Ficus bonsai trees are one of the most popular indoor bonsai trees. With over 800 varieties, they are appreciated for their resilience, lush foliage, and tropical feel. However, knowing how often to water a ficus bonsai can be tricky. Underwatering can cause leaves to wilt and drop, while overwatering leads to root rot.
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about watering ficus bonsai trees.
How Often Should a Ficus Bonsai Be Watered?
The recommended watering frequency for a ficus bonsai tree is:
- Summer – Water 1-2 times per week
- Spring & Fall – Water 1 time per week
- Winter – Water every 10-14 days
These are general guidelines that work for most ficus bonsai trees. However, there are a few factors that can affect watering frequency:
Size of the Bonsai
- Small bonsai need more frequent watering than larger ones.
- Bonsai in smaller pots dry out faster than those in bigger pots.
Climate & Growing Conditions
- Hot, dry climates require more frequent watering.
- Cool or humid environments need less watering.
Time of Year
- More water is needed in summer than winter.
- Adjust watering based on seasonal changes.
The best way to determine if your ficus bonsai needs water is to check the soil moisture. Stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil. If it’s dry, it’s time to water.
Watering Methods for Ficus Bonsai
There are several effective methods for watering your ficus bonsai
- Watering can – Gently pour water over the soil until it flows from the drainage holes. Avoid heavy streams of water.
- Misting – Use a spray bottle to mist the leaves and maintain humidity.
- Bottom watering – Place the pot in a tray of water to soak up moisture from below.
Always water with room temperature soft water. Tap water containing chemicals can damage the roots. Rainwater or filtered water is best.
When watering, moisten the entire soil area but don’t saturate it. Allow excess water to drain fully before returning the bonsai to its display spot.
Signs of Overwatering
It’s important not to overwater your ficus bonsai, as too much moisture can lead to:
- Wilting or yellowing leaves
- Root rot
- Fungal growth on leaves or soil
- Dropping leaves
- Decline in health
If you see these symptoms, allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Consider repotting with fresh bonsai soil to help damaged roots recover.
Signs of Underwatering
Underwatering is also detrimental to ficus bonsai health. Signs of insufficient water include:
- Dry, cracked soil
- Withered, curled leaves
- Leaf drop
- Branches turning brown
- Stunted growth
Increase watering frequency if you notice these issues. Misting the leaves can provide a humidity boost while the soil moisture is improved.
Caring for Ficus Bonsai in Winter
Ficus bonsai trees are tropical plants that can struggle in cold, dry winter conditions. To help them through winter:
- Place in the brightest location possible.
- Mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity.
- Keep the soil slightly moist but not saturated.
- Move to a cool spot with temps above 60°F.
- Consider using a grow light to supplement natural light.
With the right watering schedule and care, your ficus bonsai will thrive indoors year-round. Pay close attention to soil moisture and adjust frequency based on the season, climate, and size of your tree. Consistent watering is vital for healthy roots, foliage, and growth.
Methods of Fertilizer Application
Choose the most suitable method for applying fertilizer to your ficus bonsai:
- Surface Application: Scatter granules on the growing medium surface, following package instructions for coverage. (Uncle Bills 3-3-3 pellets)
- Fertilizer Cakes or Bags: Place around the pot, adjusting quantities based on the trees size and container. Replace cakes every one to two months. (Biogold)
- Fertilizer Baskets: Elevate granules or pellets, protecting them from pests and preventing surface moss burn. (Show Fertilizer baskets & BioGold)
- Diluted Fertilizer: Mix fertilizer with water in a watering can and apply to the tree. (Uncle Bills 3-3-3 liquid)
By understanding the nutrient needs of your ficus bonsai trees and following appropriate fertilizing techniques, youll ensure their healthy growth and longevity. Happy fertilizing!
What a Ficus Bonsai Tree Bonsai Needs
The needs of a bonsai are much the same as those of any plant; water, oxygen, and food. Watering is generally a task performed daily, often by hand with a watering can or even a basin with water into which you can soak the bonsai tree. If your growing medium (soil) is suitable and drains well, you need not worry about oxygen.
