Plant Description

Description

Ficus microcarpa ‘Ginseng’, commonly known as the Ginseng Bonsai, is a distinctive indoor bonsai with a thick, swollen trunk and a canopy of small, glossy green leaves. Its exposed, root-like trunk gives every plant a slightly different appearance, while its forgiving nature makes it one of the best bonsai choices for beginners.

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PLANT CARE

Everything you need to know to keep your plant happy and thriving.

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LIGHT

Medium Light

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WATER

Moderate watering. Allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry slightly between waterings, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away. Never leave the pot permanently sitting in water. Reduce watering during winter.

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SOIL

Free-draining bonsai soil containing a mixture of organic material and mineral components such as akadama, pumice, lava rock or fine grit. Excellent drainage is essential.

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REPOT

Repot approximately every 2–3 years, ideally during spring when the plant is actively growing. Trim excessively long roots and replace old, compacted compost with fresh bonsai soil.

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HUMIDITY

Medium

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DIFFICULTY

Beginner

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AIR PURIFYING

Yes

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JOE'S TOP TIP

Give your Ginseng Bonsai plenty of bright, indirect light and keep it somewhere with stable temperatures. Rotate the plant regularly to encourage balanced growth. New shoots can be trimmed back once they develop several leaves to maintain the classic compact bonsai shape.

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COMMON MISTAKE

Treating "bonsai" as if it's a completely different type of plant. It's still a Ficus and needs proper light, watering and feeding. A dark shelf might look lovely, but the tree will disagree with the interior-design decision.

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WHEN TO COME BACK TO US

Bring it back (or a photo) in 6–8 weeks if you want: ‱ Bonsai pruning advice ‱ Repotting advice ‱ Help shaping the canopy ‱ A general plant health check

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PLANT FACT

The chunky "ginseng" base isn't naturally shaped through traditional bonsai techniques. Commercial plants are grown specifically to develop their thickened roots before being pruned and grafted to create the familiar miniature-tree appearance.

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COUNTRY OF ORIGIN

Southeast Asia