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Fig Tree Bonsai Care Guide (Ficus carica)

Fig Tree

Ficus carica

Ficus carica, the Common Fig, is an ancient Mediterranean species cultivated for its sweet fruit, robust growth, and dramatic trunk formations. With bold foliage and strong apical dominance, it’s an excellent bonsai candidate for growers who enjoy expressive, fast-developing trees. Fig bonsai offer a seasonal cycle of budding, fruiting, and leaf drop, making them highly engaging for both novices and advanced enthusiasts. Symbolic of abundance, renewal, and longevity, Ficus carica is ideal for expressive bonsai work rooted in regenerative tradition.


Ficus carica, Turkey Fig
Ficus carica, Turkey Fig

Habitat

Figs thrive in sunny, warm regions with free-draining soils and long summers. They are tolerant of drought, heat, and pruning. In bonsai, they require good airflow, bright light, and a soil mix that drains well but retains some moisture during fruiting periods.


Bonsai Care Guide for Fig Tree (Ficus carica)

Bonsai Styles and Sizes

With bold leaf texture and strong trunks, Figs suit:

  • Informal Upright (Moyogi)

  • Slanting (Shakan)

  • Broom Style (Hokidachi)

  • Multi-trunk (Sokan)

  • Naturalistic, grove, and fusion styles

Best suited to Chuhin and Dai sizes (30–90+ cm) to balance leaf size. With long-term pruning, Shohin is achievable but challenging.


Light Requirements

Optimal Exposure

Figs need full sun for at least 6–8 hours daily. This encourages strong trunks, compact leaf growth, and fruit production.


Seasonal Adjustments

Figs are frost-sensitive. In winter, move to a cool, bright indoor space or greenhouse. They can go semi-dormant or fully deciduous depending on temperature.

Watering Techniques


Regular Watering

Water thoroughly when the topsoil begins to dry. Figs dislike consistently soggy soil but need regular moisture during hot periods or when fruiting.


Seasonal Watering

In winter dormancy, reduce watering. Resume full watering in spring as growth restarts.

Soil and Fertilisation

Traditional Soil Composition

  • 50% Akadama

  • 25% pumice

  • 25% lava rock or composted bark

This ensures strong drainage with moisture retention for fruiting.


Sustainable Soil Composition

Figs enjoy slightly richer soil than most bonsai:

  • 30% home-made compost

  • 20% vermicast

  • 20% leaf mould

  • 20% coarse sand or lava rock

  • 10% biochar

Avoid wood ash, which can overly alkalise the mix.


Fertilisation Schedule

  • Use only organic fertilisers, ideally with balanced N:P:K (e.g. 5:5:5)

  • Apply every 2–3 weeks during the active growing and fruiting season

  • Do not fertilise for at least two weeks after repotting

  • Liquid compost teas or worm extract are ideal for figs

Repotting a field grown Ficus carica

Pruning and Shaping

Structural Pruning

Hard prune in late winter or early spring, just before bud swell. Figs tolerate heavy pruning and backbud readily.


Maintenance Pruning

Pinch back to 1–2 leaves after 6–8 have grown. Leaf size reduces with consistent pruning.


Wiring Techniques

Wire in spring or autumn. Use caution, fig wood is brittle and prone to snapping. Figs respond well to clip-and-grow shaping.



Ideal Time to Repot

Early spring, before buds open.

Frequency of Repotting

  • Young trees: Every 1–2 years

  • Older trees: Every 3–4 years

Best Practices

  • Figs have vigorous roots; prune up to 50% if necessary

  • Ensure good drainage

  • Provide shelter and reduce watering for 1–2 weeks post-repot

  • Delay fertiliser application by at least two weeks


Seasonal Protection

  • Winter: Keep in a frost-free indoor location or cold frame. Fig roots are vulnerable to deep freezes.

  • Summer: Full sun preferred. In hot climates, shade shallow pots to avoid overheating roots.

  • Rainy Season:

    • Tilt the pot to encourage runoff

    • Use clear plastic covers to protect from waterlogging

    • Elevate pots to ensure good drainage


Pest and Disease Management

Common Pests

  • Scale

  • Spider mites

  • Fig rust (fungal)

  • Aphids (especially on young shoots)

Use neem oil or organic insecticides. Improve airflow and light penetration to prevent fungal infections.


Disease Prevention

Water in the morning, avoid overhead watering, and prune dense foliage. Remove any fallen figs or leaves from the soil surface.


Propagation

Seed Propagation

Possible, but rarely used for bonsai due to variability. Germination can be erratic.


Cuttings

Fig trees root very easily. Take semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings in spring or late summer. No rooting hormone usually required.


Sustainability

a) Companion Bonsai

Great display companions include:

  • Punica granatum (Pomegranate)

  • Arbutus unedo (Strawberry Tree)

  • Ceratonia siliqua (Carob Tree)

They complement the fig’s bold structure and fruiting cycle.


b) Guild Species and Soil Health

  • Basil, comfrey, or calendula nearby enrich the ecosystem

  • Use vermicast and compost for nitrogen and microbial diversity

  • Add leaf mould to encourage fungal balance

  • Biochar improves water retention in hot climates

  • Avoid ash or lime—figs prefer neutral to slightly acidic conditions


Misc Notes

  • Figs drop leaves naturally in winter (especially in cooler climates)

  • The milky sap can irritate skin—wear gloves when pruning

  • Symbol of fertility, wisdom, and abundance across cultures from the Levant to the Mediterranean


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