This article will show how to repot Ficus benjamina, Elastica, and Ginseng bonsai, when it should be done, and what soil to use.
Suppose you hear me mention Ficus benjamina, I am also referring to all many other species. In that case, the information is equally valid for Elastica and Ginseng.
Instead, I dedicated a distinct paragraph to repotting the Ficus Ginseng bonsai, which differs from the others in several ways, including the procedure as well as the pot and substrate used.
You can use the index below to get directly to the part that interests you.
When To Repot A Ficus
The ideal period to repot the Ficus benjamina is in April or the first half of spring when the plant starts growing considerably again.
The same applies to other species, such as elastica, lyrata, and the much-loved Ginseng bonsai.
Repotting is done every 2-3 years when the roots have colonized the entire lump of earth, and the pot is small.
It must be said that in the case of classic repotting, in which the roots are not pruned.
The intervention can be done with good results even in the rest of the summer, avoiding only the hottest periods of the year.
Case in which there is a risk of significantly stressing the Ficus, which begins to lose its leaves.
To read why ficus loses its leaves, click here.
Transplanting in early spring gives the plant’s roots more time to colonize the new soil and benefit from the extra space.
To understand if it is necessary to repot the Ficus, we can rely on various indicators:
- Root development: In the case of young plants, we can flare them and carefully observe the root system. In contrast, for larger plants (perhaps not repotted for a long time), the pressure inside the roots may cause the pot to “bulge”.
- Relationship between pot and foliage: Although the Ficus grows well in relatively narrow pots when the foliage size appears disproportionate to that of the container, it is necessary to resort to repotting or pruning the branches.
- Watering frequency: If you have to water the ficus too often during the summer, it could mean that the root ball cannot retain enough water.
- Problems in growth: Various issues can arise when the pot is small, or the soil has become very compacted. From growth slowdown and leaf yellowing to leaf loss.
Now that we have determined the appropriate time to transplant the Ficus benjamina, let’s then proceed with the operation.
How To Repot Ficus Benjamina, Elastica, And Lyrata
The repotting of Ficus benjamina, as well as that of robusta and lyrata, does not differ much from traditional repotting.
First, you need to remove the plant from its pot, keeping the lump of earth intact, especially in the central area where the primary and largest roots are located.
Subsequently, any broken roots are eliminated, and the plant is transplanted into a pot two or three sizes larger than the previous one.
The procedure explained step by step is this:
- Remove the Ficus from the original pot: In the case of small specimens, it is very simple, while for larger, firmer plants, you need to lay them on their side and gently “dig” along the perimeter of the pot until they lose their grip. It was always important to be careful not to damage the roots too much.
- Cut broken roots: If some are broken during the first step, you must cut them and remove them from the earthen block with your fingers. You don’t need to be particularly meticulous.
- Put some soil in the bottom of the pot. The new pot will probably be a little higher than the old one, so you need to put soil in the bottom so you can place the plant correctly later.
- Put the Ficus in the middle of the pot: Soil should be put in the empty places around the pot’s edges. Putting the plant at the same depth as before is important, so don’t cover the collar anymore. Then, press down on the sides of the dirt to make it more stable.
- For the first few weeks after repotting, give the plant a lot of water and put it somewhere bright but out of direct sunlight.
Root Pruning
If you have a large Ficus benjamina and want to limit its growth, you can prune part of the roots and reuse the same pot.
In this case, the operation should be carried out at the end of winter, when the plant is less reactive and latex production is reduced.
In these cases, cutting the outside of the root system is necessary, leaving the central core and the already lignified primary roots undisturbed.
Use scissors or shears sterilized with bleach or flame to avoid transmitting pathogens to the plant.
Subsequently, repot the Ficus using soft, draining soil without watering for a few days. This short dry period serves to heal the cuts and avoid the onset of rot.
Finally, the foliage must be reduced in proportion to the volume of roots cut.
This will prevent some branches or leaves from drying out because the plant is no longer able to nourish them.
Soil For Ficus Benjamina
The ideal soil for Ficus benjamina must be light, draining and fertile.
This plant loves abundant watering alternating with dry phases, and it is therefore important that the substrate has good porosity and does not remain wet for too long.
A lightened all-purpose or green plant potting soil with about 15% perlite is perfect. Alternatively (or together) with perlite, you can also use sand in a slightly higher percentage, around 20-25%.
To cover the plant’s nutritional needs for the entire growing season, I recommend mixing slow-release osmocote fertilizer into the substrate.
This will prevent you from having to fertilize the Ficus in the six months following repotting manually and guarantee the plant’s vigorous growth and always green leaves.
Repotting The Ficus Ginseng (Macrocarpa) Bonsai
The best time to repot the Ficus ginseng bonsai is the beginning of spring.
It should be done on average every 2-3 years when the roots have completely colonized the lump of earth and begin to spiral along the perimeter of the pot until they take over. form.
In April, gently unseat the plant from the container to observe the root system. If it is full of roots, you need to repot it. If it still has soil to grow in, wait until the following spring.
Repotting a Ficus bonsai differs from the traditional one in three things:
- Size of the pot: Small pots are used to contain the development of the bonsai so that the roots do not have the opportunity to expand too much, and consequently, the foliage also remains compact. The branches of Ficus ginseng must also be pruned for this purpose, but that is another story.
- Root pruning: If you want to reuse the original pot (or even a smaller one), you must prune about 20% of the root system. After delicately removing the soil with a stick, proceed by cutting the longer roots and the broken ones. This process is not necessary if you are repotting into a larger container.
- Type of soil: If you intend to grow Ficus ginseng as a true bonsai, it is best to use a substrate composed largely of inert materials, such as akadama, pumice, or seramis mixed with universal soil. Suppose you want to treat it more like a conventional plant. In that case, you can use potting soil for green plants or a universal one lightened by 30% with perlite or one of the mentioned materials.
Soil For Ficus Ginseng
The ideal soil for the Ficus ginseng bonsai must have good water retention and the ability to retain nutrients (cation exchange capacity).
But at the same time, it must offer good drainage to drain excess water.
To achieve this purpose, two or three materials must be mixed to exploit their advantages and mitigate their disadvantages.
The choice of the ideal mix depends a little on how you want to grow the Ficus,
- if you treat it as a bonsai, you must opt for a substrate of approximately 40% peat and 60% inert materials. For example, 40% torna, 30% akadama, and 30% fine volcanic lapillus.
- If, however, it is grown as a normal tropical plant, you can use a mix of peat and perlite in a 3:1 ratio.
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