Ficus Retusa

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Moraceae

Order

Rosales

Genus

Ficus

Species

retusa

Description

Ficus retusa, an arboreal plant in its tropical range of origin, is widely cultivated as a bonsai for small or large pots depending on its development. Appreciated for its elegant bearing reinforced by the small evergreen green leaves, it requires a luminous exposition, sheltered from direct sunlight, and with temperatures never below 12°C.

Variety description

There are many species in this genus, classified in the moraceae family, and with characteristics that can make them very different from each other. Most of these species come from the tropical forests of south-east Asia and have been introduced to Europe at different times. A common characteristic of most of these plants is the production of white, sticky latex at the point of detachment of some vegetative part. Small-leaved species should be used for bonsai production. Of these, the one that is easiest to find on the market is the ficus retusa, a naturally occurring tree-like plant with light green leaves when young, turning a darker green when mature. They are oval-shaped, small, glossy, borne by a short stalk, with erect branching.

Curiosities and special features

The art of bonsai, the technique of cultivating miniature trees, has very ancient origins. Originating in China and spreading to Japan, it takes on profound meanings that reconcile philosophical and spiritual principles, in search of a symbiosis between man and nature. Today, also thanks to cultural exchanges and international events in the sector, bonsai cultivation has developed throughout the West.

Origin and distribution

Native species of the humid tropical biome of the geographic range extended from southern Borneo to Jawa.

Leaf

The leaves, evergreen and bearing a short stalk, have a small oval lamina.

Leaf colour

It has solid-coloured, light green leaves when young and then turns a darker green when mature.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.25 to 1.8 m, depending on the growing conditions and environment.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

Ficus retusa, with a suitable cultivation technique, is suitable as small pot bonsai , large pot bonsai

Stem

The stem is woody; the variety has no thorns.

Growth

The vigorous growth contributes to its ornamental value.

Plant habit

The developed habitus is erect, often with aerial roots.

Branching

It develops Medium branching.

PH

It requires a pH of the growing and cultivation substrate between 5.5 and 6.5.

Sun exposure

Requires the following exposures: light source indoors, half-shade. When placed indoors, in autumn and winter, place the plant in the brightest possible place, not in direct contact with sunlight.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 25 °C. The vital temperature is between 5 and 40 °C It is an indoor plant in the north for the cold months (autumn to late spring), indoors it does not require too high temperatures; in summer it should be placed outdoors, avoiding direct sunlight.

Use

In relation to the climatic conditions of the growing environment, Ficus retusa is a popular species as a bonsai in:

Outdoor ornamental environment Indoor ornamental environment

Hardiness

A moderately hardy plant; place it in well-lit locations with constant temperatures never below 12°C. Also avoid drafts.

Soil

Choose a new, high-quality soil specifically for bonsai. Alternatively, prepare a mixture with good porosity but also moisture holding capacity, using 25% porous part (sand, pumice), 50% clay part (akadama) and 25% young peat-based soil.

Difficulty

fairly easy, needs an overall medium level of management effort. It can be considered a good species to enter the bonsai world.

Growing tips

Here are some useful cultivation tips specific to achieving excellent vegetative development:

Expose the plant to maximum light Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Always keep the substrate moist Prefers slightly calcareous water Requires abundant but no stagnant watering Correct pruning

Pruning

Training/acquisition pruning should be carried out as soon as the plant vigorously starts vegetating again. Keep the new shoots to 2-3 leaves throughout the vegetative season in order to limit the development in length of the branches.

Propagation

Propagation can be by offshoots or cuttings.

Repotting

Repot young plants in alternate years, when the plant definitely begins to regain vegetative vigour following the change of season. With mature plants, around 10 years old, repot every 5-6 years, only if it becomes necessary.

Watering

Apply low-lime water regularly during the growing season by hand or by sprinkling the pot. Avoid stagnation and reduce watering during the winter, especially if the plant is placed in a poorly lit area. The potting soil should never be allowed to dry out but kept moist at all times but free from saturation. Especially in winter, with the heating on and low humidity, spray the foliage with good regularity using room temperature demineralised water in order to avoid lime deposits on the leaves.

Fertilising

Fertilise continuously during vegetation periods. Prefer reduced weekly doses rather than higher doses every 15 days. Substantially reduce inputs in winter, only carrying out a maintenance action, giving an organo-mineral fertiliser in a light dose once a month from early autumn to late winter.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Tip

For spraying the foliage in low humidity environments, use rainwater or demineralised water at room temperature to avoid thermal shock. Avoid lime water, which causes whitish patina on the leaf For watering it is best to water often, but with limited quantity Avoid overgrowth of branches and prune continuously.