榕樹
yōju
Ficus ginseng
Ficus microcarpa
For many people the ficus ginseng is their first bonsai, and for good reason: ficus is considered the most popular indoor tree species for bonsai beginners. It tolerates occasional over- or underwatering and is quite resistant to pests.
What is a ficus ginseng?
Botanically it is a Chinese banyan (Ficus microcarpa). The name "ginseng" comes from its thick, pot-bellied trunk, which looks like a ginseng root. The cultivar has dense, glossy, dark green leaves and wide, exposed roots. Sometimes a crown with other ficus leaves is grafted onto the thick root.
In Japan
In Japan this ficus is known as ガジュマル (gajumaru), especially on the Okinawa islands. Legend there has it that a small forest spirit called キジムナー (kijimuna) lives in old gajumaru trees. It brings good luck as long as you treat it well, and can get rather unpleasant if you annoy it. That is why the gajumaru is also called 多幸の樹, "tree of great happiness", and is a popular gift in Japan.
Position: bright, warm, frost-free
- Light: it needs plenty of light, ideally direct sun. Do not put it in a shady corner; keep it within about 1 m (3 ft) of a window.
- Temperature: it cannot take frost. In summer it can go outside as long as it stays above 15 °C (60 °F). Let it get used to the sun in partial shade for two weeks first.
- Humidity: it likes humid air. Dry air and too little light weaken it and often make it drop leaves.
Watering
Water generously as soon as the soil is slightly dry, not on a fixed schedule. Soil that stays wet leads to root rot. How to check and water properly is explained in our bonsai care guide.
Feeding
Feed every two weeks in summer. If it keeps growing in winter, feed every four weeks.
Pruning and wiring
Let a shoot grow 6 to 8 leaves, then cut it back to 2 leaves. Cuts release a milky sap. If you wire it, check the wire often: on ficus it cuts into the bark very quickly.
Repotting
Every two to three years in spring, into ordinary bonsai soil. Ficus tolerates root pruning very well.
Aerial roots
Ficus only grows its typical aerial roots in very high humidity. Indoors that needs help, for example a glass cover that creates almost 100% humidity.
When something is wrong
- Leaves dropping: usually stress from too little light, too much or too little water.
- Pests: mainly scale insects and spider mites, also aphids and mealybugs.
For more help, see the Bonsai Doctor.
Toxic to pets
Ficus species are considered toxic to dogs, cats and horses. They irritate the stomach, gut and skin. Keep it out of reach of pets that like to nibble plants.
Growing your own
Ficus is easy to propagate from cuttings, in water or straight into sand or potting soil. Midsummer gives the best results.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water a ficus ginseng?
Not on a schedule, but as soon as the soil is slightly dry, then thoroughly. Soil that stays wet makes the roots rot.
Why is my ficus ginseng dropping leaves?
Usually stress: too little light, too much or too little water. Dry air can also cause leaf drop.
Can a ficus ginseng go outside?
In summer, yes, as long as it stays above 15 °C (60 °F). Let it get used to the sun in partial shade for two weeks. It cannot take frost.
Is ficus ginseng toxic to cats?
Yes. Ficus species are considered toxic to cats, dogs and horses. They irritate the stomach, gut and skin.
When should I repot a ficus ginseng?
Every two to three years in spring, into ordinary bonsai soil.