Bonsai trees do, however, fall outside the category of typical house plants. While caring for bonsai does demand more attention than your average house plant, once you grasp the basics, it manageable.
Based on thousands of customer service emails, here’s where beginners often fail.
- Sunlight: Usually, the more, the better. If you’re keeping your bonsai indoors, it needs to be near a window. Not on the TV stand, nightstand, or bookshelf. Unless, of course, you have a grow light.
- Water: A little bit of water here & there when you remember isn’t going to work. Your Ficus is likely going to need more water (on a daily basis) than your house plants.
- Suitable Temperature: Ficus are tropical. They like temperatures between 60-80 degrees. And they prefer being outside from spring to fall. They don’t enjoy being next to air vents (forced hot air, air conditioning, etc).
We will dive deeper into these areas, however, with proper attention to providing adequate light, water, and the right temperature range, your Ficus Bonsai will thrive. Actually, it’s also going to need fertilizer. We’ll dive into fertilizer shortly.
Ficus Bonsai tree care
FAQ
How often should I water an indoor ficus bonsai?
The Ficus should be watered generously whenever the soil gets slightly dry. The Bonsai Ficus prefers room temperature soft water and it can tolerate occasional over, or underwatering. We advise daily misting to maintain humidity, but too much misting can create fungal problems.
How to tell if a bonsai needs water?
If you notice the leaves are wrinkled or shriveled (See pic #1 ); that is a sign you are under-watering and an additional watering may need to be added to …
Does ficus bonsai need sunlight?
The short answer is – yes. Just like every other plant, bonsai trees need sunlight in order to grow and thrive. Most popular species of bonsai trees benefit largely from direct sunlight, but there are a few shade loving species.
How frequently should I water Ficus?
Water. The Ficus plant prefers to dry out some between watering, but do not let the soil completely dry out. We recommend that you water your tree every 5 to 7 days, or when the top inch of soil is dry. If you decide to place your plant outside as a patio plant, it will need a more frequent watering schedule.
How often do you water a bonsai Ficus?
Ficus Bonsai trees require regular watering, appropriate sunlight, occasional fertilization, pruning for shaping, and repotting every few years. Maintain a well-draining soil mix and ensure suitable environmental conditions for their overall health.
How do you care for a bonsai Ficus?
The Ficus should be watered generously whenever the soil gets slightly dry. The Bonsai Ficus prefers room temperature soft water and it can tolerate occasional over, or underwatering. We advise daily misting to maintain humidity, but too much misting can create fungal problems.
When should you water a ficus tree?
To ensure your Ficus tree thrives, it’s crucial to understand when and how to water. Typically, water your bonsai when the soil begins to feel slightly dry to the touch. However, avoid waiting until the soil dries out completely, as this can stress the plant. Aim to thoroughly saturate the entire root system during each watering session.
How often should you fertilize a Ficus bonsai tree?
Ficus bonsai pruning is also aided by healthy tree growth, so proper fertilization will encourage robust branches and roots. Fertilizing Schedule: Feed your ficus bonsai every two weeks during the growing season (spring through early autumn). In winter, reduce fertilizing to once a month or stop altogether, depending on the tree’s growth rate.
How often should you water a bonsai tree?
Continue reading about watering Bonsai trees. Fertilize every two weeks during summer, and every four weeks during winter if the growth doesn’t stop. Liquid fertilizer can be used as well as organic fertilizer pellets. Regular pruning is necessary to retain the tree’s shape. Prune back to 2 leaves after 6-8 leaves have grown.
How do you care for a ginseng Ficus bonsai tree?
Ginseng Ficus Bonsai trees require bright, indirect light and consistent temperatures. Regular watering and proper humidity levels are crucial for the bonsai’s survival. How do I maintain the size and appearance of my Ginseng Ficus Bonsai tree? Pruning, shaping, and wiring are necessary for maintaining the bonsai’s size and appearance.