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The Ficus benjamina, also called Amate, is an evergreen tree native to Australia and the southern and southeastern parts of Asia, which is also the official tree of the city of Bangkok, in Thailand. This tree, which can reach heights of up to 15 meters, is also widely used in gardening to make bonsai.
In this article, which we have prepared in Green Ecologist as a practical guide, we are going to see how to care for a ficus benjamina bonsai.
Bonsai ficus benjamina: indoor or outdoor?
The ficus benjamina is a tropical species like most ficus, so does not tolerate temperatures below 15ºC. In addition, sudden changes in temperature also affect it very negatively, causing it to lose its leaves, and although needs illuminated areasNor does it tolerate continuous direct sun exposure.
All that said, it is easy to imagine that this bonsai is not suitable for outdoor use, so it is convenient to have it inside, unless you live in a temperate tropical climate zone. As if that were not enough, it is a tree very appreciated as bonsai for its beautiful aerial roots, but these only develop under very high humidity of almost 100%, so many times it will be necessary to prepare an individual greenhouse or cover it with a container. of Cristal.
Bonsai ficus benjamina: basic care guide
Like all bonsai, the ficus benjamina requires a great deal of care and attention to develop properly. If you have never cared for one, you should bear in mind that maintaining a bonsai is much more demanding than most common plants, although, of course, it also provides the great satisfaction of observing its beauty after having taken care of your plant.
If you dare to try one of these trees, keep this in mind guide to basic care for bonsai ficus benjamina.
- Locate the bonsai in an area with plenty of natural light but where do not receive the sun directly.
- At the time of water a bonsai ficus benjaminaIt is recommended that you give it plenty of water whenever you notice that the substrate has become dry and always better by immersion. It can also be beneficial to apply water as a mist daily or every other day to maintain a high humidity index, especially if you want the tree to develop aerial roots. In winter, the ficus will consume less water, but it will remain more active the warmer its location.
- The subscriber It must be carried out between weekly and biweekly in summer, and monthly in winter. It is possible to use liquid fertilizer or organic compost in spheres.
- The ficus must be transplanted every two years in spring. Use a mulch-based substrate with peat and coarse sand.
- The wiring It can be done throughout the year, but special attention must be paid to protecting the bark. As with all bonsai, wait until winter for the biggest twists. Remove the wires in about six weeks to avoid damage and scarring to the branches.
When and how to prune a ficus benjamina bonsai
The pruning the ficus benjamina It has to be done in spring. The bonsai clamp, which is carried out by pruning green shoots so that the new sprouting is very fast, will help to keep the growth of the tree controlled and with green and young branches. The first clamping takes place in approximately April, and should not be done more than two or three times per season. It is important not to do it on trees that are weak or sick.
To properly prune your bonsai, wait until the stem has a few 6 sheets, and cuts leaving only two. The ficus cuts will be covered with a natural substance that the tree secretes to seal them, do not remove it.
My ficus benjamina bonsai is falling off the leaves, what's wrong?
Yes your bonsai is losing its leavesIt is most likely due to the fact that some of the care listed above has not been adequately followed.
Most likely, the tree has suffered some sudden change in temperature, either due to the air conditioning of the home or a change of season. Try to stabilize the temperature in your room and pay attention to its irrigation and fertilizer.
Remember that it is important to protect it from direct sunlight and that, although it is a tree that welcomes humidity, an excess of it can cause fungal problems. If these appear, we recommend these homemade fungicides.
If you like trees kept small, as they are very decorative and their care, like gardening in general, can also bring great benefits to us, then we recommend you try more species. Here we explain the care of fig bonsai, another of the most sought after for homes.
If you want to read more articles similar to Bonsai ficus benjamina: careWe recommend that you enter our Indoor Plants category.
