Ficus microcarpa 'retusa'
Ficus Retusa is the indoor bonsai for the serious practitioner — for those who want to go further than the tuberous roots of Ficus Ginseng and start working a genuine tree.
Its smooth grey bark, small dark green glossy oval leaves, and capacity to develop spectacular aerial roots over time make it one of the most elegant indoor bonsai available. Native to the tropical zones of Southeast Asia, southern China, and India, Ficus Retusa is a vigorous tropical fig that forgives beginner mistakes while offering considerable development potential over the long term.
What distinguishes it from Ficus Ginseng: it is not sold with artificially swollen roots — it is a tree built by hand, branch by branch, year after year. Its rapid growth and excellent healing make it an ideal species for learning pruning and wiring techniques.
Important botanical note. In bonsai practice, the name Ficus Retusa is very commonly used out of commercial habit to designate forms of Ficus Microcarpa. The true botanical Ficus Retusa is extremely rare on the European market. The two species are very close, have identical cultural requirements, and morphological differences are minimal for the grower. Whatever the label on your tree, the advice in this guide applies.
Key characteristics:
Ficus Retusa is the indoor bonsai for the serious practitioner — for those who want to go further than the tuberous roots of Ficus Ginseng and start working a genuine tree.
Its smooth grey bark, small dark green glossy oval leaves, and capacity to develop spectacular aerial roots over time make it one of the most elegant indoor bonsai available. Native to the tropical zones of Southeast Asia, southern China, and India, Ficus Retusa is a vigorous tropical fig that forgives beginner mistakes while offering considerable development potential over the long term.
What distinguishes it from Ficus Ginseng: it is not sold with artificially swollen roots — it is a tree built by hand, branch by branch, year after year. Its rapid growth and excellent healing make it an ideal species for learning pruning and wiring techniques.
Important botanical note. In bonsai practice, the name Ficus Retusa is very commonly used out of commercial habit to designate forms of Ficus Microcarpa. The true botanical Ficus Retusa is extremely rare on the European market. The two species are very close, have identical cultural requirements, and morphological differences are minimal for the grower. Whatever the label on your tree, the advice in this guide applies.
Key characteristics: