Ficus Bonsai Trees - Repotting and Root Pruning Methods 🌱

Hi Everyone! In this video we are working on five Ficus Bonsai Trees. As I repot each of the trees, I will be explaining the various ways that we will approach each senario when it comes to root pruning methods.
The process of pruning the roots is relatively simple and straightforward, so even beginners to Bonsai can follow along with ease!
We will cover everything from determining the right time to repot to the Bonsai tools that can aid in the process.
I will also share my experience with common supermarket bought Ficus Bonsai that are planted in soil that retains excessive moisture and what to do with them to ensure that they stay in good health.
I also try out something new! I have learned from ‪@BlueSkyBonsai‬ a really neat stone trick that will prevent roots growing directly under the base of the trunk so that the tree can put more energy into growing more prefered lateral roots!
Check out Dave's Video with the Stone Trick from Blue Sky Bonsai: • Develop great nebari ...
Ficus Bonsai Trees are fascinating plants that have captured the hearts of many enthusiasts. They are native to Southeast Asia and can thrive in tropical and subtropical regions and are popular among beginners due to their hardiness and forgiving nature.
The unique root structures of Ficus Bonsai Trees can be trained to grow over rocks and other objects, creating a natural and beautiful look. With proper care and maintenance, these trees can live for decades or even centuries!
Ficus Bonsai trees prefer a humid environment and require regular misting to maintain their moisture levels. They can be trained into different styles, such as the formal upright style, the informal upright style, the slanting style, and the cascade style, among others.
Overall, they are a joy to cultivate and offer a unique and rewarding experience for plant lovers of all levels.
Ficus Bonsai Videos Playlist: • Ficus Bonsai 🌱
Notion Bonsai Socials:
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For business inquiries, my email address can be found on the Notion Bonsai KZbin Channel About page.
TIMECODES:
00:00 - Intro
01:13 - What You Will Need
01:24 - Ficus Ginseng
02:20 - Advice If You Are New To Ficus Bonsai (Save a Dying Ficus)
06:03 - Ficus Ginseng - Examining The Roots / Repot
10:07 - Ficus Microcarpa Root Pruning Decisions
16:12 - Planting Over a Stone Trick
18:50 - Ficus Microcarpa Branch Refinement and Repot
22:02 - Ficus Benjamina Clump Style (Weeping Ficus)
23:13 - Refining a Clump Style Bonsai (Ficus Benjamina)
27:20 - Beauty Shots
27:52 - Outro
#ficusbonsai #bonsai #ficusbenjamina #NotionBonsai #tropicalbonsai #ficusmicrocarpa

[@Tybold63]

I would like to tell you that you have both the skills and ability to make instructive and informative videos. Really nicely done. Cheers from Sweden

[@LoveAudioProduction]

Hi! I've literally only just discovered you and your channel. Just wanted to say, I love your style of presentation and your knowledge of bonsai. Thank you 😊

[@MACole-or3jt]

You’re very good at this and you explain everything you’re doing, which is very helpful. As a result I am learning more and as a beginner I’m less afraid to work on my bonsai. Thanks.

[@notionbonsai]

Thank you very much! I am glad you are less afraid to work on your trees! Bonsai shouldn't be complicated 🤗

[@maryperrysmith5815]

Love the way you explain what and why you’re doing something ❤

[@notionbonsai]

I like to make Bonsai as easy to understand as possible for people new to Bonsai! 🤗

[@danielgomeztirado6893]

Excellent content, i enjoy so much the little advises and your video record skills. Keep going !

[@WorcesterTerrariums]

Great informative video. Wonderful job!

[@donnadornbusch6738]

You are so informative , very easy to understand- love your channel

[@raymondplodzien7459]

So much bonsai wisdom you have Adam. Great video.

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks very much Raymond! 😊There are lots more videos to come!

[@vertigoone-one-722]

Love ficus bonsais, they are so forgiving and easy to work with + the propagate easily to. Will keep what I just saw in mind when I do a re pot off them and some off my other bonsai's. Thx for the great info

[@notionbonsai]

This is true Vertigo! 🤗 Nice! I'm glad the information is useful to Bonsai you work on!!

