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

[Orion_metalhead]

Nigel's best ficuses are his oldest Microcarpa and his frankenficus benjamina, in my opinion.

 

[astronoob]

Nigel's best ficuses are his oldest Microcarpa and his frankenficus benjamina, in my opinion.

He got the tree in a bad state (in his opinion), I would guess his best trees are much older. But I don't know, only watched a few videos.

As for Benjamina here is a little quote from Jerry Meislik:

Ficus benjamina is most frequently used for bonsai. Although I included it in the list of suitable bonsai, it is among the least suitable figs for indoor growers. Benjamina may die-back on the trunk or twigs if severely cut back, and unfortunately F. benjamina also drops leaves rather easily when stressed. Some of the smaller-leafed dwarf cultivars are superior to the full size ben-jamina due to the size of their leaves and their slightly diminished tendency to dieback. Fortunately growers in tropical countries have an easier time dealing with E. benjamina as a bonsai subject, especially when grown

 

[darzuo]

Are you planning on growing it fully indoors? Usually trees (not just tropicals) should be vigorous and healthy before doing drastic prunings. I think it could be difficult to get a tree vigorous as you would want indoors outside of getting a proper grow tent.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

He got the tree in a bad state (in his opinion), I would guess his best trees are much older. But I don't know, only watched a few videos.

As for Benjamina here is a little quote from Jerry Meislik:

I have not had any of this experience in my conditions with benjamina. You just have to treat the tree with the techniques which work well for it.

 

[astronoob]

Are you planning on growing it fully indoors? Usually trees (not just tropicals) should be vigorous and healthy before doing drastic prunings. I think it could be difficult to get a tree vigorous as you would want indoors outside of getting a proper grow tent.

It was healthy and vigorous the last 6 years since I bought it, despite being in cheapest compost, no drainage, never repotted and next to radiator and windows open in winter.

But I might consider slowly getting it out in summer, slowly adapting to full sun.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Share a photo of the tree. Let's see what you're working with.

 

[astronoob]

Share a photo of the tree. Let's see what you're working with.

I feel too embarrassed to show it because I kind of rushed it and had zero sleep while working on it.

 

[astronoob]

 

[Orion_metalhead]

There looks to be some young buds, which is good. I'd get it as much light as possible. Once you start to see new growth and leaf extension, I would VERY lightly fertilize. Once temperatures reach above night time lows of 50degF, I would transition to an outside full sun location for a full summer. It is very weak. I would not prune it or touch it at all until you see vigorous growth. I would be careful with watering as well. Does that pot have drainage holes?

 

[astronoob]

There looks to be some young buds, which is good. I'd get it as much light as possible. Once you start to see new growth and leaf extension, I would VERY lightly fertilize. Once temperatures reach above night time lows of 50degF, I would transition to an outside full sun location for a full summer. It is very weak. I would not prune it or touch it at all until you see vigorous growth. I would be careful with watering as well. Does that pot have drainage holes?

Yes it does.

 

[leatherback]

I wouldn't say either is strictly better than microcarpa. In fact, I can't think of many species of trees as a whole that lends itself to bonsai techniques as much as F. microcarpa, and I think the most impressive ficuses I've ever seen have been F. microcarpa, although that may be because it's the most popular.

Agreed.
Of course, popularity typically indicates they are easy to grow and develop. Popularity and availability of tropical species outside of tropical regions typically means they take well to indoor overwintering under difficult circumstances.
Any plant species can be found. But that does not normally mean they make for easy bonsai. F microcarpa 'tigerbark' is sold by the millions for bonsai because they are very resistant to everything a beginner might throw at them.

sarcocaulis

Keep in mind this species is hardy in the ground but very frost sensitive in pots.

Cork Jade is also very hard to get

In the UK they are relatively easy to find. Imported a few myself.

 

[astronoob]

Agreed.
Of course, popularity typically indicates they are easy to grow and develop. Popularity and availability of tropical species outside of tropical regions typically means they take well to indoor overwintering under difficult circumstances.
Any plant species can be found. But that does not normally mean they make for easy bonsai. F microcarpa 'tigerbark' is sold by the millions for bonsai because they are very resistant to everything a beginner might throw at them.


Keep in mind this species is hardy in the ground but very frost sensitive in pots.


In the UK they are relatively easy to find. Imported a few myself.

Perhaps the other specimens require better soil or something which makes it more complicated and expensive to propagate etc. Which might not mean that they aren’t great indoors.

Would be nice to have input from someone who actually worked on those trees.

I have asked our favourite ChatGPT and I think it makes sense:

Here’s why it’s so rare in the UK compared to microcarpa:

1. Commercial propagation and supply chains
   • Ficus microcarpa has been mass-produced for decades in Southeast Asia (especially China and Thailand) for the global ornamental and bonsai market. It’s easy to root from cuttings, grows fast, and ships well — so garden centres, IKEA, and wholesalers stock it everywhere.
   • Ficus natalensis doesn’t have that same mass-propagation infrastructure. Most propagation happens on a small scale in Africa or by specialist nurseries, and it’s not part of mainstream ornamental production lines.
2. 
   
