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Question: How can i get my ficus bonsai to grow more leaves?

(Posted by: PoisedKoala on 2007-02-07 13:03:10)

I recently got a ficus bonsai and i'm wondering how i can get more leaves to grow. I really dont know too much about pruning, other than you cut things off. But there's gotta be a way to trim her so that leaf formation is encouraged, right?

Posted by: Bill Choat on 2007-02-08, 06:46:55

Ficus (fig) trees like lots of INDIRECT light, feed in spring through autumn with a high nitrogen (first number) fertilizer. Keep the soil moist and not soaking wet.......never set up a watering schedule, but only water when it needs it. It will also help to mist the leaves as often as daily if you wish. Don't be afraid to trim away new growth to encourage more growth within. I'll be glad to send you a more complete list of care instructions if you email me at: wchoat@american-bonsai.com , and you're welcome to check my site: american-bonsai.com

Posted by: wilstone on 2007-02-07, 13:08:27

I would fertilizer, if you haven't already. You can also check with a nurserey in your area to help out. There is a correct way & time of the year to prune. Good luck.

Posted by: jammer on 2007-02-07, 13:26:47

You don't state where you have positioned the plant. A ficus requires some sunlight, so maybe all you have to do is move it to where it can get some sun, this in itself will encourage the leaves to grow. You can prune just above each leaf, but don't go overboard and cut away too much.

Posted by: Dogzilla on 2007-02-07, 14:07:14

Add A LITTLE fertilizer, and give it plenty of light.

Posted by: G on 2007-02-08, 00:15:22

Pruning actually discourages growth -- thats what makes a bonsai so small. ficus are tricky. you can give it more sun and it will drop most of the leaves it has now and then put on a lot of new growth. that would be the easiest route. anything else requires more patience and you sound a little short on that.