Golden Gate Ficus Trim and Shower

Last year I got Chris this Golden Gate Ficus bonsai tree for Valentine's day, and it arrived by mail in pretty good shape. I saw it putting out new leaves all throughout the summer, but I guess I didn't realize just how well it was doing until I compared it to the previous post.

We've had a rainy warm December, so I decided to give it a quick shower in the rain and then bring it back inside. I don't think it's supposed to get below 55°F but a quick rain in 46°F won't hurt anything. The rain also dusted off the leaves for me, and now they look waxy and gorgeous. 

I gave the leaves a quick trim to round out the shape and make it look more like a tree and less like a bush. I don't know what true bonsai trimming looks like, but I think as long as it looks like a mini tree I'm on the right track. 

Bonsai form Golden Gate Ficus after a quick trim. Before and after shots are another reason why I'm glad I keep this journal: Compare it to when it first arrived!

When I cut the thicker branches, some milk white sap came out of the tips. 

 I didn't take much off, just a few of the larger leaves. I tried to give it an overall rounded profile.

Golden Gate Ficus leaves trimmed up

Bonsai by Mail, Golden Gate Ficus

Golden Gate Ficus bonsai tree, mail order from one of those flower gift websites

I got Chris a bonsai tree for Valentine's Day instead of flowers, and it was my first time buying a live plant by mail. I got it from one of those flower gift websites because they are really good about guaranteed delivery on a specific date - but then I actually found this same tree cheaper on Amazon.



It came in a sturdy box and was completely covered in packing peanuts. I guess they were all helping to keep the tree snug during shipping, but wow 2 garbage bags of foam peanuts!

I'm pleased with the new addition the house (admittedly, it was sort of a gift for both of us). The Golden Gate Ficus [Ficus microcarpa] is known for its gray textured trunk that looks like tiger stripes - it's also known as the Tigerbark Fig. I hear it is great for bonsai beginners because it tolerates being indoors and grows quickly. We'll see! I know how to water but that's about it.

Spotted tiger bark!

Spotted tiger bark with a very ancient look. I think this tree is about 6 years old.