Ficus microcarpa, the giant turned bonsai
Ficus microcarpa
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9b (-3.9°C ≤ T° < -1.1°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Moraceae
- Genus
- Ficus
- Species
- Ficus microcarpa
Ficus microcarpa grows in the tropical forests of Sri Lanka, India and Australia. Like its Moraceae cousin, ficus benjamina, it dominates mangroves and swamps. But in temperate climates, the giant is transformed into a houseplant that can be worked like a bonsai.
How to recognize Ficus microcarpa?
Ficus microcarpa, also known as the Indian laurel or stewardship tree, reaches heights of 30 meters in its natural habitat. It has a slender growth habit, and its crown of leaves spreads over the top of its trunk. The trunk is made up of aerial roots. They join together to reach a metre in diameter in the largest specimens. An epiphyte, it grows by leaning on another tree. It eventually suffocates it and takes its place.
As a decorative plant, Ficus microcarpa doesn't stand out for its size (between 30 centimetres and one metre for pot cultivation). It does, however, stand out for its aerial roots, on which the leaves grow directly. This characteristic has given it the nickname ficus ginseng. Its size, evergreen foliage and malleability have made it very popular with bonsai enthusiasts.
Whether indoors or out, the appearance of the leaves remains the same. Bright, glossy green, they are oval-shaped with a slightly pointed or rounded tip. The central vein and light-green secondary veins are visible. Each leaf blade is three to ten centimetres long and two to five centimetres wide.
The white flowers are hidden inside the fruit, a fig a few centimetres long. Much smaller than the Ficus carica, there's no need to harvest it for consumption.
The sap of ficus bonsai contains latex, a toxic juice. When pruning and grafting, avoid contact with skin and eyes. Keep the plant away from animals. If ingested, the sap causes digestive problems.
Ficus microcarpa is nevertheless said to have medicinal virtues. In Asia, it is used to treat flu, fever and rheumatism, among other ailments. In addition to these properties, Ficus microcarpa is said to have magical powers. In Indonesia, it is used as a refuge for evil vampires, while in China, it is associated with benevolent spirits and vital energy.
Our care tips
The Ficus microcarpa don't like change. Once yours has been installed away from draughts, don't move it again. It could lose its leaves.
Watering
Before watering, make sure the substrate is two or three centimetres dry by dipping your fingers into the soil. If this is the case, moisten the root ball with non-calcareous water at room temperature.
To avoid drowning the roots, don't leave stagnant water in the dish.
Misting
In addition to regular watering, misting prevents the plant from drying out due to heat in summer and heating in winter.
The Ficus microcarpa do not like hard water. Prefer rainwater or filtered water.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Ficus microcarpa to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
Obtain a pierced pot one size larger than the previous one. Place a bed of clay balls or non-limestone gravel at the bottom to promote drainage. Then fill with a nutrient-rich potting soil, such as green plant compost, to within three centimetres of the rim. This way, water won't overflow during watering.
To create a close environment that will remind your plant of its natural surroundings, you can place its pot on a saucer filled with wet clay balls. They'll diffuse a much-appreciated humidity!
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Add nutrients with a fertilizer for foliage plants.
Cleaning
Dust prevents leaves from absorbing light and slows photosynthesis. You can use a brush or feather duster to clean the foliage.
Prune
Trim your Ficus microcarpa, whatever its size, to make it denser. Use a clean, sharp tool. Shorten each branch by at least five centimetres, cutting above a healthy leaf. Remove dead branches too.
Caution! Sap is toxic. Wear gloves for protection.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Choose your location carefully, giving priority to:
- a sunny spot facing south or southwest;
- proximity to a wall to protect the tree from the wind and retain heat at night.
Soak the root ball in water until the bubbles disappear.
Meanwhile, dig a hole two to three times as wide and deep as the root ball. Remove stones, roots, and other weeds. Place a little compost at the bottom and cover with a thin layer of soil.
Place the plant in the center of the hole. The base of the shrub should be level with the ground. Fill in with a mixture of soil, potting mix, and sand. Tamp down the soil.
Dig a shallow basin around the base and water thoroughly. Finish by mulching around the base to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Cut off the end of a branch about fifteen centimeters long. Remove all leaves except the top pair.
Once you have obtained your cutting, place it in a vase or glass filledwith water at room temperature. Make sure the node is completely submerged.
Place your cutting in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Change the water regularly to keep it clear.
Place your cutting in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight. Change the water regularly to keep it clear.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Humus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Tags
- BeginnerSmall potToxic
- Origins
- South AsiaAustralia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 9b (-3.9°C ≤ T° < -1.1°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Flower color
- White
- Fruit colors
- BlackOrange
Discover plants from the same family
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
