Ficus Bonsai Care and Pruning

In this video I talk about the Ficus Retusa. Growing indoor bonsai has become very popular and for some people bonsai is just about indoor trees. One of most successful indoor bonsai trees is the Ficus Retusa, they grow well and they like a slightly warmer temperatures than many of the other indoor options (like the Chinese Elm, Sageretia etc). One of the biggest killers of bonsai is watering (either under or over watering) ensure the soil is moist and do not allow it to dry out.
I show you how to prune the Ficus and I work on a multitude of different shapes and sizes of tree.
Top Tip: Watch out for Aphids or scale insects on the Ficus as these can harm the tree.
But most of all enjoy your bonsai!
More great stuff can be found at www.herons.co.uk
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twitter @heronsbonsai
instagram herons_bonsai

[@erinisme633]

"we should not look down on them, because they enjoy their trees." What a great attitude! So often people forget that XD

[@SupernovaSymie]

....was about to jump in when I heard 'run of the mill (enthusiasts)', but then I heard the next bit 😁....Geez, I was about to get triggered over one of my trees!!!

[@feandin]

I think Peter is on one of the highest of obtainable levels for humans - love. Maybe even higher.

[@christianpnorris]

Apophatic snobbery... "We (the obviosly superior) should not look down on THEM (the blissful cake-eating ignorami)... but i will make some disdainful choppery at the request of the cave dwelling viewers since some client (obviosly not MY trees!) foisted this polite aquiescense to clean their mess upon my unfathomably inexplicable refinment. (curse of the empath lol)

[@octaviomestre8229]

Good

[@jasminmisar5768]

@erinisme633 In that moment, he was the Bob Ross of Bonsais :D

[@Its2EZbaby]

I could listen to you talk all day. You’re the best!

[@cassandralindsey6458]

Yes me too! He’s so calm and so knowledgeable, I could listen all day!

[@jpc1147]

there is no way I can thank you enough, Mr. Chen, for all that you have taught me. I would not be the Bonsai artist I am today without your teachings, so all I can do is give you my humble thanks.

[@5877user]

It’s wonderful that with all your knowledge about bonsai, you still respect beginners and amateurs bonsai hobbyists. You’re not a bonsai snob, but instead share your great wealth of knowledge humbly and clearly. So glad I found your website. God bless

[@NYBraveheart]

Well stated!

[@user-xv8nz9jy7e]

I have only one bonsai. It's a ficus retusa. Bought it for about 10 dollars 5 years ago, i had it 2 years with me and 3 years it spent at my parents' garden. It gives me joy to see it in my living room alongside me again. I often observe it's branches and leaves, how they grew and where they go. I don't have a house pet, but my plants get close to that.

[@syrenariley7775]

Sir, you are the Bob Ross of Ficus Bonsai pruning.. Thank you for such a relaxing, humbling, entertaining, and educational video.

[@bagelking6364]

Loved Bob ross❤

[@justynamaek]

I am affraid the name of "Bob Ross of Bonsai" was alewady given to Nigel Saunders of The Bonsai Zone - check the hair! 😅

[@ste123456754]

​@bagelking6364 beautiful paintings of mountain sceneries nobody like Bob Ross in my opinion

[@MaisieRiver]

I got a bonsai for fathers day and have been reluctant to prune even though I got all the gear. Now I've pruned loads away and found branches I didn't know were there! Off to buy some wire now haha. Great lesson, great video...thank you.

[@kamsarmuhamadbahron4677]

I can hardly talk when doing something. But you can imagine a bonsai shape, prune it fast while talking about knowledge and respect. Great!

[@Shubham-kumar4238]

You are so humble and respectful person ❤

[@carlafoxworth3501]

Thank you for the in-depth lesson! You have answered so many questions for me - and even some questions I didn't know I had! It's so nice of you to share your knowledge with the rest of us.

[@ronaldocastillo5979]

you're very articulate! one of the best speakers i've ever known.

[@Sunfl75]

Very pleasant to listen to.

[@dbgvideos6133]

>what i got from the first minute The best bonsai tree is an outside tree that you can find growing naturally! We shouldnt look down on people just for enjoying thier hobby!

