How to care for Ficus Bonsai

[@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

[@EricHartkorn]

Asmr

[@grangrampa832]

Thank you ❤

[@cadenharter1034]

the winky face has me questioning

[@Andrew_L_Brood]

This man is like the Bob Ross of Bonsi.

[@CaligulaMain]

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

[@J-RBM]

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

[@CameronMuncie]

Peter, through watching your work through the years and using your advice ive been able to get off of my depression meds. Bonsai and learning bonsai is my new medicine and im forever grateful for it. Youre the best peter and maybe one day i can shake your hand. God bless.

[@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

[@Eminnsener]

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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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 😉🌳

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@hobbyscape4433]

Thanks for the detailed demonstration on ficus bonsais. Very helpful

[@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

[@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 :)

[@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😊

[@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.

[@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...

[@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. 🎍🇦🇺

[@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

[@sandraseldon6734]

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

[@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

[@Momosrevenge]

Buying a Bonsai tomorrow. This guy is great!

[@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.

[@AerdnaL]

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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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

[@scottboswell8784]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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 😊

[@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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@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

[@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 :)

[@jackdaniels7913]

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

[@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..😃

[@elizamainethebrave]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@lemonan5244]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@floralaura2543]

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

[@bonsaibob8253]

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

[@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

[@NYBraveheart]

Thank you, Mr. Peter!

[@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

[@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

[@johnfloydman7735]

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

[@davidbeck1696]

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

[@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 ✌

[@LifeinLancashire]

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

[@vijayalaxmi.nnoudiri4837]

Very peaceful video tks sir what is the fertilizer we should give to ficus bonsai?

[@normatrewhella9003]

Those larger ones are amazing. So beautiful.

[@bonshaicollection3692]

wow no words for the bonsai Just awesome Sir

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@yoyis95]

excellent class Peter , I learn a lot, what type of fertilizer do you use? thanks

[@peterchan3100]

The usual -ie High N in Spring and High P & K in late Summer

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

I Love your creativity❤❤❤❤❤

[@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.

[@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

[@yoda12439]

thank you for the video, what kind of fertilizer are you using on the ficus

[@peterchan3100]

See above reply

[@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.

[@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

[@shrikrishnamahajan2930]

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

[@avinashkannan2632]

Hello sir. Your video was very helpful. I am right now starting my first bonsai. It is an Indian Banyan Tree (Ficus Benghalensis). You were saying that the trees grow much faster in tropical environments and very slow otherwise. I live in Maryland, USA, so I am not in such an environment. If I keep the bonsai in heat similar to the tropics, will it grow just as fast? Or does it depend on something else? Thank you.

[@peterchan3100]

If you have a heated greenhouse then that would replicate tropical conditions. Otherwise a warm bright room is next best but keep up the humidity.

[@avinashkannan2632]

peter chan Thank you for your help

[@ashakuldip1657]

Thanks sir for showing us your beautiful ficus bonsai.

[@joid8689]

Hi, This may sound like a super naive and reused question, but is there a way to drastically reduce the leaf size of a Ficus? And if not, what are the Ficus species/cultivars that are considered smallest in this area? And thank you a lot for your videos. They are informative, and you provide both a chill style of conveying your points and some dramatic action movement when you cut branches. Your videos are a pleasure to watch.

[@timcouch3232]

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

[@mybackhurts7020]

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

[@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

[@barbarasardo1050]

Do ficus have to be inside, I live in Texas. My porch allows about an hour of morning sun, but no window to give direct sun. I know I will have to bring it in the winter. Also love all your videos, I watch you for hours and love repeat.

[@natureverte543]

Bonjour ,vos vidéos sont très instructive. Dites moi, que pensé vous du ficus benjamina panaché en bonsaï ? Merci

[@AhsinSidqi]

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

[@shyamsundermaheshwari5052]

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

[@johnhutchinson5398]

What type of facus is this one with the root coming down into the ground and your pruning? Thanks for your great videos and workmanship

[@mattbrennan647]

Thanks Peter. How do you suggest encouraging aerial roots?

[@peterchan3100]

Damp atmosphere or spray with a mister around the trunks

[@mybackhurts7020]

Matt Brennan in my greenhouse the misters spray it twice a day and In a month I had a few

[@jamesrendall1443]

Matt Brennan wrap cling film around the trunk and spray water down. It worked well for me

[@ottoleonardo]

Also after the aerial roots start to go down you can put straws between them and the soil, this way you Will fasten the process a Lot...

[@harry3837]

@@jamesrendall1443 Tightly wrap the trunk in cling film? I am confused

[@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.

[@lorrainemchugh3684]

Going to try this out. I have never tried to cut mine.

[@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.

[@lorenamartinez7834]

Excelente video....Como hacer para que las ramas engorden ...sobre todos las inferiores???? Muchas gracias🍃🙏🌿🌿👍🙋‍♀️😘

[@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 .

[@beverleylewis5801]

Beautiful Ficus ... what is the best feed I should use?

[@theshechinahsystem135]

Would you do a video on grafting???!!!!!! That is so incredibly cool!

[@pamelarivera6763]

This is so beautiful I want my two I have like this. Wish I could personally message you for tips

[@Matt_VII]

I've been worried about my ficus bonsai (bought a month ago) dropping a lot of leaves and relieved to hear when you said they drop their leaves. I'm hoping it's due to the time of year and it's not dying

[@mayflower2318]

My ficus bonsai also dropped all leaves last winter, I thought it was dead, I just keep it in the pot through the winter till spring, to my surprise all leaves grow, amazing, they grow very healthy, but recently it seems to drop again, I was a bit upset about how to prevent leaves from falling off. Maybe it is just different ficus.

[@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

[@luisvega6770]

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

[@costiniucmircea]

Thanks for this informative video!

[@michael1st895]

Could you do a video on dawn redwood metasequoia bonsai please

[@frodokhunt]

Have you ever worked on willow leaf ficus? One of my favourite species and super common in Australia.

[@peterchan3100]

No - we dont get this here but I have seen them in tropical countries

[@deanbcool335]

Keren pak bonsai ny..

[@rockybest3370]

I have a ginsing ficus bonsai, they’re not the most elegant trees, but for 6usd at a grocery store, I couldn’t pass it up and it’s a good beginner tree