Natal fig bonsai care

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Natal fig (locally aka ‘Mutuba‘) is an evergreen tree which has a tendency of growing into a woody shrub or an imposing tree.

It branches heavily with narrow branches, and the branches are densely packed with blunt, robust, dark green colored leaves.

The almost ‘spatula-shaped‘ leaves are glossy and leathery with a flat tip that is slightly wavy.

The tree also produces fruits that grow in pairs from the axils of leaves.

The bark of the tree also gives the trunk an appealing look with its silver grey color and brown colored vertical stripes.

Additionally, when the natal fig bonsai tree is subjected to high humidity, it is very likely to produce aerial roots. (much like weeping fig bonsai and banyan fig bonsai)

These roots beautifully complement whatever bonsai style you achieve with your bonsai. However, to accomplish this, you will have to let the branches grow for a reasonable amount of time.

Ficus natalensis bonsai needs less care. In fact this is one of the hardest ficus varieties used for bonsai. Therefore, it is particularly recommended for beginners.

Also, the tree is quite tolerant of low light conditions. Hence making it a viable indoor bonsai tree as well.

Read more about other bonsai trees species in : Bonsai tree care

Best location to keep Natal fig Bonsai

A warm and bright location is ideal for a natal fig bonsai tree. However, it can also thrive in partial shade or even lower light levels. It is worth noting that for maximum growth and vigor, full sun is recommended.

It can even be kept indoors. A suitable temperature range is 59°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C).

Keep the bonsai container near a south or west facing window. Ficus natalensis is pretty hardy and will tolerate direct sunlight and can even be placed near a heat source.

Keep one thing in mind: let the plant acclimatize gradually to direct sunlight.

In the summer, you can keep the bonsai outdoors if you wish to. You should, however, bring the tree indoors when the temperature drops below 59°F (15°C).

In the winter, keep the bonsai in a location where the temperature does not fall below 54°F (12°C).

IMP: Refer sunlight requirements for indoor plants for more indoor gardening ideas. Also, refer to do bonsai trees need sunlight for more indoor and outdoor bonsai location ideas.

Propagation of Natal fig

Natal fig tree can be propagated using cuttings and seeds.

The seeds will germinate within 2 weeks. Use a sandy growing medium.

In case you have access to the fruit of the tree, you can just sow the whole fruit in the potting medium. Before sowing the fruit, squish the fruit in your hand.

When using cuttings, take the cuttings in summer. You can plant the cuttings in the rooting medium made of sand and peat moss.

Keep the pot in a warm place and make sure that the soil is kept warm.

Watering Natal fig Bonsai

In nature, the tree can tolerate dry soil quite easily. However, when grown in a container, a consistent watering routine is always advisable.

Whenever the soil feels dry to the touch, water the bonsai.

In the winter, if the tree is kept in a cool location, water the tree sparingly.

You can use tap water to water your natal fig bonsai tree.

Read watering bonsai tree for more details.

Wiring Natal fig Bonsai

Bonsai Natal figs can be easily trimmed into a broom style. However, if you want to achieve another style, wire will probably be necessary.

When branches and twigs are lignified, wiring can be performed from mid- to late summer.

Branches that are one to three years old and have not grown too thick can be shaped with wire.

If the branch is thick or older and less flexible, it will need to be guyed down to a wire threaded through the container’s bottom.

Pruning Natal fig Bonsai

When to prune Natal fig bonsai?

How to prune Natal fig bonsai?

Natal plum is a vigorously growing tree and can be pruned throughout the year.

When the tree is young, and yet to grow thicker branches, let the new shoots develop around 12 leaves and then cut the shoot back to 2 leaves.

For a mature tree (with an established shape), however, you do not need to allow its branches to grow that far. You can prune them early, as and when required.

Early summer is the most ideal time for cutting leaves.

Repotting Natal fig Bonsai

When to repot Natal fig bonsai?

Ficus natalensis bonsai tree can be repotted every years. It also depends on if the roots of the tree are pot bound.

This tree can also tolerate vigorous root pruning at the time of repotting.

You can use a basic free-draining bonsai soil mix as a potting soil.

OR

You can use a mix of sand, peat moss and loam in the ratio 1:1:1.

OR

You can also use a mix of garden compost, sand and fired clay particles in the ratio 1:1:1.

Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes

Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container

Feeding Natal fig Bonsai

It is recommended that you use liquid bonsai fertilizer every 14 days from spring to summer.

You should not feed your bonsai during the winter unless the tree is located in an area that has a temperature between 64°F and 75°F degrees (18°C to 24°C). At this time, apply feed monthly.

Read more about bonsai fertilizer and its application.

Diseases and pest of Natal fig Bonsai

A Natal fig bonsai tree is not very susceptible to pest infestations.

Natal fig bonsai care

It is important to note that this tree is a tropical tree and will require a warm and humid climate in order to grow to its full potential.

Specially humidity is much needed for producing aerial roots.