How to care for Ficus Bonsai

Ficus are one of the most popular and easy to care for indoor Bonsai. In this video I show you how to prune and care for them.
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[@andrewv1582]

This man is like the Bob Ross of Bonsi.

[@CaligulaMain]

thanks lol. that will now forever be how i see him haha

[@juzon]

Andrew V RIGHT LOL

[@dmperri]

That is exactly what I thought! I was like, "I finally understand what all the Bob Ross hype was about!" :-D

[@NMranchhand]

Since I started watching you, I have acquired the courage to stop taking lip from my plants and smacking them around some to show who’s boss. As a result, they are thriving like never before. Thanks.

[@josephmcgee5985]

😂yes! He’s just, killing me!

[@paulclarkson2583]

why did I just misread this and mistake Plants for Parents... I think my tree is the least of my worries ha

[@NYBraveheart]

Ruthless!

[@Dejan_23Unlimited]

It’s midnight and I am watching nice guy cutting leafs for half hour, story of my life 😉

[@javiermendoza2994]

Tell me why I’m watching this at midnight too. Lol

[@maciejgronowski]

Same here lol

[@user-ch5ek3cw3f]

Asmr

[@grangrampa832]

Thank you ❤

[@cadenharter1034]

the winky face has me questioning

[@louisecolombi6630]

after a stressful day, it’s always a pleasure watching your videos

[@moneoo88]

So true! I'm stuck in bed with bronchitis and these are like a balm for my mind.. The only bad thing is, I want to get a bonsai and I can't! 😄

[@maxinla2501]

Jan Skoda Why not ?

[@Suth1172]

@@moneoo88 Many common species which grow wild can be used for bonsai, you don't need a fancy plant or fancy equipment to have fun!

[@jerryzito6840]

I must agree with you. I think after 30 minutes watching his video's and playing with my Bonsai, I think my blood pressure actually goes down.

[@goonrag]

"once a year, you need to do something radical" another life lesson from Mr. Chan

[@karenlangan2577]

Hi Peter As a fellow nurseryman, to control scale,I suggest spraying 80 to 100 proof vodka on a hot sunny day. Simply spray around noon and scale is dead in 2 hours. It works by dissolving the waxy cover and dries out the inside. This only works in summer, as it does not get hot enough in winter. Much safer and more effective than toxic systemic insecticides

[@msrranita]

Love how he keeps caressing the leaves as he speaks, such care! Would love to visit after this crazy time we're living in. Thank you!

[@wheeze2429]

And it still hasn't ended. Blehhhh

[@EminSenerr]

my stepdad went on a 3 week vacation to Turkey and left me with a Ficus Microcarpa to take care of. I have been watching a bunch of videos like these, this is fascinating. I think I found a new hobby outside of martial arts!

[@potplantokajbonsajo1331]

Thanks for the inspiration Peter! My first Bonsai was a Ficus benjamina. I still have it today and hot a lot of cuttings from it. So it has childrens and grandchildrens 😉🌳

[@wombatperson5431]

Oh, you guys. My Ficus has been dropping leaves like crazy and I was freaking out, but him saying they can lose all their leaves in winter just made me feel so much better. God, thank you so much.

[@TheBlueInkedWolf]

I have a desire to buy a house with a greenhouse or conservatory and make it into a nursery for all sorts of bonsai and exotic plants 🌱

[@robertschneider8515]

Best thing I have ever done. Time stands still in there.

[@pranupranav5563]

Nice all the best

[@_justo8221]

I just bought a house so I'm searching for thee perfect indoor bonsai. Hope ur wish comes true

[@hobbyscape4433]

Thanks for the detailed demonstration on ficus bonsais. Very helpful

[@kamrankambang7953]

As a viewer and fan from the tropics (Malaysia) I appreciate you talking about ficuses. I have several ficuses and they are a great specimen for bonsai. They grow rapidly and I guess in temperate climate they won't Grow as fast

[@ishikasai7976]

Hi Peter. Thanks for another excellent video. I´m from Gran Canaria and I have a lot of ficusses like those. Those are Ficus Microcarpa Tigerbark and probably they are, in my opinnion, the best trees for making bonsai. I love them. I usually defoliate them to see the structure before cutting them and I do that twice a year and I don´t have any problem with them. Greettings regards from Gran Canaria.

[@peterchan3100]

I have been there for a dance holiday - Next time I visit I hope to see. you?

