GardenGap.com » Indoor-house-plants » The Right Way To Care For A Ficus Bonsai Plant For Beginners

The Right Way To Care For A Ficus Bonsai Plant For Beginners

A miniature version of the tropical Banyan tree, the ficus is exotic and rewarding. Therefore , we suggest you commence with this species and to help you get started, we have provided you with vital ficus bonsai care. Remember, the ficus is perfectly suited for indoor bonsai.

You will discover a considerable number of alternative forms, each with tiny leaves and slow expansion habits. Some of the categorical species you could consider growing include the dwarf ficus, narrow-leaf ficus, and the weeping ficus, all fine selections. The first thing to recollect when it comes to ficus bonsai care is this tree needs to be kept indoors throughout the year, though an occasional trip out of doors for unpolluted air and sunlight is sufficient.

Watering

Ficus bonsai, as with most bonsai, like to dry out between waterings. Feel the soil every day. If there is a rock in the planting lift it up and feel under it, otherwise, just stick your finger about a 1/2 an inch to an inch into the soil. If the soil feels dry, water your bonsai. Never let your bonsai go fully dry for extended periods!

The most effective way to water your bonsai is to soak it in a sink or container of water up to the trunk for approximately 5-10 minutes. Then permit it to empty. If top watering your bonsai, water, wait a couple of minutes, and water again. Repeat this many times to insure that your bonsai has received a comprehensive watering. Eventually you'll be able to determine a watering schedule that meets your climate conditions.

Light prerequisites for a ficus

Ficus can grow in a wide range of lighting conditions. Some types can grow in as low as 800 lux, a measure of light intensity, but most variations need 1,000 to 2,000 lux. This is one of the lowest light wants of all bonsai making it one of the least difficult species to keep inside. But unless the ficus is kept by a window (west or south-facing) or fluorescent light it could be hard to provide it with the light it requires. For some viewpoint, consider that an ordinary office without windows is about 400 lux.

The minimum lux required for photosynthesis is about 500. As a result, keeping the ficus inside 3 feet of a window will really help to ensure it receives the light it needs. This is because out of doors on a sunny day the light strength can be over 50,000 lux and the strength of that light coming through the window will decrease by about half every 3 feet from it. In addition, placing fluorescent lights near the tree will help guarantee it receives enough light. A ficus will make a response to low light conditions by augmenting its leaf size and producing slightly more chlorophyll. It'll also grow more leggy. Light levels should be increased if one wishes to urge smaller leaves with compact growth. Ficus will prosper in high lighting.

Article Source: GardenGap.com

About the Author

Discover The Internets Most Comprehensive One Stop Bonsai Tree Site. Click For Bonsai Seedlings At The Nets Best Pr