[@TheresaPowers]

What an average comment. And you can't even spell THEIR properly. May be you should get a hobby and take English lessons again.

[@jessestevens_aka_jesus]

@@TheresaPowers "May be you should get a hobby and take English lessons again". Those in glass houses should not throw stones Katherine.

[@hamishdobinson3646]

@@TheresaPowers *maybe. Would have been best to use a comma after comment as well.

[@G.M..]

@@TheresaPowers what a bad comment !

[@nisa_rouge]

Katherine McChesney i can tell you are a fucking idiot

[@effortLus]

This was so satisfying to watch! As a beginner, I have not been pruning at all... worried to hurt or even kill the tree. But your explaining really helped, I could listen all day. Thank you

[@eathanehanthnaidu11a40]

I'm watching a old man cutting trees in the middle of the night. That's my life story guys😢

[@Amaling]

I just got my first bonsai tree this week, but I can already tell how knowledgeable and chill this guy is. I can make parallels to my own passion for mechanical watches. In my world, there are a lot of watch purists/snobs who say that all good watches are swiss mechanicals or something. It seems similar to how he's talking about bonsai purists who always want a pine shape. It's nice that he's I guess more liberal about bonsai enthusiasts, just let people enjoy their hobby I can already relate to Peter a lot, and his voice is so cool too!

[@peterchan3100]

You and I share the same philosophy - But it makes enemies from the so called purists as you describe them!

[@evielefay8811]

I got my first tree this week, and feel exactly the same. I feel like he's taught me without sounding condescending or droning on, very nice to watch and listen to.

[@RJ-vf7eg]

Excellent, how is your tree now three years on?

[@Amaling]

@@RJ-vf7eg yeah it's chillin. For the past couple of weeks tho I've handed it off to my dad, but even if he's absolutely clueless with plant care that tree is a stubborn fella I tell you, will be fine Gotten a big of longer branches, but core trunk and structures have remained pretty similar

[@smoothsailingmp]

Thank you. Had a bonsai in 1977. Didn't know how to take care of it...this information is critical to caring for them....so glad to watch each show that I can. We have just under one acre of land so have tried to shape my outdoor plants.....and not afraid to do so.....but now, seeing how much you take out of the leafy parts so the branches can be seen makes me want to get out there again , but after Christmas......so exciting to learn. Mrs. Margaret Perry USA

[@franknapoli9313]

peter roasting me because im happy about my one bonsai, dafuq

[@michaeltheaegis]

I feel it.

[@joshuasmith6346]

I only have one and just having one is a big responsibility for me lol

[@magicalsakib7433]

@@joshuasmith6346 same here lol 😂

[@hanno.h6583]

IKR i feel attacked 😂😭

[@seiyuokamihimura5082]

​@@joshuasmith6346eh, either you dont have enough time, or you are growing an unforgiving tree like pines or junipers.

[@Meriliest]

I'm really happy that I found this video ( my bonzai will be even happier) . All my questions got answers. Thank You!

[@getbennt]

I had to turn the volume down because my “ficus” is listening.

[@Sunfl75]

Not to worry. Just grab a pair of very sharp, small scissors and prune it the way it's done here, and it will be convinced it is indeed a bonsai. :) I've already taken a cutting from my large ficus, put it in soil and as it grows I will try to make a small one, like the ones showed here. I'm sure it will become my pride and joy, if I manage to make the trunk thicker and give it a little bend :) And I'll insist it is a bonsai. Or at least 'bonsaiesque.'

[@dreamweaver4934]

Lol

[@JaimeFins]

otherwise you will lose control :D

[@bluaxolotl_the_bean_8]

Put mine in the lounge so it didn't hear. I pruned it's holly friend. The Mandarin tree wasn't happy to find his friend had peen pruned!

[@Mood138]

lmao

[@KambizTavabi]

This guy doesn’t mince words!