[@ishikasai7976]

@@peterchan3100 Of course. I´d like it. I hope see you soon and I´ll show you my bonsai garden. Greetting regards from Gran Canaria

[@angie3504]

Thank you for this important lesson on ficus pruning.

[@rosidmuhtadi6339]

Bro, you must check what Indonesian bonsai artist work with that tree.

[@llfiorentin]

@@rosidmuhtadi6339 Can you give us some exemples? I do not know any Indonesian bonsai artist, I would love to check them out :)

[@melvyntoppo678]

I can listen to you for hours. That's how good it feels watching your video. Mention of Botanical Gardens in Calcutta made me happier as my city Calcutta gets mentioned

[@ingeborg-anne]

You have the loudest pruning scissors I've ever come across! :D Thanks for the lesson. I have a new cutting I took from my mother's ficus. Preparing to be a good ficus owner with your videos :)

[@craigbullard8163]

I nearly spent hundreds of pounds on a bonsai course for beginners (I won x2 ficus in a competition). Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I am learning so much.

[@sachilunia]

Hello, sir i am Sachi from India. I have been wanting to pursue Bonsai as a hobby and i am really learning alot from your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge in the best way. I am already into Terrarium making and i want to learn Bonsai as well.

[@MrEiht]

My granny gave me a Ficus more than 20 years ago. Since I did not give it a bigger pot in ages it stayed relatively small. One thing became clear now...it needs a haircut just as much as I do :)

[@justinsvids1851]

Thank you Peter. I live in Brisbane, subtropics. Ficus do very well here. Your explanations are excellent no matter what the species. I really appreciate your videos😊

[@TheNatrjack965]

It's great watching you work peter I also have a ficus which I got from B&Q and it was nearly dead I planted it in molor clay and bark and it is thriving now I promise to make a trip to see you Peter I have not forgot the Horn beam that you said I could have next year as you got a load for free .. thanks again for the knowledge that you share...

[@nancyfahey7518]

I love my ficus. Curley Benjamina, too little is my favorite. Then the willow, which they changed the name but I didn't. Then the regular benjaminas, green and variegated. And the rubber tree died from too much cold. I would trim all the leaves 3 times a year and they came back smaller each time. I've had them from cuttings since 2004. They grow wonderfully here in Florida. They go down to 20° sometimes with protection. They take drought and rainy seasons. Perfect tree for beginners.

[@peterchan3100]

Yes indeed

[@shedmanx3640]

Thank you Peter for that demonstration. I live in southern Australia so it does get down to 1-2 degrees at night during winter. I now know what to do with my Ficus Figs, of which I have many. I found by experimenting with cuttings a few years ago, that it is possible to strike new plants. 🎍🇦🇺

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

I've found one way to grow Ficus nitida as a very low care Bonsai...you place its pot on the ground. Use a quality Bonsai clay pot and the tree will root into the ground while never outgrowing the pot with minimal pruning. For me in California,it also takes much less water and fertilizer to keep them lush green.

[@mybackhurts7020]

It’s been around 40 the past few days at my house as long as I keep mine in the shade they’re good I live near Death Valley I have a 1500 gallon water tank I use as a greenhouse they absolutely love it

[@AerdnaL]

Thanks for this informative video! I have recently inherited 3 ficus bonsai and would love to know more about feeing/fertilizing. Thanks!

[@clayeasy]

Thank you for another great video! One thing I've noticed is that living in a cold country like Finland is, it's ofcourse not great for Bonsai growing, and even the indoor Bonsais struggle. Always when I get a new tree from nursery, I change the soil straight away. The electrical heaters we use gives a far too dry growing environment and most nursery stock trees have clay or something like it in the soil. This turns hard as concrete if you don't change it.. Thank you for one of the best channels out here! Cheers! Mika

[@jackdaniels7913]

As always a wealth of information and inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing with us here on KZbin. 🥃cheers🍻

[@Momosrevenge]

Buying a Bonsai tomorrow. This guy is great!

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

We must be in sync, just got a ficus from my uncle, it was in bad shape, never re potted and it was like cement, I trimmed the branches and re potted with a lot of sphagnum, hoping it comes back, the few leaves left died so now it's bare, we will see but that is the only indoor bonsai I have dealt with. Also I got a bristlecone pine cone from a friend of mine after mentioning it, I extracted about 12 seeds, after a 12 hour float I got about 7 good seeds, 3 I am trying to sprout in a baggie/damp towel, the others in the fridge to stratify. Looking forward to see progress.