[@XaviersBonsaiRetreat]

Another well produced video Adam. I liked your explanation for fusing three together I will be trying the same thing with my oak fusion project later in the week. I have never like Ginseng - everytime I see one I think I am looking at the back end of something! I've just realised you are no longer small enough for my 'Best of British Small creators' - remember me when you are mixing it with the stars :)

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks very much Xavier! Nice! I look forward to your video! I totally know what you mean by the ficus 😂 Aw nooo you should put me in anyways!! 🤗I love your videos by the way!

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Nigel still says hello to us plebs. I’m hoping Adam will be keeping it real and still speak to us little guys 😮😂😂

[@boxCatalogue]

Nice tutorial, it's cool to see people growing from scratch. I spent the summer working for Eric Schrader (Bonsaify) in San Francisco, and he does a bit of work similar to this. He currently has a multipart series of videos on developing a show-worthy tree from a supermarket ficus. He also has loads of ficus from cuttings in his greenhouse, and I got to wire all sorts of crazy shapes into a good few of them.

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks Pedro! Sounds like a lot of fun!!! I'll check out his series! Are you on Instagram?

[@user-ij1mp9mj2h]

The Chinese translation is just on point ! Very helpful

[@notionbonsai]

Awesome!! I'm glad it was useful to you! I have translations on all of my other videos too 🤗 Thank you very much for watching!

[@Lim_]

Great content mate and I dig your explanations. Please make a vid specifically on pot soil, if possible.

[@notionbonsai]

I will do one on this soon!

[@dlillianb1368]

This was so nice…. I really enjoyed it. I learned stuff too! Thanks❤

[@paulamarie43]

Fantastic channel!!! I am following everywhere and am loving to learn from you. But if we are gonna begin this relationship in a healthy manner lol I need to start bonsai durning Covid I tried to learn bonsai and I have sadly scarred and have wire grown in , the one I have worked on. I didn’t ever learn to adjust and switch out. Ok that’s out of the way. I adore you and your episodes. I am a lifelong leaner and I love being in your classroom! She’s glorious and growing so beautifully !! I have eight cuttings propagating ! I know TMI!! Bless you!! Let’s keep up the team work. You teach I learn!🎉

[@20thcenturyboy85]

You have the Absolute Best videos on Bonsai. Thank You again!

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! Thank you so much for your kind words 😄

[@Bonsaicrazy]

Great video Adam there all looking good. Wish I’d watched before making my ficus video yesterday 😂

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks Andy! 😀I'm sure you made good decisions in your video! I look forward to it 😀

[@susanbigler3014]

How fortunate, I'm working on my ficus this week, getting it ready for summer. It's 7 years old, and AZ heat can sometimes be brutal! Great video..thank you ❤

[@notionbonsai]

Aw nice Susan! Oh wow 7 years! Whats it looking like? 😀

[@PhyllisGlassup2TheBrim]

I recognised your pot. I scour charity shops for interesting and pretty pots. Yours used to contain pate. I too use a glass and tile drill bit to make holes. It just adds another interesting dimension to my bonsai hobby.

[@herp25]

thank you!

[@iPheek]

I really enjoy your videos! Long is good too!

[@notionbonsai]

Thank you very much iPheek! 😊

[@mapaleonoravlog]

So good

[@Nanchantress]

You have a wonderful teaching method - thank you! I have not attempted bonsai yet, but I did buy some bonsai wire and pumice today...getting closer...

[@notionbonsai]

Thank you for your kind words! Welcome to the world of Bonsai!! It need not be expensive or complicated to get started in this wonderful art 🙂 Even picking some stray seedlings from a forest and you can have the beginnings of a nice tree!

[@michaelmott7402]

Great video Adam I just finished my tiger bark ficus trimming the roots and cutting the top back. Now I get to watch you do it to your ficus and I must’ve done something right. Your video looks just like what I just did to mine 😂😂. Keep up the great work Adam you are awesome 😎

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Michael, Thank you very much! 😀 Sounds like good fun! Your tiger bark should definitely survive! 🤗 Ohh good to hear that i'm doing something right as well then 😋😂

[@TheBonsaiZone]

Foist!!

[@notionbonsai]

🏆🏆🏆🏆

[@Kristinbonz4045]

Thanks!

