Ficus Bonsai

Characteristics and Their Value as Bonsai

This Ficus bonsai by Ed Trout -- Bonsai Society of Miami Exhibit 2008 -- is an excellent example of why so many enjoy growing this tree as bonsai.

Favorable Ficus Bonsai Characteristics

• Spreading roots - Mature fig trees have roots that ‘hug’ the ground, often spreading long distances from the main trunk.
  
  

  

  Figs manage to thrive in a variety of unique conditions, and easily adapt to bonsai pots and slabs. Shallow containers actually encourage the roots to spread as they can not go deep. As the roots spread the trunk also spreads.

  In the tropics, Ficus bonsai may need repotting two or three times a year.
  
  Most bonsai hobbyists don’t trim roots this often and eventually must use a saw to eliminate the mass (mess) created. The roots tolerate this radical pruning and proceed to fill the pot again.
  
  

• Interesting, heavy trunks - Most Ficus species evolve huge trunks in nature. Some are straight, some curved, others fluted. Most will do the same in containers.

  Some species have light colored smooth bark, others are textured and some more colorful. One that has especially beautiful bark with white striations is the Ficus Golden Gate.

  The Ficus nerifolia can vary in bark color from light brown to a reddish color. If you have a reddish bark fig, the color can be emphasized for exhibit with a light coat of cooking oil. (Read how the Ficus nerifolia was discovered for bonsai.)

• Fast Growth - In their native habitats, these trees grow quickly. Sidewalks, fences, and walls have been destroyed.

  Deserted homes have been swallowed up by their rampant growth.

  Ancient temples have been found completely covered by the invasive roots.

  On the good side of this fast growth feature, you can develop a quality Ficus bonsai in a matter of two or three years.
  
  

• Small Leaves - Not all fig trees have small leaves. Some are twelve inches or more across. Although leaf reduction is possible through defoliation, it is an ongoing project.

  Many figs do have small leaves and most of those are excellent choices. Why not try some of the best small leaf figs for bonsai: Ficus benjamina variations, Ficus microphylla and Ficus nerifolia are just a few.

  A close look at a Ficus branch will show how the leaves are simple and alternating in their growth pattern. Because of their rapid growth, this branch structure is ideal for directional pruning. When using wire to change or move branches, be cautious. Fast growth can create unsightly damage quickly.

• Flowers?- Yes, figs do have flowers! However, you won't ever see them. A very understandable description of the flowers and how they are pollinated is posted at Fairchild Tropical Garden beneath a huge banyan tree.

  

• Fruit - Small and often colorful, figs grow on short stems, without stems and in clusters depending upon the species.
  
  Some fruit actually grows directly off the trunk and branches.

  (Similar to jaboticaba, Myciaria cauliflora.)

  Color varies from species to species.
  
  

  F. benghalensis - commonly called the banyan tree - has cherry red figs when ripe. Ficus altissima which resembles the banyan in every other way has bright yellow fruit. The fruit on tropical figs are not considered desirable for human consumption but are very popular with birds and monkeys.

  Other figs have brown or reddish brown fruit, still others are vibrant orange.

  In bonsai, the fruit is always to scale. On small trees they may look like cherries or apples, while on larger plants they resemble berries.

  Ficus carica is the Mediterranean 'edible fig’ or ‘common fig.’ Although in the same family, it is deciduous and is not a tropical. It is rarely used in bonsai.

• Aerial roots - Some Ficus drop aerial roots from lateral branches. Also known as ‘prop’ roots or buttress roots, they often give extra support to massive spreading "arms" of these trees.

  Other Ficus species grow aerial roots primarily off the trunk, still others have none. In some cases when the original trunk dies, the aerial roots keep the tree alive.

  The tree shown here is in Miami, FL.
  

  In the Calcutta Botanical Garden in India, one huge fig tree occupies over three acres; the aerial roots number beyond 3,000.

  Aerial roots in Ficus bonsai are valued because they help these trees resemble old banyans.

  During maintenance of a ‘banyan bonsai’, aerial roots are sometimes removed ... especially if they have inappropriate placement or have grown out of scale.

  For growers who must keep their Ficus bonsai indoors , aerial root development is often a time to celebrate! Aerial roots are difficult under these circumstances and usually the owner has gone to great lengths to obtain them.

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