[@mrbrewer6306]

At 23:20 I'm thinking, wow this guy's an animal. But you really know how to take care of these trees. Great job teaching beginners how to start caring for a ficus bonsai. I learned a lot. I will probably be re-watching this video every time I feel adventurous enough to trim my tree back. Thank you for sharing your skills

[@GarbageKnight]

im new to bonsai, but i get my material from trees in my area, i had 6 failed attempts at rooting, till i used spit to act as a rooting hormone. but i am trying to get my hand on some southern magnolia, considering its on others property i feel a bit weird asking for a cutting..lol. but so far i have a cedar rooting, holly tree, and either a juniper or conifer..not sure as it was a rather large tree bush much taller than myself. i just took some old stem and new grows plopped it in a bottle of water, and brought it home. so far its growing quite well.

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

So Beautiful I love those little trees. Another Great video and worthy of watching all the way through as well as all the videos that Peter makes. 💞💞💞💞💞❤❤❤

[@vishwanathshah5011]

Sir, your way of explaining things is so simple, yet so profound!!! Also your sense of humor and naturally witty comments make the entire presentation so lovable. Imagine earning more by cutting hair instead of leaves!!! 😆

[@lilwayne1ize]

I couldn't help but subscribe to this channel in the first minute of hearing you talk! All your knowledge is just incredible and your an amazing teacher! Thank you!

[@jessicawoodward8911]

I hope my baby ficus continues to thrive now that I repotted it. I have enjoyed all of your videos, thank you!

[@mattbrennan647]

Peter, I’ve been a fan of your channel for a long time but I must say this is one of my favorite vids. Your attention to instruction is very much appreciated. Thanks

[@JG-vo8ey]

This lovely man singelhandely made me fell in love with bonsai!! Great passion

[@luvmorrisey20]

I got a Ficus and she’s beautiful! I tell her that everyday and I also caress her. She’s in by room. 😍wow, it’s actually the the third week of February! (2020)

[@jaredtandle2596]

Don't let it catch the wuhans virus

[@pulpovaca1000]

@@jaredtandle2596 shut up

[@jaredtandle2596]

@@pulpovaca1000 lol let's discuss it, don't rush me to shut up..

[@christinehenwood4411]

I’ve been given a Ficus for my birthday, thank you for your videos, I’ll be learning from you 🌱🌱

[@crystalm4324]

I’m actually excited to get a ficus now! I never wanted one before, but he makes them so much more interesting. In my area if I had a beautiful bonsai outside someone would steal it.

[@crystalm4324]

Sith'ari Azithoth - lol 😂

[@Uatemysoul]

The comment about the bonsai people keep early in the video had me thinking. I have about 9 trees, and 4 of them are indoor trees. Only one is a Ficus, it's not really my pride and joy that goes to a young juniper I have on the front porch and it's not that prideful it's less then 10 years old. I feel people who keep bonsai can be split up between 2 different categories, people that learn and people that don't. And like with any art you stop progressing when you're unwilling to learn. My trees are for the most part nothing special. I don't have a tree that someone would really go wow over, but someday I hope to. I believe this fits well with my own personal philosophy. Be happy with what you have. Make the best of the situation, and make something beautiful from something ordinary.

[@wendyronk123]

Thank you so much for all of the tips on pruning this type of ficus. I have this exact sort of tree that needs a lot of work and I never knew what to do with it. Now I can trim it up a bit and give it a new life!

[@cz2301]

Glad to find out that the bonsai i bought a year ago is a ficus. I,ve just pruned it yesterday and we,re about mid-Fall in Taiwan, i removed almost all leaves. After watching the video I think it will survive. I,ll just buy some fertilizer for it, i,ve never given it anything but water. Thanks for the video!

[@cheryldrown8331]

Thank you so much. I've needed help with rooting ficus tree to make bonsai trees. I just love them.

[@davidburks9938]

Thank you so much, Mr. Chan for talking us through your thought process while pruning. Being completely new to the hobby, it's so helpful to have your teachings and style recommendations.

[@idreamofmusic]

New ginseng focus bonsai owner here. Love your videos, you are so engaging and detailed! Just like others say, I can listen to you all day. Thank you, thank you! Can’t wait to prune my bonsai when it grows out more!!!

[@seapoup1556]

Wonderful! I have been starting, braiding, training, & pruning ficus spp for 25 yrs... Delightful to have fun, new and more daring ways to enjoy trees:)

[@mishovago8228]

Simply thank you for being such a great teacher Master Chan!

