The Ficus Microcarpa bonsai does not differ from other types of plants existing in nature in terms of nutritional and environmental needs. In fact it feeds in balanced quantities of a whole series of elements that it absorbs from the environment in which it is placed. Potassium, phosphorus and nitrogen are the elective nutrients for any plant, and certainly the Ficus Microcarpa, although in the bonsai version, does not skimp on a certain appreciation for these elements. Therefore, since although the soil that will host the bonsai is of excellent quality and rich in substances, the nutritional elements in the earth will be exhausted, it will be good to carry out some more or less frequent fertilization interventions depending on some variables such as the state of health. of the plant, the presence or danger of diseases or parasites, the environment in which it lives and its degree of growth. For example, it will be very useful during the vegetative season of the bonsai (approximately between the end of March and the end of September) to irrigate it with water and liquid fertilizer dissolved in it. This operation must be carried out with the utmost care, and the doses of liquid fertilizer must not exceed the recommended quantity. Water your bonsai this way about once a month during the growing season, and the results won’t be long in showing. Also evaluate the health of the plant and its needs before operating any other intervention in this sense. Of course, depending on your availability of time and your needs, it will also be possible to apply granular fertilizer in the solid state, which acts with a slower and more gradual release over time. However, a further piece of advice may be that which suggests a rest period in fertilization, which roughly coincides with the hottest months of the year.

Do not forget that, especially if you place the plant inside your apartments, it will be necessary to always keep it hydrated and humid, especially in the hottest season. Use a draining soil and make sure that the pot has the appropriate holes for water drainage and for the passage of air for proper oxygenation. From time to time, spray water on the canopy of the bonsai to keep it fresh and hydrated.

Repotting will be done in early spring to prepare the plant for the new vegetative cycle. Replace pot and soil and prune the thicker roots while leaving the thinner ones intact. Before repotting the bonsai, fill the pot with well-draining soil and make sure the drainage holes are efficient.

Repot annually during the first years of the bonsai’s life. After that, when it has reached full maturity, it will be possible to repot even only every five years. The training pruning will, of course, be carried out during the rest period. Try to correct and shape your bonsai to your liking but respecting its balance and its needs. After that, the so-called maintenance pruning will be carried out, useful to rebalance the shape of your bonsai from time to time.