Tree Dimentions:
Height: ±190mm (incl Pot)
Pot: ±160 x 120mm
Thickness of base: 34mm
This tree is currently recovering from frost damage. Updates will be provided as soon as the tree bounces back.
Species profile and care guide:
Ficus Burtt-davyii is an endemic Southern African species of Ficus, it has a wide range including coastal scrub, inland forests and the Karoo region. The species is found growing in many forms depending on local one of the more interesting forms occurs in the drier Karoo where the tree is known for growing on and around rocks often splitting them. This species has powerful fast growing roots that make it an excellent specimen for a root over rock planting.
The Burtt-davyii Ficus has some very interesting features that will draw your eye and create interest as a Bonsai. The tree has a tendency to produce multiple stems and develops appealing smooth grey bark. Aerial roots can be developed for even more interest, we managed to develop aerial roots in JHB on one of our personal trees with ease and without the use of a humidity tray. To fully develop aerial roots we do however recommend the use of a humidity tray in less humid areas as the aerial roots will either not develop or become shrivelled before reaching the soil.
This species does produce fruits which are small round figs that are spotted and green when developing and turn a beautiful purple-brown when ripe. The leaves on this species are large but can easily be reduced to a small size another reason this species can make excellent Bonsai.
Grow your Ficus in full sun to slight partial shade for vigorous and healthy growth. This species is not frost tolerant and a frost cover should be used if you intent to leave it outdoors during the winter, however we do not recommend leaving it outdoors if the temperate drops below freezing. If temperatures drop below freezing you can overwinter in a greenhouse or tunnel but if you do not have access to these options you can always move the tree indoors for the winter and position it on a north facing sunny window.
This species requires a well-draining Bonsai soil, the soil should be moist but not water-logged allow for good drainage but do not let the soil dry out completely. Repotting can be done in late winter/early spring every 2-3 years for best results.
Pruning is easy with this species as it can tolerate a heavy prune producing a bunch of back-buds. Partial or full defoliation can be practiced coming out of winter setting up for an explosion of new growth in spring. Be cautious when wiring this species although the branches are flexible a branch can tear off if too much pressure is put on the origination point.