[@bharvey2010]

Thank you so much for this! I recently acquired my first ficus and I feel like in the typical scared beginner. This video gave me some great visuals of what to remove, helping me feel more comfortable!

[@rachaelsimpson4577]

I've really enjoyed this, very informative video and found it so helpful as a new owner of a ficus bonsai tree that's been neglected, thankyou

[@LosDoyerss]

I really love listening to this gentleman. I could watch him all day. My bonsai is a twelve year old ficus that I truly love. The best thing about the ficus is they are hardy and can be indoors year around to enjoy.

[@Drayran]

Thank you! This will help me to give my Ficus more character. Unknowingly I always cut the aerial roots back and tried to to keep the trunk nice and smooth. In hindsight this was counterproductive.

[@andrewkeihl576]

just got my first one. did the same thing. at least it was early.

[@BryceNolen]

Same, if I knew how much character it would add, I would have left them!

[@josiahw3219]

I love aerial robots their very cool

[@melhekhinhel]

I was gifted a ficus bonsai a few weeks ago and I'm really looking forward to seeing how it's going to look a year from now. It's still in a training pot but it's already looking much better with some proper pruning. Thank you for sharing such good information on this tree!

[@wberry2311]

How is it doing a year later

[@PutPrint01]

year has passed, how is bonsai? I'm curious. Mine is doing well :)

[@ChuckLikes2F]

My first and only tree is a ficus, I’ve always wanted a bonsai tree, but never knew there were any other species than junipers. My coworker gave me a tiny ficus as a moving gift, and I have never been more interested in a gift in my life. I can’t wait to see my lil forest in the future.

[@jadedchick.4352]

I love watching how you trim and talk about Bonsai. I have a Banyan that I bought 24 years ago. It was a sapling. It’s gorgeous! The trunk is thick. 💛🥰 I left it go for a year. I was intimidated to trim it. Your video was the best example for me. ✌️

[@xiangros]

Wow! You are amazing! All the bonsai trees become so neat and beautiful after you pruned them! Awesome! I am going to prune mine soon! Thank you very much for sharing!

[@vishwanathshah5011]

Thanks!! Very beautifully explained. Your conversational style kept me glued to the video till the end.

[@AfterAFashionASMR]

I’m getting my first little ficus bonsai and I’m so excited. I’m one of those ones who don’t know much and I appreciate all your knowledge and information and your positive and supportive disposition. I will be one of those who will really enjoy my little tree and will do all I can to make it happy, and who knows maybe one day I can advance to more advanced bonsai too. I actually dream of a wisteria one day. They are such beautiful bonsai trees.

[@christinehoyos2324]

I just received a Ficus Retusa for my birthday. I'm very excited to start my bonsai hobby. Thank you for you instruction! So helpful!

[@TheeNiteOwl]

Just got a ficus a few days ago. Lots of helpfull tips. Thanks for another great video master Chan.

[@TylerRedmann]

I’ve watched so many of your videos I feel like we are old friends lol. Thank you brother.

[@justinekeller944]

Hi Peter, I have just purchased one of these Ficus trees and I hope it turns out as well as yours. I enjoy watching you and your videos. Keep up the good work. Thanks very much,

[@iwillsmiteyall]

this was the perfect care video. i unexpectedly became a bonsai owner last week and now i know how to care for her. thank you, a beautiful channel you have here

[@mikekelly7550]

At the start of the video Mr Chen mentions the ordinary enthusiast (like me) he is right , it’s my pride and joy , I can spend hours enjoying the development 2:14 and leaf growth of my bonsai - great tips on care and pruning . Thanks for a great video 👌🏼 🌳

[@MrMackanno]

I've been watching video after video from Mr. Chen for the last three days and I must say, what I commend most outside the bonsai expert advise he shares is the subtle but relentless comments about R-E-S-P-E-C-T to other people. Kudos and thank you Mr Chen.

[@Sunrise2912]

The trunk and the hanging roots are the main theme. Beautiful 🥰

[@EmFinch]

I just got my first bonsai tree a few weeks ago. I'm excited to have found this channel!