[@peterchan3100]

How was your trip to see the Bristlecone pines?

[@steveanacorteswa3979]

@@peterchan3100 I didn't get to go to the Bristlecone pines, I moved to a new house so couldn't make it. I would like to go next year, I will call them and find out a good time of the year when the snow is gone, I know they had a lot of snow in the Sierra so I would assume white mountains too, so we could plan something for next summer and find anyone that wants to join.

[@scrummyvision]

this is a very useful video, i have tried to grow bonsai many times over the years without success, but your channel is giving me the confidence to try again. thank you

[@elizamainethebrave]

I’m so happy I found this video. Thank you for all the knowledge and insight! I truly appreciate it!

[@michaostrowski3934]

Your videos are so inspiring and I learn so much from them! Thank you so much for your time and effort, you're the best! I'm starting my adventure with bonsai and I believe your videos are helping me a lot :)

[@scottboswell8784]

This has got to be one of the best youtube channels i've ever came across

[@carlmcclain6934]

I just found this channel! I’m new to bonsai. I absolutely love this mans confidence and boldness in pruning his trees! I’m still way too apprehensive when pruning my trees.

[@adamfairclough2538]

All ways watch ur videos for guidance I have had a lot of bonsais from herons and got a small broom style ficus carnt wait for my next purchase I am getting a large ficus I only get my bonsai off peter and his team at herons because I no iv I buy I get well look afterd bonsai I highly recommend herons for bonsai and guidance

[@clwest3538]

This is wonderful! Thank you so much for passing on your time and talent! Could you could do a video on the philosophy of bonsai? I understand it is a fusion of art (and you being a maverick) and horticulture (science) - of making a 'natural' shaped tree vs a topiary. What exactly makes a 'good' vs 'mediocre' tree - why are there 'pads', why the particular silhouette etc? I have picked up bits and pieces in many of your vids (I especially like the poetry of "... the bottom branches are like arms welcoming you and the top like it bows to you" ... ) Thank you so much.

[@peterchan3100]

Philosophy is a difficult but challenging subject - I hope to tackle it one day.

[@sandraseldon6734]

Afraid of pruning -You are so right. I admire your talent.

[@maryperrysmith5815]

I love ALL YOUR VIDEOS. I SEE A BONSAI AND THINK SO PRETTY THEN YOU GET TO CUTTING AND JUST MAKE THEM MORE BEAUTIFUL

[@bonsaibob8253]

Thank you again Peter for all your help. I will have to sharpen my shears and get to work on my ficus.

[@MidniteSan]

Thx for sharing Peter,.those are beautiful large ficus trees 😊 indeed. Can't wait for the next video, hope to see some Olive Europa if possible..😃

[@justinsander7654]

I am the proud cultivator of an eighteen year old benjamin ficus Bonsai which I obtained when it was in a 4" pot from Walmart for $4.00 USD (It was about 3-5 inches tall). Over these years I have encouraged it into a two foot(approx) tall Surface root old tree style Bonsai. My inspiration was that in 2004 I learned that the oldest Bonsai in the world was a 1000 year old benjamin ficus. My intent is that one day when I shuffle the mortal coil I will pass it down to my son who will in turn pass it to his. Alternately the benefit of using this species is that they are extremely resilient to abuse and mistreatment which is an important aspect of the Bonsai process. Also they pop out random branches and sucker regularly which means that with a little encouragement you can encourage new branches to fill hallow spots or achieve a change in overall look. Then on top of it all the cuttings root readily by just putting them in soil down to a node making them great gifts and giving you the option of cultivating more wee trees. I have to say that Ficus are probably the best species for people just starting their Bonsai journey.

[@justinsander7654]

I should note for first timers on Ficus that they can be pruned to the desired shape with out shallow potting. They actually seem to prefer a deeper pot and lots of water (when not winterizing) the reward for giving them this are beautiful thick bulbous roots that look amazing when you raise them to or above the soil line.

[@lemonan5244]

I just got myself a ficus and your videos are very informative. Thank you!

[@stolenqueen_]

Can you please make a video for ginseng Ficus? I know you said that it’s not favorite but I want to know more about it because I own one. Thank you 😊

[@Poemsapennyeach]

Very helpful. The figus I inherited has no trunk. Just lanky pikes shooting from the lovely root. I will feed it from now on.

