Ficus ginseng

The Ficus ginseng is a type of Bonsai tree which is appreciated for its twisted, thick stem. It’s a variety of the Ficus Microcarpa species. ‘Ficus’ (pronounced Fiy-Cuss) is Latin for Fig and the term ginseng is a reference to the resemblance of the trunks and roots to the eastern ginseng herb.

Description
Ficus ginseng is a plant with glossy leaves which can be kept compact and tidy. The twisted, thick trunk is one of the reasons this plant has become so popular.

Habitat
The Ficus ginseng originates from the tropics and sub tropics and is native to South East Asia. The plant lives happily indoors but prefers to be kept away from direct sunlight, whilst still enjoying a fair amount of natural light.

Availability
Ficus ginseng can be propagated with air layering methods, as well as softwood and hardwood cuttings.

Species
The Ficus ginseng is a version of the Ficus Microcarpa species, which is also known as the Chinese Banyan, or the Curtain Fig. It belongs to the Moraceae, or Mulberry, family.

Care Tips
Looking after a Ficus ginseng is relatively easy and many owners find them to be ideal starter bonsai plants. They require frequent watering and also like to be sprayed with water regularly. They like to be fed bi-weekly. The Ficus ginseng does not enjoy change and any alterations to its condition may result in dropped leaves, the plant will settle however and return to normal eventually. During winter the plant will lose leaves and it is important not to over water during this period.

Did you know?
The striking trunk of the Ficus Microcarpa can grow to a metre in diameter. The Ficus ginseng is commonly referred to as ‘pot-bellied fig’ due to the bulbous nature of the trunk.

References
http://www.gardening-tips-idea.com/Bonsai-Ginseng-Ficus.html
http://www.ficusplant.org/ginseng_ficus/ginseng_ficus.html