[@nicklambo8530]

Hi Peter Listen your passion is amazing I appreciate you give a chance to everyone ,like have a cheap bonsai, to show how to keep it ..I can’t wait to see Japan soon... I love your calm voice ...sometime help me to fallow in sleep ..( thank you )

[@ursulagalecki4672]

This video answered all the bonsai ficus questions I had and more! I have some good ideas on how to pimp out my ficus when it grows more roots and branches. Thank you Mr. Chen!

[@alandanniballe4687]

I’m a somewhat new viewer of your channel, but I’ve probably already watched 90% of your content. I’ve been a plant lover my entire life but just recently started bonsai about 3 years ago. I highly enjoy your videos and I have learned a ton of great new information and techniques! I do have a request as I have not yet seen a video featuring a eucalyptus tree. I recently purchased a silver dollar eucalyptus tree to symbolize a new chapter of my life since it’s one of my favorite trees. Yet I know little about the proper care for the tree. In some of your lessons, you do not prune trees in order to make them stronger, but in other videos you prune to achieve more taper. I’m swaying between the two decisions at the moment. I received my 2 year old tree about 2 months ago. I repotted the tree into a deeper pot to encourage new root growth. It’s started to show new growth which I’m extremely grateful, but the tree as a whole is very “stringy” almost like a vine. I don’t know whether to prune it way back to encourage new growth and promote more taper, or to just let it be to strengthen for another few months. Even if I don’t hear a response, I totally understand since you have so many of us followers, but I want to say thank you for what you do. I highly value all of your lessons, passion, and the selflessness of sharing your trade and talent with the world. Something about your videos and passion for bonsai is extremely helpful not just caring for our plants, but helping us care for ourselves as well. Thank you!

[@evielefay8811]

You are a wonderful teacher, thank you so much for sharing.

[@terrymcwilliam3747]

7887787⁷77uuj

[@terrymcwilliam3747]

Yyhhuu

[@terrymcwilliam3747]

9⁹u

[@nellienaidoo7204]

Thank you Sir, I've enjoyed and learnt a lot from this video, I received my first ficus bonsai as a birthday gift. Watching your videos has inspired me.❤😊

[@michellek7933]

Thank you. So enjoyable, peaceful and educational. Now I am ready to prune my first bonsai!!

[@joncon776]

Just bought my first ficus bonsai today thank you so much for you're informative information very useful!

[@jamiemeche430]

Oh how I love how u take care of ur babies❤️🌱 I just bought my 1st ficus bonsai

[@aliceuhrhan3454]

Thank you for the instructional video. I just received my first ficus bonsai as a gift and will use these tips to care for my tree!

[@jasonwu082]

This is the best care guide in depth! Thanks for much Mr.chen and I am proud of you.

[@TheNatrjack965]

I have 3 of these and they are my favourite tree so easy to look after I have planted one in mola clay ( cat litter) and as long as I spray and water it ,it does very well ..thank you peter ...

[@MysticMarni]

I could listen to you talk about anything at all. Thank you!

[@amcgeckos]

Thank you for sharing!! Very informative and very useful information, like always, and for that I thank you very much!!! Love your videos and keep up the great and amazing work!! Cause your amazing and truly inspirational!!!

[@SVT_8]

Thank you so much Mr. Chen, you've really given me the confidence to shape, wire and prune my Ficus tree. The fact you're so obviously knowledgable makes me trust what you're saying. Im definitely coming to watch every one of your videos instead of asking people for advice as its always so contradictory. Thank you Mr. Chen :D

[@RJ-vf7eg]

How is your ficus going?

[@shmickyshmoe]

Thank you! And I truly appreciate the lovely music too!!

[@drall2026]

I love listening to you. Your english is so beautiful and rich and your knowledge is inspiring.

[@jeanettemonast7295]

I love all his information and his approach to explaining. I am new to this and find him so informative and fun!!!

[@muidang2673]

So therapeutic, I could watch the bonsai master snipping and pruning away.

[@joncon776]

Same!

[@barryprue394]

Thank you Peter so knowledgeable. My bonsai is so much happier after your advise.

