Ficus Oriental Information
Binomial Name:
ficus orientalis
Special Note:
A cultivar of the ficus benjamina.
When I moved into an apartment for a few months, I had to give my tree collection to my sister to watch for me, as I did not have any outside area for them to live in, or indeed, enough for room physically in this new small apartment. I bought this new ficus to replace a similar ficus I had a while back that unfortunately died on me, because I need to have some kind of bonsai in my life and I had only my banyan tree and a ginseng ficus that was given to me by a friend.
The Ficus Oriental is a cultivar of the ficus benjamina, meaning that this tree was produced through human manipulation and was selected for traits that are passed on when the tree propagates. The ficus oriental was selected for its longer and thinner leaves, versus those of the standard benjamina. I like how this tree in particular seems to have a natural “swoop” to one side, which I think I will encourage with training once the tree has had a chance to establish itself in its new home.
Potting the new ficus was straightforward. I bought a nice white pot that had drainage holes already drilled so I ran a piece of wire through them to help secure the tree into place. The pot came with a fitted base and I think the whole pot has a wonderful look.
I used EB Stone bonsai soil for my planting medium and preserved some of the slow release fertilizer pellets from the nursery in the new pot. I haven’t used these before, but I think I might start as I tend to worry about damaging my roots if I over fertilize with a liquid product.
This tree likes a lot of light and needs plenty of moisture, and should be watered before it starts looking too dry. It can be placed outside during the summer months, but should come back inside before nighttime temperatures reach below 45F (8C).
I decorated the ficus for now with my “welcome sign” and a small village. Eventually when I have outdoor garden space, this pieces will go back to the main Douglas Fir penjing, but it’s nice that they have a home for now.