WILLOW LEAF FIG (FICUS SALICIFOLIA/FICUS NERIFOLIA)

by: Norberto Betita

Root-over-marble rock. Since 1999

In my bonsai hobby, I have learned to try to care for a Willow Leaf Ficus scientifically known as Ficus Salicifolia or Ficus Nerifolia. My original specimen was acquired as a very small commercial plant which was then grown in a shallow pot to be trained for a bonsai. I discovered that such a ficus variety seemed to be more resilient growing in a tropical environment as it is in the Philippines than all others of my ficus specimens. It is also one of the fastest growing varieties. During pruning I tried to experiment on growing a cutting from my original tree by plucking a branch where an aerial root grows. I found that this small branch were easily propagated and grown.

My oldest specimen is now more than fifteen years. I have been training ficus bonsai and other trees for already twenty years. I realized that the willow leaf ficus have very strong roots, particularly as concerns long exposure to heavy rains. I noticed that its roots are not easily decayed or drowned even when exposed to long wet pot soil during rainy season, unlike other ficus varieties. Its aerial roots are not easily subjected to insects or ants attacks.

Two trunks fused as one. Trained since 1998

During the last fifteen years I have discovered that its aerial roots can grow almost as big as its original trunk providing additional strength to the branches, especially when properly fed and cared for. I also tried a root-over-rock style and its roots held tight into the rock. Since my first commercial specimen, I should have raised more, but I do not have sufficient space for them to be properly sheltered. Most of my remaining few specimens is trained between thirteen to more than fifteen years. They are trained purely from small cuttings planted in a shallow pot. Inner roots can be left to grow without root-pruning and in due time it can grow bigger and longer to measure approximately one foot or more which could then be restyled for a root-over-rock specimen.

Three trunks fused since 1999

While it is recommended to conduct regeneration pruning at least two to three years, I do it almost every year during summer to reduce the size of its leaves. However, I noticed that after pruning the new leaves became smaller, but very soon the added numbers of new leaves are again back to its original size with longer twigs thereby increasing the size of the crown. They thrive very well even in the very hot sun, and just continue to produce new leaves all year round. Perhaps this is due to the tropical climate that we have in the Philippines. Sometimes twice in a year I have to prune the tree to reduce the crown to be in balance with the base.  

Single tree since 2000

Two of my remaining four specimens were fused; one with two trunks and another with three smaller trunks. Some of my specimens were already sold.

I so loved these plants and enjoyed caring for them and seeing them in my small backyard. I would recommend this variety for beginners because of its resilience that allows it to be grown even by neophyte hobbyist.