Ficus Retusa (Ginseng Bonsai Tree)

We love the sculptural beauty of the Ficus retusa, also known as the Indian Laurel Fig or Banyan Fig. With its glossy dark green leaves and striking aerial roots, it’s one of the most elegant indoor bonsai trees you can grow. Compact, hardy, and easy to shape, it’s perfect for beginners wanting to try bonsai, while still offering all the character of a mature indoor tree.

Buying it as a gift? We’ll include a free handwritten card — just add your message at checkout. We’ll wrap it with care and leave out the paperwork or price tags, creating a lovely surprise for the recipient.

Native habitat and growth pattern
Ficus retusa is native to Southeast Asia, where it grows as a tropical tree in warm, humid environments. In the wild, it develops large aerial roots that grow down into the soil, creating the classic banyan tree form. Indoors, it adapts beautifully as a container plant or bonsai, with dense foliage and roots that can be trained into dramatic shapes.

Size
W9cm x H20cm or W12cm x H30cm. Supplied in a plastic nursery pot.

Styling tips

• A perfect bonsai-style tree for desks, shelves, or hallways

• Its aerial roots and dense foliage give it a unique architectural quality

• Complements minimalist, Zen-inspired, or tropical interiors

• Makes an unusual and elegant living gift

Ficus retusa care guide

Light requirements:
Tolerates lower light than many bonsai, but prefers bright, indirect light. A north- or west-facing window is ideal.

Watering:
Keep the soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top layer to dry a little between waterings.

Feeding:
Feed once a month in spring and summer. We recommend our vegan, organic Original Plant Food for strong, healthy growth.

Humidity:
Average household humidity is fine, but occasional misting helps in drier rooms.

Pet safety:
Toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of cats and dogs.

Propagation:
Can be propagated from cuttings, though it is slow to establish.

Why choose this plant?

The Ficus retusa is one of the most rewarding bonsai trees for indoor growing. Unlike many bonsai that demand constant attention, this fig is hardy and forgiving, making it the ideal introduction to bonsai for beginners. Its thick aerial roots, compact size, and glossy foliage create a striking, sculptural look that adds elegance and tranquillity to any space.

It’s also incredibly versatile. Whether you want a miniature tree for a desk, a living feature for a shelf, or a bonsai to train and shape over time, the Ficus retusa adapts beautifully. Its resilience and low-maintenance care requirements mean it’s a great choice for busy homes, while still offering the unique presence of a true bonsai.

As a gift, it’s perfect for anyone who loves unusual plants, design-led interiors, or the calming art of bonsai. With its graceful form and rainforest feel, it makes a stylish and thoughtful living present.

FAQs

Is Ficus retusa a good bonsai for beginners?
Yes — it’s one of the easiest bonsai trees to grow indoors and is much more forgiving than most bonsai species.

How big will it get indoors?
Kept as a bonsai, it usually reaches 20–40cm tall. With age and space, it can grow larger if allowed.

Why are the leaves on my Ficus retusa turning yellow?
This is usually due to overwatering or low light. Allow the soil to dry slightly and move to brighter indirect light.

Can Ficus retusa live in low light?
It will tolerate lower light conditions, but growth is stronger and leaves glossier in bright, indirect light.

Do I need to prune my bonsai regularly?
Yes — pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages denser foliage.

Explore more
Looking for more colourful or low-maintenance plants? Browse our Easy Care Houseplants or explore our Tropical Indoor Plants. For care tips, dormancy advice and more, check out our indoor plant blog.