[@homestead13]

What a beautiful video. Thank you for the wisdom and knowledge.

[@jjaniero]

this is an enlightening video even if i don't always understand why you are cutting here and not there. your orientation seems healthy and natural to me & i am learning a lot from it.

[@MrMarcel54321]

amazing stuff I love it, exactally what I was just looking for, I am going to watch all your videos, great work

[@mrpatchy9950]

Thanks for the extremely well explained demo on the care of ficus bonsai , especially differant aspects of visualisation of Thr ficus vis-a-vis the aerial roots and hard pruning. Learn a lot.

[@bertb5599]

I've learned so much from your KZbin channel. Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@ibisalvira9725]

What a wonderful teacher .Your videos have help with my fear of these beautiful trees..I always loved these beautiful trees thank you !!!

[@danielesilvaggi]

Thank you for the wonderful video. I have a Ficus and it almost died so I let it grow out quite a bit and watching this has made me more confident in trimming it. I have bought some annealed copper to tie some of the branches as they are growing upwards. Thank you again.

[@RJ-vf7eg]

Is the tree still alive?

[@maikdft]

9:32 "The shape has become a bit... you know... 'snip' ...ugly!" :D

[@ricoboogie2086]

Another excellent video! Thank you for your effort and this channel.

[@rameking1]

After many years of wanting to start, I'm finally beginning my bonsai journey with a ficus. Great information. Thanks!

[@serg10xm.69]

My ficus have always died within a year or so. I hope you have are able to take care of your tree. Don't over water it, make sure it drains well. Oh and contrary to what most people believe, bonsai are really not indoor trees, they need plenty of light but not too much direct light. That's all I can say from someone that has made their share of mistakes. How is your tree doing right now?

[@charliewhiskey8588]

I enjoy your beautiful wordings to describe and detailed demonstration to care the bonsai in the video, Much respect to you sir.

[@ladystardust9707]

I just picked up a nice sized ficus starter bonsai today at my local nursery. I'm proud of my selection, because, Peter taught me to look for trees with interesting trunks. This one is a beauty. Time to watch this and make sure I care for this beauty properly. Thank you for everything, Peter! I've already learned a ton in a short amount of time.

[@RJ-vf7eg]

So, how is your ficus going, is it alive and thriving?

[@addiethomson]

@@RJ-vf7eg guess not

[@evyiennetla9416]

It’s fascinating how experienced Peter is at trimming... he goes so fast about it!

[@wandagutierrez5338]

Love your tutorial, great info. Thanks.

[@showandgo]

You sir are full of wisdom, and more so willing to share that wisdom with others. Thank you!

[@steffiec6805]

I love this man so much. 1 video and I was hooked.

[@michellethompson5755]

Thank you for this video. I am a lowly indoor enthusiast. 😂 purchased my ficus at Lidl several months ago. It needs a trim, but I have grown timid with the clippers! You’ve given me Courage. Putting the cuttings into yogurt cups. 😃

[@erickyu327]

I love your website so much,. I learn a lot, I have over 30 bonsai s, few of them over 25 years old . I killed most of them since I don't have time to take care. Now I start to do it again.

[@avishekroy6060]

Hi Sir, It’s an immense pleasure to go through your videos and learn more about the hobby. I am very new to the hobby so long way to go. FYI - I love those aerial roots as I feel that makes the tree look more natural. I am from tropical so used to of seeing big old trees with such roots. Thanks for your informative videos.

[@sandraseldon6734]

Such a master! So interesting about the term-strangle ficus. My fig is about 30 years old. I believe it is a Green Isle. I had a person repot it five years ago. It did have aerial roots but he took them off. My hardest task is pruning the tree. So enjoy your lessons Peter.

[@laylatrimble9388]

This is so amazing. He seems so kind I could listen to him all day XD

[@BarbrajoanOriginals]

I’ve just acquired my first ficus bonsai, and this was so helpful . Thank you . 🌴Florida 🌴

[@darrenfisherman3838]

One of the best videos I seen on these trees thanks for so much info

[@poppyduff7785]

Thank you. I have learnt so much from you today. I am new to this so I’m going to prune my ficus and look after it as you have told me to...