Plant Profile: Pot Belly Fig, the Perfect Bonsai for Beginners
Sick of replacing your vases with flowers week in and week out? Try a showstopping pot belly fig instead
When used in the bonsai form, pot belly figs have all the splendour of a large tree but in a compact size. Their fascinating thick stems and aerial roots echo a natural work of art and, when purchased ‘pre-trained’, require next to no upkeep.
Who are pot belly figs best suited to?
Those looking for a small- to medium-sized hardy indoor plant that requires little attention. Its appearance essence makes it a beautiful addition, even a table centrepiece, to the home, and can be used in feng shui planning – traditionally, it is especially favoured at the entrance to a home. Largely considered the easiest bonsai to grow, it’s a great plant in which to start a collection.
Where is it best positioned?
Indoors or outdoors, in relatively constant conditions – an ideal temperature is between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius. While it can survive without direct sunlight, the pot belly fig prefers bright filtered light, and, having originated from a tropical climate, thrives in moderate humidity levels.
Those looking for a small- to medium-sized hardy indoor plant that requires little attention. Its appearance essence makes it a beautiful addition, even a table centrepiece, to the home, and can be used in feng shui planning – traditionally, it is especially favoured at the entrance to a home. Largely considered the easiest bonsai to grow, it’s a great plant in which to start a collection.
Where is it best positioned?
Indoors or outdoors, in relatively constant conditions – an ideal temperature is between 18 and 26 degrees Celsius. While it can survive without direct sunlight, the pot belly fig prefers bright filtered light, and, having originated from a tropical climate, thrives in moderate humidity levels.
How much maintenance is involved in growing a pot belly fig?
Very little. The reason it’s known to be such a good indoor plant is because it can cope with harsh conditions for lengthy periods of time, thanks to its root system, which can store water and nutrients. As a result, they can usually withstand zero care while you’re away on holiday, and even the most erratic watering schedules.
You can buy pot belly figs that are already trained as bonsai. If this is the case, they need little to no work thereafter. However, if you have bought a ‘pre-bonsai’, it will require training that involves techniques such as pruning and wiring. This will require extra care and maintenance until you have achieved your desired bonsai effect.
Very little. The reason it’s known to be such a good indoor plant is because it can cope with harsh conditions for lengthy periods of time, thanks to its root system, which can store water and nutrients. As a result, they can usually withstand zero care while you’re away on holiday, and even the most erratic watering schedules.
You can buy pot belly figs that are already trained as bonsai. If this is the case, they need little to no work thereafter. However, if you have bought a ‘pre-bonsai’, it will require training that involves techniques such as pruning and wiring. This will require extra care and maintenance until you have achieved your desired bonsai effect.
Water: Generously water regularly when the soil gets slightly dry – once or twice a week. For a really happy plant, spritz with water daily to maintain humidity.
Fertilise: Every two weeks during the warmer months and every four weeks during colder months with general purpose liquid fertiliser.
Repot: Repotting is often only necessary for aesthetic reasons – the pot may become a mass of roots, for instance, but in most cases, this is beneficial because it slows down the growing process and will keep your bonsai compact. If you want to speed up the growing process, repot using general purpose soil. Repotting can be done every two to three years in the spring, depending on the speed of its growth.
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Fertilise: Every two weeks during the warmer months and every four weeks during colder months with general purpose liquid fertiliser.
Repot: Repotting is often only necessary for aesthetic reasons – the pot may become a mass of roots, for instance, but in most cases, this is beneficial because it slows down the growing process and will keep your bonsai compact. If you want to speed up the growing process, repot using general purpose soil. Repotting can be done every two to three years in the spring, depending on the speed of its growth.
Browse more beautiful Australian courtyards with Asian influences
Potential problems
Leaves are dropping: This could be an indication of over- or under-watering, dry air, or a change in its environment (erratic temperatures and sunlight conditions). If the latter, and you’ve moved your pot belly fig to another location within the home, for instance, don’t panic because it will acclimatise and eventually sprout new leaves.
Your turn
Which hardy indoor plants grow well in your home? Share your favourites in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Want to read up on another winning house plant? Check out Devil’s Ivy, a Vining Winner for Black Thumbs
Leaves are dropping: This could be an indication of over- or under-watering, dry air, or a change in its environment (erratic temperatures and sunlight conditions). If the latter, and you’ve moved your pot belly fig to another location within the home, for instance, don’t panic because it will acclimatise and eventually sprout new leaves.
Your turn
Which hardy indoor plants grow well in your home? Share your favourites in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Want to read up on another winning house plant? Check out Devil’s Ivy, a Vining Winner for Black Thumbs
Plant at a Glance
Common name: Pot belly fig (also banyan fig, ginseng ficus and Chinese banyan)
Botanical name: Ficus microcarpa retusa
Origin: South East Asia
Size: Can grow up to 15 metres in height with an equal spread, but are often trimmed back or stunted (controlled by the size of the pot) for a bonsai effect
Signature traits: Thick, twisting stem and round, broad-headed canopy
Looks best: In a small, decorative pot or container with a surface covering such as moss or pebbles.
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