The Ficus ginseng, a striking botanical masterpiece, is one of the most charismatic indoor trees you can bring into your home or office. Commonly known across the UK and the English-speaking world as the Ginseng Fig or Bonsai Fig, it is instantly recognisable by its thick, bulbous aerial roots that resemble the shape of a ginseng root. Standing at a substantial 70cm tall in a 27cm pot, this specimen is a mature, eye-catching piece that bridges the gap between a small tabletop plant and a full-sized floor tree, offering immediate natural beauty and architectural elegance.

Foliage and Aesthetic

As a hardy evergreen, the Ginseng Fig provides a permanent, year-round display of lush green leaves. These leaves are small, oval, and possess a beautiful glossy sheen that catches the light, adding a touch of natural charm to your interior design. While it is a true member of the fig family, it almost never flowers or produces fruit indoors. Because it does not bloom in a domestic setting, it is completely unscented, making it a perfect choice for those who want a sculptural green companion without any floral perfumes. The plant is smooth-stemmed and entirely free of thorns or spines, making it a pleasure to handle and prune into your desired shape.

Care and Versatility

The Ficus ginseng is celebrated for its graceful appearance and its remarkably low-maintenance nature. It is a versatile and adaptable plant, making it a "breeze" to care for even for those with a busy lifestyle.

• Light: This Ficus thrives in half-shadow (partial shade). It loves a bright room with indirect sunlight but is quite forgiving; finding the ideal spot is easy as it adapts well to different lighting conditions, provided it is shielded from the harshest direct midday sun.

• Irrigation: It requires only minimal attention to grow and thrive. Generally, watering once a week is sufficient—simply ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. It enjoys having its soil dry out slightly between waterings.

• Maintenance: To keep its lush appearance, you can occasionally mist the leaves or wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dust. Because it grows in a bonsai-like fashion, it responds very well to occasional light pruning to maintain its compact, "cloud-like" canopy.

Note: The Ficus ginseng is toxic if ingested. Like many plants in the Ficus genus, its stems and leaves contain a milky sap that can be a skin irritant and may cause distress to pets or humans if eaten. It is best placed where it can be admired visually but kept out of reach of curious nibblers.