Indoor | How to Take Care of a Bonsai Tree

Ficus Bonsai (Ficus Microcarpa Bonsai)

Ficus trees are native to Southeast Asia and Australia, where it is warm and humid most of the year. They are also known to grow considerably quickly while developing strong root systems relatively swiftly. The leaves of a Ficus tree are shiny, looking like they are covered in wax, and are very susceptible to changes in light. Changes in light typically result in the tree losing all leaves and growing new ones for the new light environment. There are many Ficus varieties that are very suitable for Ficus bonsai.

–Ficus Benjamina Bonsai

–Golden Gate Ficus Bonsai

–Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

Watering Ficus Bonsai

Ficus microcarpa bonsai like to dry out a bit between watering, but make sure they do not dry out entirely. Check your miniature tree daily with a moisture meter or your finger to make sure the soil is not completely dry. Water your bonsai trees by submerging them completely in water up to the top of the soil line for a few minutes, then pull them out and allow the excess water to drain. If you are watering your bonsai with a watering can, it’s best to water them twice with a few minutes in between. You should see water come out of the drainage holes, ensuring that you have watered all the dirt in the pot. Your Ficus bonsai should thrive with the right amount of water and sunlight.

Placement of your Ficus Bonsai

This type of tree enjoys partial shade and needs to be sheltered from midday sun. It is important that you do not shelter the tree from all sun, as they enjoy bright locations that do not singe the leaves during midday heat.

Training Ficus Bonsai

Each verity of Ficus prefers a different type of training. Check out the links above for individual training advice.

Repotting Ficus Bonsai

Most trees require repotting every other year to ensure that the roots do not run out of room. If the tree runs out of room to grow, it will stop growing. Check out the individual links for species-specific information.

Fertilizing Ficus Bonsai

Fertilize your Ficus weekly during the spring and then every other week for the rest of the year. This will replenish the nutrients lost in the soil from extra watering.

Ficus Bonsai

Ficus bonsai thrive as indoor bonsai trees because of the humidity and temperature that they are used to having in their natural habitat. This tree has many variations that are suitable for bonsai due to their compact nature and scalable leaves. Ficus are known for having shiny, waxy leaves and an attractive trunk. These miniature trees grow faster than most other suitable bonsai trees, making them perfect for beginners and intermediate growers alike!

Fukien Tea Bonsai

Fukien Tea bonsai are evergreen trees that are naturally grown in southeastern China. This species is extremely popular as an indoor bonsai tree because of the shiny leaves, split bark appearance, red berries, and small white flowers it displays throughout the growing season. These trees begin to look mature and weathered at a young age. For this reason, Fukien Tea trees make for some of the most amazing and prestigious specimen indoor bonsai.

Chinese Elm Bonsai

Chinese Elm trees are one of the true “miniature trees” that we use in bonsai. They are perfect for use in bonsai because of the small leaves and large branches and trunk. These trees are great for beginner bonsai growers because they are very forgiving, can be grown in any amount of light, and can be grown as an indoor bonsai tree or as outdoor bonsai.

Azalea Bonsai

Azalea bonsai are sought after for the gorgeous blooms they produce. This tree produces large flowers throughout spring, partnered with minute leaves. These two qualities make them ideal candidates for an indoor bonsai tree. They can be grown indoors or outdoors as long as temperatures don’t drop below 9 degrees. Azalea bonsai can be grown in any well-lit location, making them a prime candidate for almost any window in your house.

Jade Bonsai

Jade bonsai are perfect for beginners because they need less watering and can grow anywhere warm with full sun. These trees prefer to almost dry out between watering so they can make use of the water that they store in their leaves. Varieties of this tree can display striking white flowers and red-tipped leaves. This tree grows slow and compact, making it the perfect choice for growth as an indoor bonsai tree.

Serissa Bonsai

Serissa, or “snow rose”, bonsai are well known for the large amount of small white flowers that they produce year round. They can also be trained to have air roots and be used in root over rock formations rather easily. This tree requires plenty of humidity and is best for intermediate bonsai growers. Any change in environment will cause this tree to lose all its leaves and re-grow them. Serissa bonsai are some of the most beautiful bonsai trees in the world.