Ficus Microcarpa Ginseng.
Ginseng is the Chinese word for root. Ginseng gives its name to these plants as the thick, swollen roots at the base of the plant, over time come to resemble an intricately shaped trunk. In its natural habitat aerial roots grow directly down to the ground where they anchor and become additional pillar like trunks. Extremely old trees can become forest like and cover a large area.
Ficus Microcarpa make excellent bonsai, and look great in a modern room setting.
Ficus Ginseng will thrive indoors in bright light. Tolerates partial shade, although growth will be slower. Must avoid strong, direct sun.
Water thoroughly, then wait until the surface of the soil starts to become just dry, then water again. This will stop the compost at the roots ever becoming dry which will harm the tree.
Fertilising is also necessary to keep your tree healthy. A general purpose, half strength liquid feed applied once a month from April to September will do.
Pinch and trim your tree to a desired shape once new growth starts to become too long. Different trees grow at different rates so do as often is necessary.
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, as low as 10c, so will be fine wherever you choose to put it in the home as long as there`s plenty of bright light.
In Winter, when growth is slow, less water is required by the plant, so the time it takes to become just dry will increase. Don`t be too hasty, just wait until the top of the soil becomes dry as usual. Don`t fertilise in Winter.
Minimum Temp: 10c
If you want to you can place your tree outdoors once night time temperatures exceed 10c. Place in bright light, somewhere sheltered from the wind, and gradually allow more direct sunlight as it starts to acclimatise to being outside. Check to make sure it doesn`t dry out, and make sure to remember to bring it back indoors before temperatures drop too far.
Warnings:
Ficus trees ooze a sticky sap which can cause irritation. Wash your hands thoroughly if any comes in to contact with your skin.
Toxic to cats and dogs.
Best practice is to keep the plant away from children and pets.
