Ficus are one of the most common and easy to grow houseplants. This is done by raking the soil away, then pruning back the roots. The outer and bottom most fourth of the tree's root mass should be removed. Ficus … March 2016; December 2014; September 2013; July 2013; June 2013; Categories. Prune back to 2 leaves after 6-8 leaves have grown. Leaf pruning should be conducted after the tree has grown 6-10 leaves. Ficus tree pruning needs to take place when the plant is no longer actively growing. ", Unlock this expert answer by supporting wikiHow, http://articles.latimes.com/1994-02-26/home/hm-27488_1_pruning-landscape-trees, https://www.houseplantsexpert.com/weeping-fig.html, http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2004/030604.html, http://www.nature-and-garden.com/gardening/ficus-benjamina.html, https://www.plantopedia.com/ficus-benjamina/, http://aces.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2002/083102.html, https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2009/3-11/transplanting.html, https://www.nytimes.com/1996/02/25/nyregion/gardening-some-tips-for-maintaining-trees-indoors.html, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Branches can we wired with ease. Why are the leaves on my ficus tree turning yellow and falling off? Do not use household scissors or knives to prune your ficus tree, as these can damage the plant's tissues. "Having visual aids was very helpful. You can buy cut paste online or at most plant nurseries. You should water at least once a week during summer; 1-2 times per month in winter, depending on how warm it is. American Plant Exchange Ficus Ginseng Microcarpa Easy Care 4 Year Old Bonsai Tree Live Plant, 6" Pot, Indoor Air Purifying Beauty 4.2 out of 5 stars 65 $40.00 $ 40 . Pruning the leaves will help maintain the shape and structure of the tree. It is an excellent tree for beginners, as most species of Ficus are fast growers, tolerant of most any soil and light conditions, make fine indoor bonsai, and perhaps most importantly, are remarkably forgiving of those just learning bonsai watering techniques. I've trimmed ficus trees for years, but I never knew if I was doing it right because. Trim up to half of the ginseng ficus new leaves, after it grows six to 10 of them, to help with a strong … It can be messy but when the latex dries, it forms its own natural seal. Once you have decided which vegetation needs to go, the first step is to remove any dead or broken branches. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. The ficus is a poisonous plant. Due to the bonsai nature of the ficus tree, pruning will be required as it grows. Eating the leaves by children and pets can cause little bubbles on the skin. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. Try not to prune your outdoor tree in early summer, as this can induce an off-season growth spurt and leave your plant more vulnerable to frost. It needs more water. If you have a ficus plant, it may either be an inside or outside plant. Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree Care – Pruning. References This article has been viewed 190,238 times. By: Bonnie L. Grant, Certified Urban Agriculturist. Obviously, trimming ficus trees is necessary if the plant has grown into a byway or is touching the ceiling. Use fresh bonsai potting soil mix to replenish nutrients. Small dark green leaves sit atop a bulbous trunk with roots that are often exposed, giving it exotic flair — a little work of art in its simple white ceramic pot. If there was no damage to roots during the re-potting and soil with a food additive was used, your plant should recover in a week for two. Should you repot the Ginseng Ficus, pruning at the roots will need to be done as well. Remember that pruning the top will shorten the potential height of the tree and that the more leaves you cut off, the less surface it has to photosynthesize. If you prune back larger branches or make several cuts, put cut paste over the clipped area to help it heal and protect it from disease and pests. Therefore, winter is the best time for trimming ficus trees. It is said to prune at both ends (the roots and the leaves). If you've noticed thinning in summer or early fall, wait until the following season to prune for this reason. The tree leaks milky sap when cut. Most plants are vegetatively active in spring and summer, with growth dying down in fall. Always leave two or three leaves on a … To effectively prune a ginseng bonsai you do have to cut quite a lot off it during its main spring pruning. Repotting Ficus ginseng Let the pot dry out without watering for 2-3 days. In the meantime, give the tree lots of TLC and cross your fingers. You’ll also want to cut away diseased, broken, or dead branches whenever you notice them. For more extensive shaping, wait until the winter, when your plant is dormant. Maggie Moran is a Professional Gardener in Pennsylvania. And beginning bonsai enthusiasts, rejoice again — Ficus ginseng is an ideal “starter” plant with which to hone your bonsai plant parent pruning skills. What did I do wrong? 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