You are looking for a new addition to yoursRoom garden? Then you should definitely consider a Ficus Ginseng. The plant not only looks exotic and very likeable, but also has another unusual property. It is actually a combination of two very different plant species. Read here how you can best care for it, what conditions should be met and where the idea for the plant actually came from.
The Ficus Ginseng close up
TheFicus Ginsengis actually a combination of two plants. This means that the ficus was planted on the root of the ginseng. Here, the two plant species have connected with each other and, so to speak, work with each other and like an ordinary plant. This also makes the plant very similar to a classic bonsai. It is also similar to bonsai in terms of care, provided it is given the right living conditions. The Ficus Ginseng is a perennial plant that is best suited as a pot plant. It has dark, green leaves and an interesting root system that is located outside the soil to allow the plant to breathe. Ficus ginseng is most often used to decorate living rooms and offices. It is compact in size and can also beautifully decorate small areas and rooms.
If you want, you can influence the way the root grows. How to get thicker and more impressive roots by covering the soil with a net that is stretched taut. This prevents the roots from growing further, but without disrupting their development. The holes in the net continue to allow air and light to reach the roots. Because of the net, the ginseng root can no longer grow tall and is forced to become wider instead.
The best care for the Ficus Ginseng
TheFicus Ginsengis not difficult to care for and is therefore suitable for beginners or busy people who cannot invest a lot of time in care. If you have always wanted to own a bonsai but have not yet dared to do so, you can start with this Ficus variant. However, you should be prepared with great patience, as at the beginning you will hardly notice any progress in growth. However, this is also a sign that the mini tree does not require any special care. We have summarized the most important things that you should consider in the following lines so that you can be guaranteed successful breeding.
All about irrigation
Pour thatFicus Ginsengmoderately often and as soon as the surface of the soil has dried out and it is best to use rain or at least stale tap water, as these are less salty. In summer it tolerates more water due to the heat and lower humidity, while in winter less water should be added. You should also make sure that the soil is moist but not overwatered, otherwise the roots will rot. You can, for example, submerge the pot. A maximum of 10 minutes should be enough. Then allow the excess water to drain well before placing the plant back in its planter. It can usually withstand shorter dry periods, but we don't recommend experimenting. However, you don't have to panic if you forget to water. The leaves also like it when they are sprayed with lime-free water. This increases the humidity and creates a paradise for the ficus ginseng.
Tips for caring for bonsai: lighting conditions
TheFicus Ginsengloves partial shade because direct sunlight can hinder its growth. It is therefore best to choose a bright place in the room near a window, but which is not exposed to direct radiation. The temperature should be moderate and not fall below 15 degrees. The normal room temperature is therefore completely sufficient. The bonsai needs permeable and loose soil that is rich in nutrients and prevents waterlogging. You can also use soil specifically designed for bonsai plants. Fertilize often with bonsai fertilizer (ideally every two weeks) to encourage root and new leaf growth. If you don't have bonsai fertilizer, a simple liquid fertilizer will do the trick. It is repotted every two to three years because the roots do perfectly well with little space. However, it is advisable to change the soil at least once a year and replace it with new one.
Miscellaneous
TheFicus Ginsengdoesn't like to change his place. Therefore, you should avoid moving it after you have found a suitable place. Otherwise, you risk him getting sick. The pretty plant can also be placed on the balcony, terrace or veranda. But this shouldn't happen overnight. Instead, an acclimatization phase is necessary in which the tree can get used to future sunlight. This prevents the leaves from burning. Initially, only put your houseplant outside for a few hours. Ultimately, however, it should not be left in the blazing sun. Partial shade is ideal. If the temperatures fall below 15 degrees, it is time to bring the ficus plant back indoors.
You should also avoid wind and drafts at all costs, both indoors and outdoors. The plants don't get this at all. In winter the leaves may fall off. This is a completely normal process and should not scare you. In spring it gets new leaves, which are initially light green in color and turn dark green over time. This creates an interesting play of colors in the leaf crown. You should also trim the Ficus Ginseng regularly as the new leaves constantly change its crown shape. So you have free choice when it comes to the shape of the crown. If this is not trimmed from time to time, the branches will grow elongated and the bonsai will lose its lush, tree-like look. In addition, the branches become thicker and leaves only grow at the tips, which makes the tree appear bare. If you want to achieve greater branching on certain branches, they are trimmed. A branch with five leaves is accordingly shortened so that only two remain.
