{"product_id":"untitled-aug7_12-20-10","title":"Bonsai Ficus Retusa","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduction\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Ficus retusa is one of our favourite bonsai trees for beginners. Its glossy leaves, characterful trunk and forgiving nature make it a handsome, rewarding addition to the home. As a tropical plant, it enjoys warmth, bright light and a consistent routine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFicus retusa originates from the warm, humid regions of South and Southeast Asia. In its natural habitat, it grows as a large evergreen tree. Bonsai cultivation keeps it compact while showcasing its attractive trunk, fine branches and dense foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlace your bonsai in bright, indirect light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA little gentle morning or evening sunshine is beneficial.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid harsh midday sun through glass, as it may scorch the leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTurn the pot regularly to encourage balanced growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring darker British winters, move it closer to a bright window or consider using a grow light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatering\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCheck the compost regularly and water when the surface begins to feel slightly dry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater thoroughly until excess water drains from the bottom of the pot.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNever allow the tree to stand in water.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid letting the root ball dry out completely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReduce watering during winter, when growth naturally slows.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse room-temperature water where possible.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature and Humidity\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep your Ficus retusa in a warm room.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProtect it from cold draughts, radiators and sudden temperature changes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not allow the temperature to fall below approximately 12°C.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIncrease humidity by using a pebble tray or placing the tree near other houseplants.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight misting can help temporarily, but good watering and a naturally humid position are more effective.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeeding\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed every two weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid bonsai fertiliser.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDilute the feed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eReduce feeding to once a month in autumn.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeed sparingly, or pause feeding, during winter if the tree is not actively growing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDo not fertilise a dry or recently re-potted tree.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePruning and Shaping\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTrim new shoots after they have produced six to eight leaves, cutting them back to two or three leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRemove dead, damaged or crossing branches whenever necessary.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse clean, sharp bonsai scissors to make neat cuts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFicus trees respond well to pruning and can be shaped throughout the active growing season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf using wire, check it frequently—the branches thicken quickly, and wire can leave permanent marks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRepotting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRepot every two to three years, preferably in late spring or early summer.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse a free-draining bonsai compost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGently trim back a small amount of congested root growth when repotting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a pot with adequate drainage holes.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the tree warm, sheltered and evenly moist while it recovers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCommon Problems\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eYellow leaves may indicate overwatering, poor drainage or insufficient light.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCrispy or dropping leaves can be caused by underwatering, cold draughts or sudden changes in position.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSome leaf drop is common after bringing the plant home while it adjusts to its new surroundings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWatch for scale insects, spider mites and mealybugs, particularly in warm, dry rooms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWipe the leaves gently to remove dust and check regularly for pests.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePet Safety\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFicus retusa is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts milky sap can irritate the mouth, skin and digestive system.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePossible symptoms include drooling, vomiting, reduced appetite and skin irritation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eKeep the tree out of reach of pets and young children.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWear gloves when pruning if you have sensitive skin, and wash your hands afterwards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIf your pet chews the plant or develops symptoms, contact your vet promptly for advice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur Plant Tip\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eChoose a bright, settled position and avoid moving your bonsai unnecessarily. Ficus retusa thrives on consistency: steady warmth, plenty of light and careful watering will help it remain healthy and beautifully shaped for years to come.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSold without a decorative pot, colour and size may vary slightly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocal plant delivery or collection available in Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eD30 H40\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Green East","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58531572613501,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0622\/7410\/9627\/files\/805ECD1C-5D43-4515-9F99-1337E2D383D3.jpg?v=1786628785","url":"https:\/\/thegreeneast.co.uk\/products\/untitled-aug7_12-20-10","provider":"The Green East","version":"1.0","type":"link"}