Best Fig tree for indoor Bonsai list (UK) - do you agree?

[astronoob]

Hi,

I'm reading a book on Figs, and the author listed some specimens which according to him are the best candidates for indoor Bonsai.
I've removed a few as Perplexity/ChatGPT mentioned they might not like it in the UK.

Anyway, here is the list:

Ficus salicaria (second best according to author) [small leaf, good branch ramification, basal rootage, aerial root formation)
Ficus rubiginosa (third best according to author) [larger leaves than salicaria, easy aerial roots growth]
Ficus burtt-davyi
Ficus microcarpa (larger leaves than Ficus salicaria) [more forgiving in tropical climate when it comes to heavy prunning)
Ficus natalensis (best according to author)
Ficus virens

What do you guys think?

I'm looking for a new tree so doing a research.

Thanks

 

[Shibui]

Ficus salicaria (willow leaf) is substantially more cold sensitive than F. rubiginosa or F. microcarpa and will often drop leaves when conditions change. Small leaves of willow leaf are great but being so sensitive is not. It's well down my list.
I have no experience with F. natalensis so can't give an opinion on that one but I have grown plenty of F. rubiginosa. Leaves are large but reduce substantially as you build ramification. Hardy down to around 0C though a little warmer in winter is better. Drought hardy, can be pruned back to bare wood and sprouts new shoots easily, tolerates massive root reduction, fuses really easily and thickens quickly under optimum conditions. It's also an Aussie native so must be good!
Ficus microcarpa is a widespread species so comes in a range of forms with different shape and size leaves. Leaf size reduces well. Not quite so resilient to pruning or root reduction or as fast growing as F. rubiginosa in my experience.

 

[leatherback]

I'm looking for a new tree so doing a research.

have you confirmed you can actually get these plants in the UK?
Often the availability is more limiting than the species.

I find microcarpa is most readily used in NW europe

 

[astronoob]

have you confirmed you can actually get these plants in the UK?
Often the availability is more limiting than the species.

I find microcarpa is most readily used in NW europe

No but I know that it might be an issue.
Just wanted to create a list to know what to look for.

I don’t want microcarpa as It’s not hardy enough when it comes to pruning a lot and reducing roots.

 

[leatherback]

I don’t want microcarpa as It’s not hardy enough when it comes to pruning a lot and reducing roots.

what do you mean with not hardi enough? Are you planning on keeping it outside yearround?

 

[astronoob]

what do you mean with not hardi enough? Are you planning on keeping it outside yearround?

Damn sorry I was thinking of Benjamina.

Edit:
Now I got confused lol, I know that Benjamina and Microcarpa might not survive super heavy pruning of stems and roots.

And I’m looking for a “chad” of fig trees.

 

[leatherback]

Now I got confused lol, I know that Benjamina and Microcarpa might not survive super heavy pruning of stems and roots.

never had trouble with either one of them.

 

[RozendaalArts]

Damn sorry I was thinking of Benjamina.

Edit:
Now I got confused lol, I know that Benjamina and Microcarpa might not survive super heavy pruning of stems and roots.

And I’m looking for a “chad” of fig trees.

From my linited experience with both Microcarpa and Benjamina I know that Benjamina doesn't backbud very easily but grows quickly, Microcarpa backbuds easily but grows a lot slower.

 

[Paradox]

I think willow leaf (Ficus salicaria) is the best ficus for bonsai.
It has small leaves and can get good ramification for small bonsai
Ficus natalensis is also very good if not equal IMO