Green Island Ficus Care

Ficus Microcarpa (The Chinese Banyan Tree)

This tree is an excellent candidate for indoor growing. This plant forms aerial roots with ease in moist conditions which gives each tree its own character. The aerial roots come from the side branches and from oler bark under a heavy foilage canopy with high humidity. You may move, remove wire or shape the aerials roots as you wish. This tree originates from Southeast Asia and in nature can attain a height of over 50 feet. This tree typically grows in a multitrunk style with a wide canopy.

The typical leaf is oval with a slight point. The bark is gray and smooth. All ficus microcarpa varieties have a thin bark which is easily scratched. You must pay close attention if/when attempting to wire this tree as the thin bark can be scarred for many years.

The green island ficus produces a fig approximately 1/3 to 1/2 an inch in diameter. The figs start out green and mature to red before turning black and falling off. The seeds are not considered tasty to humans, but birds will eat the fruit. Seeds on an indoor tree are reported to be infertile due to the absence of the fig wasp that is needed to pollinate the figs to seed.

As do most bonsai, the green island ficus will do best in bright light, but will also grow under fairly dim lighting conditions. For the best results try to keep the tree in the brightest location in your home. Give the plant as many hours of sun as you possibly can. Try to avoid full mid-day summer sun if you keep the plant outside. The perfect condition for this plant is outside under a screened enclosure. Mist your tree often or use a water/moisture tray for added humidity.

Most ficus need even moisture at their roots. Allow the surface to dry before watering again. Roots kept constantly wet will rot. Use a well drained soil mix. Fertilize the ficus at 1/2 strength every week while the tree is in active growth. Once the fig starts to rest in the fall allow it to go without fertilizer.

Few insects seem to bother the ficus however occasionally pest may invade. The most common insect is scale or thrips or mealy bugs. Insects are less common on plants which are kept indoors. There are several good insecticides on the market and they can be found easily most places that sell plants. You should always check your plants for pests before you introduce them to your home to prevent spreading.

You may desire to keep your plant outdoors in the summer and indoors in the winter, this is fine and actually good for the tree to get as much time outdoors in the fresh air as possible. Trees need ventilation, please keep them safe from sunburn, windburn and other damage such as insects or pets and bring them in if the temperatures drop below 55 degrees to prevent damage.

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