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Kristin! Thank you so much for your support! 😄🌳❤️

[@Bonsaicrazy]

Sorry I missed it Adam. Will watch properly later dude 👍

[@notionbonsai]

No worries Andy! 😋

[@mikec3820]

always great videos. i wanted a non "ginseng" ficus house tree. not one store in a 2 +hour drive (near nyc) had anything like it. only can find the ginsengs.. so i got one and cut the grafted top part off. re planted as a thumb thick cutting with 2 leafs.. its my first real bonsai from 6 or 7 years ago. still growing strong. like your channel here lol thanks dude. happy bonsai'ing

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thank you Mike! Aw nice! I'm glad you were able to do it yourself!! Yeah I'm not the biggest fan of the ginseng either lol

[@akvarist1849]

Thank you bro perfect video👍👍🇹🇷🇹🇷

[@notionbonsai]

Hey thanks Akverist! 🪴

[@tacobonsai]

Really nice video! I don't like the bulbous roots on ginseng either. I cut mine off and rooted the top as a cutting.

[@notionbonsai]

Aw nice one Taco! 🌱

[@vborja3877]

I’m new to your channel and appreciate all the information you provide. I would like to bonsai a ficus one day😊

[@notionbonsai]

Hey welcome to the channel!!

[@JamesDavis-cf4bb]

Great content. You seem like a very likeable person.

[@notionbonsai]

Thanks so much James!

[@nelamarinkovic0509]

Thank's a lot. Excellent. Many regards from Belgrade, Serbia. 💜👏

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! Thank you for watching! 😁

[@anyadiegwusharday]

Thank you for helping me repot my first ficus’s ginseng tree that I have had for almost 2 years now appreciate all the tips! Love the video ❤ I do have a question with an indoor ficus tree. How often should you water to prevent mildew soil and if you have less lighting what do you recommend?

[@WanderingBobAK]

Another good one Adam and good timing for me. I bought a ficus tree (maybe 2 ft tall with a few upright growths) last winter, it was well below freezing and getting it to the car and then to the house took it's toll. Leaves started to fall on day 2 and all but 2 leaves were gone a week later. Kept minimally watering and 3 months later it started to put out new leaves, all at bottom except the tallest growth has a few small branches. I may see more branching all the way up, but think I'll just need to do a hard cut. There are 2 main trunks and 2 outliers, one on either side ... almost looks like a raft? Anyway, gonna repot soon and take any cuttings for some new plants. I'll have some starts from the base and grafted areas of a ginseng, the above ficus and a variegated schefflera. Will try clumps, forest and individuals ... I'm about to be overrun! Keep up the good work!

[@notionbonsai]

Hey WanderingBobAK! Ohh nice! Sorry to hear that about your Ficus. I hope you can get it to fully recover! 😊 Ooh I think Schefflera are really nice! Thanks very much 🤗

[@BeckyBledsoe-qj1rn]

Well my ficus was from a healthy plant that I have. I trimmed some cuttings and put it in a small plastic container in the kitchen window. I don't have any peat but I do have some sphagnum moss. I also have rooting hormone in case you think that it would work. Thank you I love your channel.

[@notionbonsai]

I have grown trees in pure spaghnum before and it works!! Though if you can get some soil for the long term as long as it drains well it would probably be better.

[@renatopamoso6774]

We have lots of ficus trees here [all species] in our country Philippines. Thank you for bonsai tips.

[@notionbonsai]

Aw nice!! They must grow so fast there! 😄🌱

[@renatopamoso6774]

@@notionbonsai yes they love our climate.and so easy to propagate. thanks for your reply. 😉

[@forrestcrabbe]

🤘

[@dannybonsai7102]

What time of year do you recommend repotting ficus? Does that apply to indoor-grown trees? Thanks

[@RichLopp]

You have a very confusing accent. You actually pronounce your R’s properly like an American 😆 Love your channel btw 🙏🏻

[@Doms0770]

Hello :) Do I need plastic to put the plant in the drainage pot or I can put it in normal one? thank you very much

[@deus5185]

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Dues! 🤗😀🌱😋

[@Kurtlane]

Great video. Question: When are you planning to remove the wire that you used to make the two plants fuse together? How long will it stay there before it begins to cut into the roots? Thanks.

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! Thanks Kurtlane! I plan to take it off when they begin to fuse. I don't want to keep it on so long where it digs in and leaves a scar. It's a balance between the two!

