Identification: Not sure which ficus

Discussion in 'Indoor and Greenhouse Plants' started by digimon, Sep 6, 2013.

  1. digimon

    digimon New Member

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    Don't have any additional info, just that it's meant to be bonsai because of that central cut.
    I'll google additional caring instructions, but if you know any good source I would be much grateful.
     

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  2. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    Looks like Ficus microcarpa.
     
  3. digimon

    digimon New Member

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    Thank you.
    What's that "ginseng" addition in Ficus microcarpa ginseng?
    And is this one ginseng?
    Sorry, I'm layman in this.
     
  4. Junglekeeper

    Junglekeeper Esteemed Contributor 10 Years

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    'Ginseng' is not part of its botanical name. However I think 'Ginseng Ficus' is one of the many common names for this plant.
     
  5. mrsubjunctive

    mrsubjunctive Active Member

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    "Ginseng" is just a marketing thing -- it means that the plant is a stump that has been allowed to resprout. The name comes from the (very vague) similarity of the stump to a ginseng (Panax spp.) root. Otherwise, "ginseng" has nothing to do with anything, and the plant is still only a funny-shaped Ficus microcarpa.

    It's also not really a bonsai, in any meaningful sense. Marketers have ruined that word too, because they realized people will pay more for something called a bonsai, whether it's a bonsai or not.

    Having said all that, F. microcarpa is a perfectly nice plant, and I like mine. Care is basically the same as for the regular "ficus tree" (F. benjamina). The main difference between the two is habit: F. benjamina branches tend to arch downward as they grow, while F. microcarpa branches keep growing vertically. The leaves are also a bit thicker on microcarpa.

    If you want to see what your plant can do, repot it to a slightly bigger pot whenever the roots fill the pot it's in (this will be something like every 9-12 months, if it's getting enough light and water). My "ginseng" went from a 5-inch pot and maybe 8 inches tall in 2009 to a 12-inch pot and 3 1/2 feet tall in 2013. And I wasn't even taking particularly good care of it.
     
  6. digimon

    digimon New Member

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    Thank you very much for your time, info and tips.
    I'll repot mine in a few days.
     
  7. digimon

    digimon New Member

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    Sorry for bumping this thread, but could you give me some tips on pruning?
    Is it necessary to do it and what would I get from it?

    Should I trim upper branches and concentrate on lower part or maybe wait for new leaves on them?

    Here's an additional photo if needed:
     

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