Ficus nerifolia

This was one of the first bonsai that I bought ten years go. It is now getting to a respectable size and shape. I would like to put it into a nice shallow oval or circular pot next year, suggestions welcome. This tree always looses it's leaves when it comes in for the winter so I will probably style it this winter and give it a good defoliation late next spring to get it into shape. all will be documented. Thanks

I want one of these trees. But I have already killed 3 of them. What makes this one harder to keep alive? I have several different ficus species, and they are all doing well. Any ideas about what I'm doing wrong?

Libby

Hey Libby, I have killed a few in my day also. I had one this spring that had a dead side that gave it a nice cyprus-like quality. unfortunately it didn't make it due to root rot. Someone recently told me that these were semi-succulent? I don't know how true that is but I do know that all of the ones I killed were with over watering(mostly during the dormant period in my less than plant friendly house). Keep trying, they make great bonsai when kept alive.

I have heard that the Willow leaf fig requires more light than some of the other species. I would think a good draining soil and careful watering would keep it alive.

Very nice, healthy looking fig!

I had a small one and watered it once a week indoors in a very fast draining mix they can tolerate very harsh conditions It was kept in a southern facing window with bright indirect sun light it thrived .I gave it to a friend of mine to take to the tennesse show to sell. I have since aquired another one from durastone that I will be posting on here soon.

Thanks Todd, I'm pretty happy with how healthy I have been able to keep this one.

Jim, your tree is looking quite vigorous and happy. Nice work.
Jerry

Looks like an '89. Have you ever defoliated it?

Thanks Jerry

Billy, I have defoliated it but it was before it's current state. I transplanted it last year and found the nice wide base beneath the soil. The large cut you see is actually a root cut, there are a few on the back as well. Defoliating it this coming late spring will do it some good.

First of all, the correct name is Ficus salicaria. I think I have posted the story before.
I have a little experience with this species in the North.
It requires more light, more heat, and possibly more humidity than the other "indoor" Ficus species. As some of you have noticed, if it is brought indoors to a cool shady location, it defoliates & goes dormant. It will do fine under fluorescent lights for the winter, but grows very slowly. Don't expect the speed of growth they get in Florida.
You can get good leaf reduction with repeated pinching.
I found this species is very unsure about apical dominance. Under some conditions, if it is neglected, the top may die off & you get a lot of new side branches.
It likes good drainage & to dry out between waterings. Yes, treat it somewhat like a succulent. This is true for many of our Ficus bonsai. I find they do better in a coarse mix.
Iris

Thanks Iris, I had not heard salicaria before and had always used nerifolia thanks for setting me straight. I have tried to start a few root cuttings from the roots I cut off when I transplanted it last but have had problems with them not really taking off I wonder if the apical dominance issue is to blame? They tend to put out a ring of branches at the cut edge and not go far from there. I thought about cutting back to one or two branches to promote more focused growth but was worried it might just kill it off.