Ficus ginseng, also known as Ficus microcarpa, is native to the tropics and subtropics of Southeast Asia and Oceania. The roots of this shrub can grow out of the ground and on branches. This is what gives it its very special aspect. In general, Ficus ginseng is grown in the form of bonsai, that is, a small miniature tree.
This species of Ficus is generally recommended for all home gardeners who want to get into the cultivation of bonsai. Easy to grow, Ficus ginseng lends itself perfectly to pruning. He is able to survive without problem the errors related to his culture or to a badly carried out pruning. Pruning your Ficus ginseng will beautify your bonsai but also make it more resistant to its environment. How to prune a Ficus ginseng? We reveal everything you need to know in this article!
If you want to know everything about Ficus Ginseng
The maintenance pruning of Ficus ginseng
Maintenance pruning can be performed throughout the year. Indeed, regardless of the stage of growth of the plant, this size will not have a negative impact. In order to properly maintain the Ficus ginseng in the form of bonsai, it is essential to deal with the apical dominance. This genetic predisposition forces the Ficus ginseng to grow upwards and then to widen in height in order to make the most of the daylight. It is this apical dominance that you will therefore seek to counter.
During maintenance pruning, all young shoots must be cut back after the second leaf. This action should be performed with a fine chisel or small secateurs for maximum precision. In all cases, avoid using a tool that is too large. It could indeed damage the plant. Once you have removed all of the ends of the Ficus bonsai, you also need to prune the top of it. This will allow it to branch out in the right places, and thus counter the apical dominance.
If during the summer you see that large leaves have grown, you can remove them. Keep pinching to prevent the shoots from getting longer.
The structure size of Ficus ginseng
Structure pruning should be carried out in early spring or late fall, when the growth of the shrub is still weak. This size aims to give a nice shape to your Ficus ginseng. It is essential to avoid carrying out this action when the plant is in full growth period. It is then already spending a lot of energy to develop.
To begin with, remove all of the dead stems that are on the Ficus microcarpa. Before you jump into pruning the plant, place it at a height that allows you to inspect it from every angle. By rotating it on itself, you can visualize the structure you want to give it and choose the face that will be the one placed in front.
When pruning the structure, be sure to keep the aerial roots unless they are not in keeping with the overall aesthetics of the plant. These roots are the peculiarity of Ficus ginseng and it would be a shame to remove them!
The defoliation pruning of Ficus ginseng
Defoliation of Ficus ginseng should preferably be carried out at the beginning of summer. Typically, this method is considered to be used for pruning deciduous species. The Ficus ginseng is an evergreen species, which means that it does not shed its leaves during the cold seasons. It is therefore not normally supposed to undergo this technique. However, many people choose to defoliate Ficus ginseng anyway and it is also a heated debate between gardeners who grow bonsai!
Defoliation consists of pruning all the leaves of the Ficus at the beginning of summer. It will make it possible to force the tree to branch out and to produce new leaves which will be smaller. However, it is not mandatory to remove all of the leaves from the plant. Defoliation can indeed be partial and concentrated in a small area. The leaves will be cut with a chisel which will allow a clean and precise cut.
Once you have defoliated, remember to place the Ficus ginseng in full sun. Also take advantage of this size to tie the Ficus. It will thus be easier to handle the branches and obtain a nice curvature which will promote budding.
If pruning is absolutely not mandatory for the Ficus ginseng, it still allows it to retain a nice structure and an aesthetic plant throughout the year. Whether it is a maintenance pruning, structure or defoliation, each of them can be carried out by novice gardeners, without risk of damaging the Ficus ginseng.
