Ficus retusa is one of the most suitable plant species for beginners; it tolerates pruning and shaping well.

Its advantages:

• An evergreen tropical tree, suitable for growing indoors
• Grows quickly
• Tolerates severe pruning well
• Easily develops aerial roots
• Does not require winter dormancy.

Temperature and Humidity

The optimal temperature is +20...+28 °C, with a minimum of +15 °C.
Ficus likes high humidity and regular spraying.
It is recommended to use a sensor to monitor temperature and humidity (see here).
A tray with pebbles (see here) helps to maintain humidity for as long as possible.

Lighting

The plant needs bright light all year round for 6–10 hours a day.
An east- or south-facing window is ideal.
In winter, it is necessary to provide additional lighting using a grow light for 10–12 hours (see here).
If the plant lacks light, the leaves grow larger and the stems become leggy, which negatively affects its miniature appearance.

Soil

Ficus plants thrive in a well-aerated and well-draining substrate (see here).
Optimal mix:

• 40% Akadama
• 30% Pumice
• 20% Lava (drainage)
• 10% organic substrate.

Watering

Water the plant once the top layer of soil (1–2 cm) has dried out; it is recommended to use warm, settled water.
Water the ficus more frequently in the summer and less frequently in the winter.
Overwatering is the main cause of death for ficus plants.

Fertilizers

• During the growing season: balanced fertilizer (see here).
• In the fall: use a fertilizer with a lower nitrogen (N) level.
• In the winter: no fertilization is needed.

Plant shaping

The bonsai’s shape is maintained using wire and pruning the shoots.
The cut sites heal well when a wound-healing paste is used (see here).
When a shoot has grown to 6–8 leaves, it should be pruned back to 2–3 leaves.
Regular pruning is necessary—the more often you do it, the smaller the leaves will be.

Aluminum wire is used to shape the branches.
The plant should be checked every 2–3 weeks; do not leave the wire on for too long—it can quickly grow into the trunk and branches.

Ficus is well suited to forming aerial roots, which mainly occur in high-humidity conditions. This is also stimulated by frequent sprinkling.

Repotting

Repot in the spring or early summer: young ficus plants once a year, mature ones every 2–3 years.
When repotting, trim up to 30% of the roots.
Additionally, to ensure enough space for new roots, trim thick and downward-growing roots.

Pests and Diseases

The most common pests are spider mites (especially in dry indoor air), aphids, and scale insects.
Prevention:

• maintaining humidity
• regular inspection of leaves
• application of neem oil or other treatments.

Common Mistakes

Avoid:

• overwatering the plant
• insufficient light
• drafts
• pruning too infrequently.