Ficus is one of the most iconic, widely available, and distributed tropical species that are utilized in the bonsai approach. There are so many species of Ficus–from the microcarpa to the macrocarpa, from the retusa to the benjamina, that they start to demand a greater degree of understanding. Exploring the handling and timing of horticulture and physiological responses allows us to evolve these independent Ficus species, giving them the proper care they need to flourish.
David Cutchin–a renowned tropical bonsai expert and practitioner of D&L Bonsai Nursery, walks us through the nuances of each of these predominantly utilized ficus species, and how to develop and evolve material at differing stages to facilitate the best possible outcome as a mature bonsai over time.