The Ficus retusa is a prolific grower hailing from the Southeast Asian region of Malesia and the Malay archipelago. This tropical evergreen can be grown as a normal house plant or can be grown as a bonsai. Ficus retusa care is relatively easy and when done correctly, will lead to stunning results.
Table of contents
The Ficus retusa, also commonly referred to as the Bayan Fig, is one of the most popular species of bonsai trees. Bonsai is an ancient Japanese art form that is still practiced to this day. Bonsai is the practice of artificially cultivating and growing dwarfed trees or shrubs. When grown as a bonsai tree, the Ficus retusa is kept to a miniature height of two to three feet, however it can be left to grow and flourish to many feet high.
This post will walk you through all the important aspects of Ficus retusa care. Let’s get started!
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Bayan Fig, Ficus retusa bonsai
- Scientific Name: Ficus retusa
- Mature Size: 2’-3’ tall as a bonsai, up to 33’ tall in nature
- Sunlight: full sun
- Water: when top ½”-1” of soil is dry
- Soil: well-draining mix of organic soil with large particles such as pumice or lava rock
- Temperature: 65°F-75°F
- Propagation: stem cuttings, leaves
- Hardiness Zone: 10b-11
- Toxicity: toxic to pets and humans
Growth Pattern and Habits
The beautiful Ficus retusa can be grown in two different ways which leads to two very distinct growth patterns. If left to grow as it would in nature, an indoor, potted Ficus retusa will grow to a small sized tree. If you prefer an ornamental miniature version and want to take the time to grow your Ficus retusa as a bonsai, this plant is usually kept under two to three feet tall.
Regardless of how you choose to let your plant grow, the Ficus retusa’s growth rate is fast! When given proper care, a Ficus retusa can grow up to two feet per year! Not only is this plant a fast grower, it also has a lifespan upwards of one hundred years.
Ficus retusa has thick, waxy oval shaped leaves with a pointed tip. The leaves are a deep olive green and create a dense canopy. The trunk and stems are woody and gray in color. These trees tend to have curvy, S-shaped trunks.
Sunlight
To understand a Ficus retusa’s light requirements, it’s good to understand their natural habitat. Native to southeast Asia, the Ficus retusa is a large, towering tree that grows over thirty