3. Import logistics and plant health regulations
   • UK importers rely heavily on EU and Asian wholesalers for tropical houseplants. Natalensis isn’t commonly grown in those regions, meaning it has to come from Africa — which involves extra paperwork, higher phytosanitary inspection costs, and longer shipping routes.
   • After Brexit, import rules tightened even further, so small or niche species like natalensis simply aren’t worth the hassle for most importers.
4. 
   
5. Market demand and awareness
   • Most UK buyers don’t know the difference between microcarpa, retusa, and natalensis. Retailers stock what sells fast and what’s cheap — and that’s microcarpa.
   • Only bonsai enthusiasts or serious collectors actively seek natalensis, so the market is too small to justify large imports.
6. 
   
7. Propagation difficulty
   • While natalensis is hardy once established, it’s slower and fussier to root from cuttings than microcarpa, and needs warm, stable humidity early on — not ideal for big greenhouse turnover.

So basically they most likely do whatever is cheaper, people are clueless so why try to import something else, which would mean additional supply chain, not being able to use cheapest compost, etc.

It can be same as food and other stuff, if you want proper imported food, often times you have to import it yourself lol, or you have to buy the junk at Tesco.

This is probably why the most popular “bonsai” is ficus “ginseng”.

 

[Paradox]

neither of which is easily available in Europe. As mentioned above. Just start off with finding out what is regularly available and used for bonsai in your region.

Well excuse me for not knowing the intricate details of the bonsai market in Europe.
Seems odd to me that they arent that common there as they are very common here and not native to here either. I think the EU is closer to native ficus areas than the US? (Dont have time to research native ranges for ficus atm)
Person asked for suggestions and I gave some. Up to them to find out what is available to them.
Sorry if Im a bit salty, been a very stressful month

 

[Paradox]

To each their own, but I wouldn't say either is strictly better than microcarpa. In fact, I can't think of many species of trees as a whole that lends itself to bonsai techniques as much as F. microcarpa, and I think the most impressive ficuses I've ever seen have been F. microcarpa, although that may be because it's the most popular. Do love me some willow leaf ficus leaves though.

I hate the internet sometimes....when I google Ficus microcarpa, it comes up with the ginsing ficus which is the one with the large bulbus tubers, that usually look rather ridiculous to me. If that is the same one you are referring to, Id have to disagree because I just dont like those roots. As you said, to each their own.

I have a tiger bark ficus as well and its not bad, I just prefer the willow leaf because of its growth patterns, but at least it doesnt have the bulbous tubers

Anyway, I hope you find something you like and works well for you

 

[astronoob]

Salicaria imo has the best looking leaves.

 

[astronoob]

the large bulbus tubers, that usually look rather ridiculous to me.

They usually look like a few glued together potatoes.
Mine luckily isn't as bad as most of those.

 

[Paradox]

Salicaria imo has the best looking leaves.
View attachment 619761

That is a nice tree

 

[darzuo]

I hate the internet sometimes....when I google Ficus microcarpa, it comes up with the ginsing ficus which is the one with the large bulbus tubers, that usually look rather ridiculous to me. If that is the same one you are referring to, Id have to disagree because I just dont like those roots. As you said, to each their own.

I have a tiger bark ficus as well and its not bad, I just prefer the willow leaf because of its growth patterns, but at least it doesnt have the bulbous tubers

Anyway, I hope you find something you like and works well for you

I think microcarpa is usually the root stock for ginsengs, which I dont love either. But as it's own plant I think it is very nice to work with and doesn't have to have the bulbous roots. FWIW I believe tiger bark is a cultivar of microcarpa as well.

 

[leatherback]

other specimens

specimens = individual. I think you meant to refer to species?

Seems odd to me that they arent that common there as they are very common here and not native to here either.

I think it may have to do with the fact that we do not have a tropical zone. So no real large scale propagation of tropical species happens within the open trade zone. Everything else needs to be imported, reducing commercial interest in anything but the best selling species (or on-demand import which gets pricey for the cheaper segment).

when I google Ficus microcarpa, it comes up with the ginsing ficus which is the one with the large bulbus tubers

That is the infamous Ginseng ficus. Which is not a species, but a product form. The species is well suited for bonsai; Here is one of mine in early development stage:

FWIW I believe tiger bark is a cultivar of microcarpa as well.

Indeed, as mentioed above:

F microcarpa 'tigerbark' is sold by the millions for bonsai

There is some discussion about the naming though, and some hint at there being multiple species of ficus being sold under the same spaces label.

As for fast growing.. I get up to 3ft extentions on this tree if I want to (I fo not because that causes very coarse growth) in a very non-tropical climate. It backbuds like no temperate species besides elms, and closes wounds like a champ. Fattens up quickly. Great species for bonsai, and just has a bad name because of the commercially available shapes and grafts leading people to feel that ficus is not suitable for bonsai.

 

[astronoob]

Btw. what do you guys think about putting cuttings into a pot full of wet/damp spaghnum moss?
I've seen people having much success with it, but with other indoor plants.