[@NYBraveheart]

Thank you, Mr. Peter!

[@shindoutheronin]

Mahalo🤙 from Hawaii just got mine and very excited it’s still baby now and want to make it great tree and this gave me a lot of information to teach me how to make great

[@annies8075]

Another excellent video Peter, many thanks for all the information👍☺️

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

I Love your creativity❤❤❤❤❤

[@floralaura2543]

Thanks. Our indoor ficus bonsai is nearly all yellow and we were worried but now we know this is normal for February.

[@plutopupification]

Petting my ginseng, "he didn't mean it" 🥺

[@MEllll0W]

I looked at my ginseng too at the same time.

[@bonshaicollection3692]

wow no words for the bonsai Just awesome Sir

[@amsukangopibareng6835]

I am from Indonesia, I have several bonsai from ficus trees and tamarin trees from seed. I try to make bonsai as my hobby. Many kind spesimen of ficus in here, local said in bahasa as kimeng, iprik, benjamina, dollar leaf, diamond leaf

[@johnfloydman7735]

Thanks for that Peter , think I'll give the ficus a trim 👍🙏

[@jambob169]

Every time I see Peter start chopping away I think to myself "Oh god... he's removing that?! what is he... what? OH GOD". He'll keep hacking away and it gets scruffier and scruffier, and then suddenly it clicks, and within seconds he turns it around to a lovely looking tree! It's like watching a magic trick. Gets me every time.

[@jessestambaugh447]

Well, Peter, I guess I won't have to worry about getting one of your trees someday. I want one of your trees or a Forest from you so bad. I just got Diagnose with liver cancer. About two months ago So they got me on the transplant list. Yes, I won't ever get one of the damn trees now. LOL. Keep making your shows, I'll keep watching.😊 I haven't given up on one yet

[@dcharrison3140]

You are so cool in your creativity and making something out it seems nothing! Make it something beautiful! I wish I could have been in your school! God Bless you. Cincinnati Ohio

[@benparker5512]

At 14:05 he starts losing a battle with that single leaf on top. He misses it a TON! His first swipe at it is actually at 13:53.

[@benparker5512]

And thank you for the videos, you're one of very few subscriptions of mine.

[@peterchan3100]

@@benparker5512 I am honoured !

[@timcouch3232]

Thank you! I've been hoping for a ficus video!

[@becreative5700]

I love ficus😍

[@Branjiebelle]

I have a Ficus Retusa Bonsai. I live in Australia. My ficus never loses it leaves, although I don't get new growth over the Winter. It is ok outside with temperatures up to about 38 degrees celcius. If it gets hotter than that, I'll bring it inside. It doesn't seem to get too cold for it in the winter, it gets down to about 5 degrees celcius here.

[@ozonejamnerd]

The Red Balete of the Philippines (I am not sure if it is ficus philippinensis or ficus concinna) is the best looking ficus plant. It sprouts a bright red leaf after defoliation and can rival those temperate trees in colors.

[@peterchan3100]

I have seen some like this in India too.

[@thextrmntr]

More commonly know as the Banyan tree in India (Ficus benghalensis); The Calcutta botanical garden tree is of this type, also Peepal tree is a type of Ficus( Ficus religiosa).

[@StanTheObserver-lo8rx]

No,these are Ficus nitida and cultivars of it like Green Island. F.benghalensis has a large leaf and is rarely made a Bonsai.

[@mauimaui8683]

Great help good thing u meantion that it is really having a time of falling leaves- i am living in dubai its is really 🥵 in here specially in summer may- aug

[@rogerajl86]

Thank you Sir! 👍🏾

[@kacangatom9093]

nice

[@normatrewhella9003]

Those larger ones are amazing. So beautiful.

[@Alex-ip1dn]

Be bold! thank you for this informative video

[@adampavella1225]

Interestingly my neighbour is growing a Ficus benjamina plant in his garden and it's been there for years now, thriving. Just to give you an idea on the climate, we are in northern Slovakia (temperate mountain climate) where the winter temperatures often drop below -20°C at night in January

[@ryanboscoe9670]

I keep my Benjamin fig in full sun all year round and I live in queensland...

