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CARE INFORMATION
takes heavy top pruning; allow a small stump to remain when a branch is
cut off, the stump will dieback; reduce water if leaves have dropped; sensitive
to overwatering or cold drafts, keep soil evenly moist; cut largest
leaves off and let only the last 1/4" of the petiole
(leaf stalk) to remain in order to control proportions and stimulate
new buds; some recommend
partially
defoliating at least once a season
to promote smaller leaves and better branching; full defoliation of a
branch could kill it though; most
Ficus cuttings successfully "take," but it is possible that keeping
more leaves on the cuttings and using heavier wood produces much better
root growth; can also do air layering with some
success; white latex sap is irritating to some individuals' skin, if
so, use gloves when pruning; sap can be allowed to dry up and fall off
on own or use water-moistened fingers to dilute and remove from branch
cuts;
"Natasha"; and "Brussels Sprouts" are the smallest-leaved varieties
available
Weeping fig ( Ficus benjamina )
SEE ALSO:
Bonsai Clubs International species care guide , http://www.bonsai-bci.com/species/ficus.html Bonsai4me Species Guide, http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ficus.html S & S Bonsai Care Sheet, http://www.bonsaitoolchest.com/download/ficus.pdf |