Ficus Plant / Chinese Banyan Bonsai Tree Care Guide

Ficus / Chinese Banyan Bonsai Care — Ficus microcarpa (Banyan)

Straightforward care for Ficus bonsai — thriving on balconies, verandahs and indoor bright corners. Quick tips, monthly care, and practical troubleshooting.

KYP — Know Your Plant

Common name: Ficus / Chinese Banyan (Ficus microcarpa). A hardy, glossy-leaved bonsai well-suited to indoor and balcony conditions. Fast-growing and forgiving — an excellent choice for beginners.

3 Pillars of Care

🌞

Location

Bright, indirect light. Ideal place: near an east or west-facing window, balcony with morning sun, or a bright verandah. Avoid cold drafts and very low-light corners.

💧

Watering

Water deeply until water drains from the pot, then wait until the top 1–2 cm of soil dries. In hot months this can mean watering every 2–4 days depending on pot size and sun exposure. Do not let the pot sit in water.

🪴

Fertilising

Use a balanced liquid or slow-release fertiliser during active growth (Feb–Oct). Feed every 3–4 weeks. Reduce feeding in Nov–Jan.

Pruning & Repotting

Prune to maintain shape and encourage ramification. Light trimming can be done year-round; structural pruning is best in January–February. Repot young ficus every 1–2 years and mature trees every 2–3 years. Use free-draining bonsai mix and trim roots conservatively.

Seasonal Care — Month Guide

  • January — Structural pruning and, if needed, repotting before active growth.
  • February — New growth appears; resume regular feeding and watering.
  • March–May — Active growth. Water more often and feed every 3–4 weeks. Protect from harsh noon sun.
  • June–September (Monsoon) — Keep pots off flooded surfaces and ensure drainage. Watch for fungal pests in very humid, stagnant conditions.
  • October–November — Reduce fertiliser; slightly lower watering frequency as temperatures cool.
  • December — Slow growth; protect from cold nights below 10–12°C.

Common Issues & FAQs

Q: What to do after receiving your Ficus bonsai?
It’s common to see some yellowing or leaf drop after transit — the plant has been stressed. Check soil and water if dry. Press soil gently to settle roots. Keep the plant in bright shade for 7–14 days (no harsh sun). Remove yellow leaves and avoid heavy feeding for the first two weeks. The ficus will usually recover quickly and begin fresh growth.

Q: Leaves dropping inside the home?
Ficus can drop leaves when moved, when light changes, or if overwatered. Improve light, check drainage, and avoid sudden moves. Give it time — most ficus adjust within 1–2 weeks.

Q: How often to repot?
Young plants: every 1–2 years. Mature plants: every 2–3 years. Best done in January–February using a well-draining bonsai mix.

Q: Why are new shoots leggy?
Leggy growth means low light. Move to a brighter spot and prune back growth to encourage branching and denser foliage.

Q: Any pest problems?
Watch for scale, mealybugs and aphids, especially in humid months. Wipe leaves, use insecticidal soap, or treat with appropriate spray if infestation appears. Send a photo on WhatsApp for help.

Expert’s Corner — Real experience with Ficus / Chinese Banyan

Can Ficus stay indoors permanently?

Ficus tolerates indoor conditions better than many bonsai, but it still needs strong, indirect light. If indoors, place it near a bright window and rotate regularly. For best health and fuller foliage, keep it outdoors on a bright balcony during mild weather.

How do you water a ficus in hot city summers?

Water deeply until water drains, then wait until the top 1–2 cm of soil is dry. In very hot weather this may be every 2–4 days. Deep watering encourages healthy roots — avoid light, frequent sprays.

Do you notice differences between keeping ficus in clay vs. ceramic pots?

Practically no difference in leaf density or flowering — drainage and soil mix matter far more. Ensure the pot has drainage holes and use a free-draining mix.

How to help a ficus recover from shipment stress?

Water if dry, place in bright shade for 7–14 days, remove wilted or yellow leaves, and avoid heavy feeding until the plant shows new growth. Share a photo on WhatsApp if you want specific advice.

Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we’ll help diagnose issues step-by-step.

Read more

Tip: keep ficus near other plants to stabilize humidity and reduce shock.

© Abana Homes — Need help? Send a photo on WhatsApp: +91 93155 69090

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🌿 Start Your Bonsai Journey with Confidence

New to bonsai? Don’t worry — we’ve handpicked the easiest, most forgiving bonsai trees to help you succeed. These plants are resilient, low-maintenance, and beautiful — perfect for anyone just starting out. Below are the top species we recommend for beginners.

🪴 Beginner Bonsai

🪴 Chinese Elm Bonsai

The Best Bonsai for Beginners

Chinese Elm is one of the most beginner-friendly bonsai trees in the world. With its small serrated leaves, strong branches, and ability to thrive indoors or outdoors, it’s perfect for first-timers. It responds well to pruning and has a naturally elegant shape that’s easy to maintain.

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🌳 Ficus Microcarpa (Ginseng Ficus)

The Indoor Champ
Ficus Microcarpa is a tough, fast-growing bonsai that loves indoor environments. Its thick trunk and aerial roots make it look ancient, even when it's young — giving that "bonsai look" right out of the box. Water it weekly and keep it near a window, and you’re set.

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🌲 Other Bonsai For Beginners

The Classic Outdoor Bonsai

If you have a balcony, terrace, or sunny window, Juniper is a beautiful choice. Its dense green foliage and traditional shape make it one of the most iconic bonsai trees. While it prefers outdoor settings, it’s still easy to care for and fun to shape.

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