusa, it is important to learn about their normal growth rates which can help guide your pruning decisions. Also understanding possible problems that may affect this type of tree will help you take the necessary precautions to avoid them.
