The Bonsai Ginseng is a fantastic beginner bonsai for all ages given its hardy nature and ability to bounce back if it has been neglected.
Other names for this plant include Ficus ginseng and ginseng bonsai, regardless of its name it is a wonderful plant because it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor conditions (excluding extreme temperatures).
You will often find that when you purchase a Bonsai Ginseng plant it has small rocks or pebbles glued to it around the base of the trunk. The reason for this is somewhat baffling and perhaps has something to do with department stores such as Wal-Mart dressing them up to look pretty and hence drive sales.
Quite often these plants come in an average looking pot (not a bonsai pot) too small to allow it to really grow and thrive, which is what you as an owner will want.
The first step following a Bonsai Ginseng purchase should be to remove the pebbles and if possible re-pot the plant into a slightly larger and better quality pot in order to allow better drainage and room for the plants roots system to grow and take hold. The benefit of which will be a healthier, more dense foliage and further down the track, better trunk and root system.
It is important to give the plant a good soak and do this by watering from above. This will remove minerals and salts from the soil and in a way will cleanse the plant.
Something I have learnt over time and through trial and error is that Bonsai Ginseng like to be left outside during summer and brought inside during autumn leading up to the cooler months of winter. The reason being that the Ficus ginseng plant is of a tropical heritage where home is in warmer parts of the world like Taiwan. Obviously, keeping the plant indoor or outdoors will depend on where you live and the temperatures that are common in your area so it may be worthwhile speaking with your local nursery to get specifics for your climate.
Finally, pruning is something that will be tempting for most new bonsai owner's but it is important not to jump the gun particularly after having followed the steps above. Allowing the plant to really take hold and root systems to grow is important before pruning your Bonsai Ginseng. Once new buds begin to form towards the top of the plant you can begin pruning, but remember steady wins the race and do your research!
If you liked the above article you may like to visit my Bonsai Ginseng specific blog at http://www.bonsaiginseng.net.
Additionally if you have any questions feel free to touch base.
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