The Ficus Ginseng (botanically correct Ficus microcarpa) is a very popular houseplant thanks to its bizarre growth. However, it takes many years before it reaches the desired shape with the typical aerial roots and it needs a targeted pruning.

A Ficus Ginseng can be brought into good shape at any time

Pruning a "normal" houseplant

Without pruning, the Ficus Ginseng reaches a size of about one and a half to two meters in the apartment. A pruning is not necessary for the healthy development of the plant. So if you have enough space, you don't have to prune your ficus. In a well-chosen location, it is relatively easy to care for.

Of course, dry or diseased shoots should always be removed promptly. You can also cut branches that grow too densely or cross one another without hesitation. If your Ficus Ginseng becomes too bulky over time, thin out the crown a little.

Cut the ficus ginseng as a bonsai

The Ficus Ginseng is often grown as a bonsai. Then he needs a little different care and a targeted cut. Interestingly, you can even shape the bizarre aerial roots according to your ideas by appropriate cutting measures and subsequent grafting. A grooming cut is recommended about every five to six weeks.

Prune the root ball

A pruning of the roots of the Ficus Ginseng is only necessary when training as a bonsai, but can also be used to make the aerial roots appealing. Proceed carefully and leave enough roots so that the sufficient water supply is also guaranteed in the future. Ideally, you combine the root cut with the repotting of your ficus ginseng.

What should I consider when cutting?

Like other Ficus species, Ficus microcarpa produces a milky sap that is irritating to the skin. Therefore, you should always wear gloves when pruning your laurel fig. Equally important is the cleaning and care of the tool. Blunt tools can easily injure the plant to be trimmed and germs can be transmitted through a lack of cleanliness.

In principle, pruning is possible all year round if your Ficus Ginseng is cultivated as a houseplant. The prerequisite for this is an ambient temperature of around 20 °C. After a cool hibernation, spring is particularly suitable for pruning.

The essentials in brief:

  • Wear gloves, the sap irritates the skin
  • very cut compatible
  • Pruning encourages branching
  • does not sprout from old wood
  • do not cut strong branches during the growth phase
  • Treat larger cuts with wood ash or wound dressing
  • pruning is not absolutely necessary for indoor plants
  • Remove diseased or dried shoots as soon as possible
  • Root cutting possible

tips

Wear gloves when pruning your Ficus Ginseng to avoid contact with the plant sap and skin irritation.

Category:

Indoor plants