[@mybackhurts7020]

Ryan Boscoe i’m jealous LOL living in the Mojave desert has its penalties most everything dies if you leave it in the sun all year LOL even the native plants

[@rhysplant8392]

I've started a Ficus Watkinsiniana - A type of Australian strangling fig and boy does it move fast in summertime in Queensland - Australia. Within 3 weeks Its got a root wrapping my surrogate around 8cms in length, moving atleast 4-5mm per day. Amazing tree's.

[@ilyasster]

I have Ficus Bonsai, its tiny now, but hope will get bigger soon. I have replaced its pot to a bigger one, with soil I've bought from supermarket.

[@rafaelurena1669]

Peter is a good man

[@owennshurendra]

hi peter ..i come from indonesia , its nice to watching ur videos , love ur chanell, very interesting, gave me lot of information, honestly its surprised me that u have ficus on your collections. in my country we can found many ficus types and yes ficus most popular for bonsai hobby over here but nowdays we have lots types tree for bonsai ... sorry english is not my native language , hope u understand what i want to say

[@zulhafizzulkiflee2667]

Ohh, im so in love with scissors sound

[@ohshitkimi4338]

My friend gifted me her beautiful curtain fig tree that she no longer wanted❤️ she didn’t know what it was and once I told her she fell back in love and comes over and visits her fig tree :)

[@thedevourer.]

Thanks peter love your work, have a few of your books. Please can you do a vid on golden larch, Buddhist pine or picea abies ✌

[@ashakuldip1657]

Thanks sir for showing us your beautiful ficus bonsai.

[@shrikrishnamahajan2930]

Sir thank you very much, your guidance is very much useful to beginners

[@grangrampa832]

I adore those trunks

[@mybackhurts7020]

I would like to know more about Bonsai fruit trees I just started a pomegranate

[@serendipity5874]

Thank you sir! Amazing work yet again!

[@shyamsundermaheshwari5052]

Beautiful Bonnie, very near to nature as well excellent to understand

[@arnabpal5510]

Sir , I am from INDIA . Normally it's quite impossible to create this massive type of ficus bonsai trunk within 5 years . If I am wrong pls tell me . I am a great fan of yours . Thank you . Have a nice day .

[@danjohnson6292]

(not a Bonsai ficus but I want to air layer it...) My ficus is not bushy, it is tall and sparse. There is a section of the trunk at least 6-7 foot with no branches or leaves... We have had this tree since 1992 and moved it from El Paso, TX to Aurora, CO when I left the military.

[@peterchan3100]

They air layer easily - so give a try.

[@imphilinblank7254]

I live on the east coast of US and fall is approaching followed by winter. I am new to bonsai and have a 0 nitrogen fertilizer to stop growth?..when do I start applying and I will be keeping my Chinese elm outside for the winter. Do you have any tips for winter care and should it be kept close to the ground or in a high location? As my questions indicate my knowledge is very sparce...please advise...

[@joemulkerins5250]

Absolutely excellent video as always. Thanks.

[@grangrampa832]

I love them I just bought tiger bark

[@blackwhitebd1727]

my favorite parson 💝💝💝 fm bd💝

[@STODAB123]

Considering he doesn’t like them much, he sure knows a lot about Ficus Ginseng! True dedication to plants.

[@luisvega6770]

EXELENTE EXPLICACION PARA SABER COMO TRATAR MUY ESE EJEMPLAR...

[@deanbcool335]

Keren pak bonsai ny..

[@terrysharing]

Thank you. Beautifully done!

[@davidbeck1696]

Hello and thank you for you amazing videos. Could you tell me the best way to water this type of bonsai please.

[@AhsinSidqi]

Other than ficus, one of the people's favourites here in Indonesia is tamarind as the bonsai. Do you have any?

[@vswhaze1627]

Can you do more videos on ficus bonsai? I have a bonsai plant that has two branches growing straight up, that’s it and I do not know what to do with it. Most ficus bonsai videos feature the ficus you displayed, but my bonsai is a different variety. I would like to create a bushy shape to my plant. I do not know how to do that. Thanks for the content!

[@costiniucmircea]

Thanks for this informative video!

[@dannywilson9697]

Great video Peter, would you consider a video like this for Ligustrum/Privet bonsai care?

[@JasperDielemans]

I would also like to see that!

[@peterchan3100]

Thanks - I will do a video about the different species used for Indoor bonsai

[@harrynadeau2103]

Awesome video Sensei.

[@harrynadeau2103]

I have 6 Ficus.