Fig Tree (Ficus Carica)

The Fig Tree is a tree that can reach 8 meters in height and has large leaves that reach 20 centimeters.

Fig Tree Bonsai Care Guide

How should I water it?

We will give it abundant watering, letting the first layer of substrate dry between waterings.

During the summer we should increase the frequency of watering and in winter we will reduce it. If we control how long it takes for the first layer of substrate to dry, we will not have problems with the watering frequency.

Should I leave it in full sun?

For its correct development, we must have it in direct sunlight as many hours as possible. If we had it in semi-shade and we want to move it to a place where it gets more sun, we must make a progressive adaptation so as not to burn the leaves.

Should I worry about sheltering it during the winter?

The Fig Tree is a very resistant tree in terms of temperatures; it can withstand sub-zero temperatures without any problem if it is planted in the ground. But when it is in a pot, like the rest of the species, its ability to withstand the cold is limited.

For this reason, we recommend putting it under cover in a greenhouse or indoors if we anticipate that temperatures will drop a lot.

How often should I fertilize?

We recommend the use of slow-release organic fertilizer from spring to autumn.

When and how should it be pruned?

We will prune in winter, when the Fig Tree is not sprouting. We can cut without fear, as it will sprout again easily.

Can I pinch the tree?

We can do it throughout the year to maintain the shape of the bonsai. We will always try to maintain a minimum of two leaves per branch to prevent the tree from drying out the entire branch.

When and how should you wire?

Wiring can be applied throughout the year. The Fig Tree is fast-growing, so we must check very often that the wire does not dig into the bark.

When do I have to repot and how often?

The best time is before it begins to sprout in spring. We will wait until the tree does not fit in the pot; we can easily detect this when we see that the roots are pushing the substrate out of the pot.

What substrate or soil should I use?

We will look for a substrate that drains easily. Our recommendation is to make a mixture of 70% akadama and 30% kiryuzuna, or 80% worm castings or peat and 20% gravel, pumice or perlite.

How can I propagate it?

Cuttings root really well if they are made in winter from November to March; it will be the easiest way to reproduce a Fig Tree.