The Art of Bonsai

Category: leaves

  • Leaves vary a lot

    One interesting thing to know is that Ficus leaves can vary greatly. They can vary in size, shape, texture, color etc. They even can vary on the same plant or whether the plant is growing strongly or just slowly. Growing figs from seed reveals also that almost every seedling shows some subtle or not so…

  • Identifying a Ficus by using the leaves

    Fig leaves are very variable from species to species. This is helpful in trying to identify a fig as belonging to a certain species. The problem is that the leaves on even a single plant can show great variation depending upon cultural conditions of light, moisture, growth in a container, wind, etc. As an example…

  • Ficus rumphii, a rare bonsai subject

    This is a Ficus rumphii, an unusual and rare bonsai subject in the west. This specimen is about 8 years old and seed grown. Leaves are large but reduce with defoliation. There is some random branch die back suggesting that this may not make the best bonsai subject. The bark is a rather stark whitish…

  • Fig leaves

    Ficus or figs are in a large family of plants showing many interesting and varied characteristics. One of the most interesting aspects of various figs is the leaf. Leaves can be large, smooth or hairy, glossy or dull and have many, many other variations. The photo below shows some fig leaves and their variation. The…