Ficus Ginseng, a bonsai to be discovered!

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Ficus Ginseng: a name, a certainty! An unmissable variety among bonsaists from all over the world, so much so that it has even taken on the quality of a piece of furniture or design in recent years. We all know it as one of the most resistant and at the same time intriguing bonsai thanks to its splendid roots. But what does the name ginseng actually derive from? And why does it have this particular appearance?

ts history is thousand-year-old and revolves around China: in a funerary painting of Prince Zhang huai, 705 d.c., a valet is also depicted carrying a vase containing a Ficus retusa. An interesting theory concerns the fact that the name "ginseng" derives from the Chinese words "Jen-Shen", which means "plant of man" because the roots themselves resemble the legs of a human figure. At the same time, if you look closely, you can also find a similarity with those of the famous curative plant (yes, the one from which the famous coffee also derives!) With which however it has no botanical relationship.
Impressive Indian beliefs say that the ficus that grow around the houses ensure the protection of the Gods: further confirmation of the value that was given to this plant in relation to man.

Eccentric and fascinating: the Ficus Ginseng has all the qualities to amaze

The bonsai Ginseng is nothing but a variety of Ficus retusa (also called Ficus Microcarpa) and in nature is a giant: it reaches even 25 meters! In addition to the sympathy that inspires with its forms, it is also interesting the meaning that it represents: a wish of long life and health, since the existence of ficus is really lasting if properly cultivated.
Unlike other bonsai, it is usually not worked in the trunk to take on this aspect, gnarled and wrinkled because it already has it! Especially for larger specimens, the roots of Ficus ginseng grow up to stand on the ground as if they were to raise the plant in flight. It is therefore a plant that is already suited by nature to the bonsaistic Neagari style, one of the most scenographic ever, where the plant is enhanced by the shape of the roots.

Ficus ginseng, a bonsai with many qualities

Why is bonsai ginseng one of the most famous indoor plants? The first answer is simple: the climate of most of our homes reflects the natural habitat where these plants live. And then, a good reason to choose a ficus ginseng is the fact that, like all the other varieties of this family, it has the ability to purify the air from substances harmful to our respiratory system.
The bonsai Ginseng rarely flowers in the cultivation inside but in compensation, as the Ficus Carica (or the "common" fig), sometimes produces small yellowish fruits at the end of spring or early summer and in September!
Considering that the care of this plant is very simple, a Ficus ginseng is great if you have just ventured into the world of bonsai.
It 'an indoor plant, but if you want in the summer you can place it for some time on the outside, in a semi-shaded place. Considering that he lives well even in the fog, which is abundantly present in the rainforests, he provides the right moisture to survive. But be careful for those who live near the sea! Our advice is to repair it, because the leaves do not tolerate saltiness, nor the climate is too cold.
Can we prune it? Of course, yes, they are plants that bear pruning even in a "drastic" way, because it always favors the production of new leaves. Simple to create is also the soil that needs our bonsai Ficus ginseng (also for a possible repotting), you can mix Akadama and universal soil by adding a little 'sand.

What are you waiting for, then, to try your hand at this fantastic plant? Few and simple attention and the Ficus Ginseng will give great satisfaction: you can show off proudly in any corner of your home or your office!
We give you some advice on the style to combine with your Bonsai di ficus ginseng! Take a look at the varieties in our store (you can find them in the links below) and have fun choosing your vase:
Ficus Ginseng L