Ficus microcarpa 'Compacta'
Bonsai (170-200)
4FIMIS143
There are few plant genera of which there are so many diverse species on the market as the Ficus. You will find a wide variety of varieties in all shapes and pot sizes in our extensive range. Read in this article about the origin and care and choose your favorite Ficus!
Origin and care of the Ficus
The Ficus belongs to the Moraceae family and is native to the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, South America, but also parts of Australia and the Mediterranean region. The genus has about 750 species, with different characteristics. The Ficus lyrata, for example, has beautiful large leaves and the Ficus microcarpa has very small leaves. In addition, there are varieties that are grown with a braided or twisted trunk. In nature, these plants can become extremely old, some species more than 500 years. This creates an impressive trunk, which is beautiful to see.
The best location
The Ficus prefers to be in a light place, by the window. A place that is too dark can stagnate growth. In the winter period, the plant may lose some leaves after purchase. The Ficus comes from a light greenhouse and the transition to a relatively dark living room causes leaf fall. This is not harmful to the plant, as long as it is in a light spot it will start producing new leaves.
Pruning the Ficus
Autumn is the best time to prune the Ficus. The Ficus lyrata is an exception, you prune it in the spring. This is because it takes more energy for this plant to sprout again and it requires sufficient sunlight. It is a well-known phenomenon that Ficus species "bleed" after pruning. The white juice that is released during this process can irritate the skin. It is therefore best to cover the wound with soil to stop the bleeding. Note that a pruned Ficus uses less water if many leaves have been removed
Ficus benjamina
This beautiful and subtle Ficus has heart-shaped leaves in a deep green color. It is striking that the varieties with dark leaves have less leaf fall than the varieties with lighter leaves. This plant is offered with stem shapes: spiral, double spiral, braided and straight.
Ficus lyrata
The Ficus lyrata is characterized by the beautifully large, violin-shaped leaves with striking light veins. A real eye-catcher in the interior! If you prefer a slightly smaller leaf, choose the Ficus lyrata bambino.
Ficus microcarpa
The Ficus microcarpa is a Ficus like any other, except that it is grown primarily as a bonsai tree. The bonsai originates from Japan and literally means ‘tree in a pot’. The twisted trunk gives this plant a special, eccentric appearance.
Ficus bengalensis
Ficus bengalensis has large green leaves with light veins. This Ficus is also called Banyan Fig and grows naturally in India and Southeast Asia and is the national plant of India, where it is a popular tree that gives a lot of shade.
Ficus elastica
Ficus elastica is a strong plant with large, dark leaves and comes in many different varieties. The Rubber tree, as Ficus elastica is also called, can grow up to 30 to 60 metres high in the wild.