[@vyvii3293]

Adam, would you ever recommend floristry tape for securing cuts/fusing points? Not to secure but to just gently reinforce? I had the coconut soil with a bonsai and immediately repotted as it was very compact. Similar with a podocarpus - it was in a hard clay soil and as soon as it was in an air-flowing soil it was much happier.

[@zachjohnson4472]

I have used that green stretchy florist tape to fuse five smaller Ficus benjaminas into a singular trunk tree. It worked well for me. It had enough flexibility to allow the trunks to get thicker while providing enough pressure to make them fuse.

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! I havent used it before but I don't see why it wouldnt work! Sounds like a great idea to me 😊 Great job repotting from that coconut coir!

[@judylengieza7342]

Recently created my first bonsai from tiger bark ficus. I live in South Florida and have been advised that Ficus should do well. Any other suggestions for South Florida bonsai? Have you tried Bouganvilla for bonsai? Thanks for your videos as they are super for beginners

[@notionbonsai]

The tiger bark ficus you have already chosen is a great start, as it is well-suited to the warm climate. You might consider exploring other options such as the buttonwood (Conocarpus Erectus), known for its twisted trunks and ability to tolerate coastal environments, or the podocarpus (Podocarpus Macrophyllus), an evergreen tree with dense foliage that can be trained into various bonsai styles. I haven't worked on Bougainvillea before though im sure that would be great too!! 🙂

[@jimjam8593]

Can you use cactus and succulent soil for ginseng?

[@mdelacerda6836]

Do you have any ideas about doing a pecan tree

[@paulclarkson2583]

Mine sadly didn't last from a home move, the change in environment didnt agree with it. I believe that the reasons are the soil was to compact and wet. Had it for 16 years was pretty sad about this happening.

[@notionbonsai]

Sorry to hear this Paul! 😔 Don't let it discourage you when a tree dies though! It's all apart of Bonsai and how we all learn 🤗

[@paulclarkson2583]

@@notionbonsai your videos are very insightful, I will obtain another tree and continue onwards :) thanks for all your content

[@sundeepjauhar7923]

Very informative video. Can you indicate the kind of soil that you recommend.

[@user-cz8ym9zu9e]

So sad after 16 years too

[@LuCyB0o]

Adam can you help me save my ficus bonsai? Please!!

[@sabanh]

My ficus has no leaves. How do I know if its dead or it can be revived? I've tried changing soils and giving plant feed but no signs of growth. 😢

[@ethelbertsomera1429]

Can i repot my ficus bonsai on a rainy season.? Hope you can answer thanks❤

[@notionbonsai]

It is best to repot in spring 🤗

[@manupbritain5232]

I have just received a large beautiful Ficus with plenty of aerial roots. It has come from Asia then spent time in a greenhouse with a UK grower. Do you have any advice for acclimatising to a house environment? My plan in the future is for a round pot. It is well rooted but for now I am giving it time to settle. Is there a prefereble time to change pots? I am in Manchester UK so imagine we have similar climate. If you wanted to treat one tree as special as possible do you have a soil mix that you would use. The tree is likely 30+ years old.

[@notionbonsai]

Hey! Congratulations on your new beautiful Ficus! When acclimating it to a house environment, it's important to make the transition gradually. The tree may be used to high humidity, so misting it regularly or using a humidity tray can help. Also, avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as it may not be accustomed to strong light. It's a good idea to wait for the tree to settle in its new environment before repotting it. Ficus can be repotted in early spring, as the weather starts to warm up. When repotting, make sure to use a well-draining soil mix to prevent root rot. A mix of Akadama, pumice, and lava rock can be a good option. Since this Ficus is likely 30+ years old, it's important to give it the best care possible. In addition to providing proper watering, fertilization, and lighting, you can also consider using mycorrhizal fungi to enhance the tree's root system. This can lead to stronger growth and better overall health.

[@manupbritain5232]

@Notion Bonsai Amazing thank you so much for such a detailed answer. I will keep an eye out for mycorrhizal fungus. I didn't know it could be bought as a product like that. You combination for soil sounds great, all things I want to get in for the rest too. I'll keep a look out for more great content to. All the best.

