Ficus Ginseng 12 cm - Pot Ceramic Moonlight

Common Name: Ficus Ginseng

Scientific Name: Ficus Microcarpa "ginseng" (when it has roots or just microcarpa in specimens grafted without "thick" roots).

Characteristics: Belongs to the Moraceae family and is produced/grafted in China.

The Ficus "ginseng" are "Ficus Microcarpa" grafted onto a variety of Ficus that quickly "thickens" the roots but produces larger and less attractive leaves than those of the ficus microcarpa, hence the fact that the buds sprouting from the "roots" have larger leaves than those of the grafted area, and they should be removed as they compete with those of the graft.

The name "ginseng" has nothing to do with the plant "Panax Ginseng" (which has medicinal properties), but is due to the fact that Ginseng in Chinese (comes from "Renshen") translates as "Root of Man", referring to the strong roots of these plants.

It is not originally a Bonsai but rather an indoor ornamental plant, which can be grown as a Bonsai, or even "transformed" into one by transferring it to a Bonsai pot, and all Bonsai techniques such as wiring can be applied.

Location: Indoors near a window (maximum distance 50 cm), without curtains or blinds, where it receives 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day, being rotated 180° weekly, away from heat sources or air conditioning. It can spend the warm months outdoors maintaining the 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight.

Watering: Water the soil abundantly until a lot of water comes out of the drainage holes, to evenly moisten the soil, always from above never by immersion, using a watering can with fine holes.

Tips on watering, see the watering technical sheet.

Let the surface layer of the soil dry slightly between each watering (to confirm if the plant needs water, touch the soil with your fingers).

If you have a tray underneath or the plant is in a cachepot without drainage holes, never leave any water in it (to prevent root rot).

There is no advantage in misting the leaves; only do so on days when fertilizing and if the fertilizer is for foliar application, but ensure the leaves dry by night to avoid fungi.

Nutrition: From February to October/November, with a basic plan consisting of a complete fertilizer (Fertil Bonsai Humic, or Green & Gold Bonsai Organic or Biogold), and a biostimulant (Bio Bonsai Activ), which can also be combined with other products from our range.

Detailed information on how to combine these products with the rest of our range, or for a more specific nutrition plan, see the complete nutrition plan technical sheet.

Pruning: Given the large size of its leaf, it should always be controlled by "Metsumi" at the beginning of budding.

Formation pruning is usually done after defoliation in June/July, a time when wiring and transplanting are also done if cultivated as Bonsai. When cut, it releases latex, which "stops" well by spraying the plant with water.

Tips on pruning, see the pruning and defoliation technical sheet.

Transplanting: With Bonsai Leafy Soil in May/June (limit mid-July), after defoliation or heavy pruning.

Details on transplanting, post-transplant care and specific fortifiers you can use can be found in the transplanting technical sheet.

Wiring: If cultivated as Bonsai and you decide to wire, the ideal time is in the warm months (if defoliation follows immediately), late May or June/July is best.

Instructions on wiring, see the wiring technical sheet.