[@lilicesar8386]

Ganhei um, prenda de Natal, aqui é inverno, mesmo assim é conveniente mudar o substrato ou é melhor esperar pela primavera? Está no interior perto de uma janela e aparenta estar muito saudável... obrigada!! ❤

[@notionbonsai]

Se o seu bonsai está saudável no inverno e próximo a uma janela, pode ser mais seguro aguardar até a primavera para fazer a troca do substrato. O inverno pode ser um período de descanso para as plantas, e fazer grandes mudanças no substrato durante esse período pode causar estresse desnecessário à árvore. No entanto, se houver alguma preocupação com o substrato atual, como compactação excessiva ou problemas de drenagem, você pode considerar uma leve superfície de cobertura com musgo ou umedecer levemente o substrato para manter a saúde do bonsai até a primavera.

[@lilicesar8386]

@@notionbonsai Muito obrigada pela resposta!!

[@arekushisuruizu2968]

Hey Adam Do you recycle the soil ?

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Arekushisu 😀I do!

[@fieserfettsack1196]

Hey mate, do you have a recommendation how often to water a ficus in substrate ?

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Fieser! Yeah, I never let the soil completelydry out. Just as it is getting a little on the dry side is when I will water again. In substrate like this one (pumice, akadama, lava rock) It is hard to over water as it is so free draining. However, if there is compost in the mix, Ficus trees prefer to be slightly dry rather than too wet, so it's better then to underwater than overwater. 😀

[@fieserfettsack1196]

@@notionbonsai alright thx :)

[@aden8]

Salam satu hobi

[@notionbonsai]

🤗

[@BeckyBledsoe-qj1rn]

I tried to root some cuttings from my ficus trees as you said that you can start them on water. This has not worked for me. Any advice??

[@WanderingBobAK]

Some grown them in moistened peat. Give some details. Mine did grow in water, but was in a shaded location until I saw root growth, then gradually moved them into more light. Roots EVERYWHERE!

[@notionbonsai]

To propagate Ficus from root cuttings, you should start by selecting a healthy Ficus tree with a good root system. The best time to take root cuttings is during the dormant season, which is usually in late autumn or early winter. You can use sharp, clean shears to cut a healthy root from the parent plant. The root should be at least 6mm thick and 5-7.5 cm long. Once you have your root cutting, you can plant it vertically in a pot with well-draining soil, making sure to bury the cut end facing down. Keep the pot in a bright, warm spot, but not in direct sunlight, and cover it with a plastic bag or wrap to create a humid environment. It may take several weeks or even months for the cutting to root, so be patient and avoid disturbing it during this time 😊

[@rdotm2457]

I just saved a ficus bonsai from a store but the base was all dried out and there were no roots. I clipped the dried out bottom of the stems off. How can I get it to develop roots?

[@notionbonsai]

If you have it in some good free draining soil and keep it in a warm and humid environment it will have better chances of developing roots 😊

[@The_Dodge_Meister]

i've heard many people say ficus are not bonsai and cannot be made into bonsai in your opinion is that true?

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Recon. I don't think this is true. Ficus can certianly be made into Bonsai. Ficus is one of the most commonly used species for indoor Bonsai. Young houseplant ones aside, you should definitely check out the really old large specimen Ficus 😊🪴

[@The_Dodge_Meister]

@@notionbonsai thanks for the answer and response that information was vital and made my day more enjoyable!

[@notionbonsai]

@@The_Dodge_Meister Aw no problem! Hope you have a great day! 🤗🤗

[@thome4229]

9:10 Sei vorsichtig, das ist kein Ficus, sondern eine Alraune. Ich kenne die Dinger aus "Harry Potter" ... die machen Dich ganz schnell fertig mit ihrem Geschrei 😁😁

[@notionbonsai]

🤣🤣

[@TheBonsaiGarden]

Does my bum look big in this pot?

[@notionbonsai]

🤣🤣

[@bhargavtank3784]

Ginseng is just a pot plant a show piece not a bonsai

[@notionbonsai]

Hey Bhargav! 😊 I think it is all down to personal taste. Personally I do not like the bulbous roots of the ginseng! While some may view the Ginseng Ficus as more of a showpiece than a traditional Bonsai, it is still considered a type of Bonsai tree and requires similar care and attention to thrive. 💖