Ficus ginseng (Ficus microcarpa) makes a brilliant beginner bonsai trees. These indoor trees are also hardy and can last for decades with a bit of care and attention. One of the main things to remember is the environmental conditions where you locate these plants in your home or office. In this article, we’ll run through everything you need to know about the temperature and humidity tolerances for Ficus ginseng plants.
- Ficus Ginseng Temperature and Humidity Tolerances – The Essentials
- Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges Ficus Ginseng Receive in Their Native Habitats
- Signs That Your Ficus Ginseng is Exposed to the Wrong Temperature and Humidity
- Ideal Temperature and Humidity Conditions for Ficus Ginseng Trees
- How to Boost Humidity in Your Home
- Caring for Ficus Ginseng Plants in Spring and Summer
- Caring for Ficus Ginseng Trees During Winter
- Ficus Ginseng Temperature and Humidity Tolerances FAQs:
- Ficus Ginseng Temperature Tolerances – Wrapping Up
Ficus Ginseng Temperature and Humidity Tolerances – The Essentials
Ficus ginseng trees like warm temperatures and moderate to high humidity levels. Temperature levels should stay between 60 and 75ºF (15.5 to 24ºC). Ficus ginseng trees can handle winter temperatures as low as 54ºF (12ºC). Humidity levels should be kept above 50%. Protect the plant from cold drafts.
Typical Temperature and Humidity Ranges Ficus Ginseng Receive in Their Native Habitats
Ficus ginseng trees are native to tropical and subtropical areas of Southeast Asia, Australia, and islands in the West Pacific. They grow in a range of habitats, including rainforests and swamps. In most of these areas, Ficus ginseng trees receive humidity levels between 70 and 100%. This triggers the growth of aerial roots, helping the tree grow even larger.
In tropical areas, Ficus ginseng trees typically receive temperatures between 77 and 82ºF throughout the year. In subtropical climates, Ficus ginseng trees receive average temperatures between approximately 70 and 78ºF during the summer. Ficus ginseng trees can still survive in average winter temperatures of approximately 32ºF (0ºC).
Ficus ginseng trees are naturalized in the southeastern United States and Central and South America and will thrive in USDA Zones 9 to 11.
Signs That Your Ficus Ginseng is Exposed to the Wrong Temperature and Humidity
Even though Ficus ginseng trees are relatively hardy, they can still suffer in the wrong conditions. Some signs that your Ficus ginseng is exposed to the wrong temperature and humidity include:
Leaves Falling Off
If leaves have started falling off your Ficus ginseng tree, the surrounding air might be too dry. The plant might also be exposed to cold drafts, causing a drop in ambient temperature or humidity. Check for drafts and assess the location with a thermometer. If necessary, move your Ficus ginseng to a warm, sheltered room.
Brown Leaf Tips
If the leaves of your Ficus ginseng have turned brown at the tips, the air might be too dry. Other causes might be underwatering, too much direct sunlight, or exposure to cold drafts.
Drooping Leaves
Drooping Ficus ginseng leaves often indicate that the plant is suffering some form of temperature stress. The surrounding air might be too hot and dry or too cold, depending on the conditions. The temperature may also have changed suddenly.
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing Ficus ginseng leaves are usually caused by overwatering or underwatering. However, this may have happened because temperature or humidity levels were too high or low. Dry air contributes to underwatering, while high humidity can cause overwatering if the soil doesn’t drain properly. Keep an eye out for any common ficus ginseng pests and diseases as well.Â
Ideal Temperature and Humidity Conditions for Ficus Ginseng Trees
Ficus ginseng trees prefer warm, stable temperatures and humid conditions, although they can handle colder conditions. During the spring and summer, Ficus ginseng trees prefer temperatures between 60 and 75ºF (15.5 to 24ºC). In the winter, Ficus ginseng trees can handle indoor temperatures that drop as low as 54ºF (12ºC).
Average household temperatures should be acceptable for Ficus ginseng trees for most of the year. However, it’s still a good idea to monitor the temperature around your plants using a thermometer. This helps you quickly identify whether the plant is too hot or cold if problems arise.
Ficus ginseng trees like humid environments with humidity levels of at least 50%. Depending on your climate, your home might provide enough humidity. But in most areas, you’ll have to boost humidity around your Ficus ginseng. The higher the humidity, the better the plant will grow.
When positioning your Ficus ginseng tree, choose somewhere that doesn’t experience cold or dry drafts. These drafts lower the temperature and humidity around your Ficus ginseng, which could cause the plant to start dropping leaves. Air vents, heaters or radiators, and open windows usually cause drafts.
Ficus ginseng trees prefer bright, indirect, or filtered light from east or southeast-facing windows. If your Ficus ginseng tree is exposed to too much direct sunlight, it will use more moisture. This can lower the humidity and dry out your plant, so protect Ficus ginseng trees from direct sunlight.
As they’re usually grown as bonsai trees, Ficus ginseng plants should be fine in most areas of your home. Cooler areas may help control the growth of the bonsai. A steamy bathroom is ideal if you want to provide warm, humid conditions.
How to Boost Humidity in Your Home
The easiest way to boost the humidity in your home is to place your Ficus ginseng tree near a humidifier. These devices are relatively cheap and allow you to control the humidity around your plant. Group them together close to the humidifier if you have other tropical houseplants.
While daily misting is recommended for Ficus ginseng trees, it only temporarily boosts humidity. You can also use pebble trays to increase humidity around your Ficus ginseng. Fill a tray with pebbles and then add water until the water sits just below the surface of the pebbles.
Place your Ficus ginseng and its nursery pot on top of the pebbles. The water will then evaporate, increasing humidity around your Ficus ginseng. This is a suitable replacement for a humidifier and works best alongside consistent misting.
Caring for Ficus Ginseng Plants in Spring and Summer
Ficus ginseng plants grow actively during spring and summer, requiring more moisture and water. In some climates, summers may be pretty humid, reducing the need for extra humidity. But if you live in a drier climate, you’ll have to increase moisture levels around your Ficus ginseng.
In Zones 9 to 11, Ficus ginseng trees can be moved outside when temperatures stay above 60ºF. Make sure that the plant still receives adequate humidity and bring it back inside if conditions are too dry.
Always keep Ficus ginseng plants away from direct sunlight, especially on summer afternoons. Direct sunlight forces plants to use more moisture, which means they dry out more quickly. Direct sunlight also decreases ambient humidity around your Ficus ginseng.
This is also the season to fertilize ficus ginseng plants monthly.
Caring for Ficus Ginseng Trees During Winter
During the winter, Ficus ginseng plants can tolerate indoor temperatures as low as 54ºF. Like many houseplants, they will also go dormant during the winter. However, winter air can be pretty dry, so you may need to increase the humidity around your Ficus ginseng plant.
Protect your Ficus ginseng from cold or dry drafts during the winter. Cold drafts come from air vents and open windows, while heaters or radiators produce dry drafts. Sudden temperature changes can cause your Ficus ginseng to start dropping leaves.
These plants are considered toxic to humans and pets, so it’s prudent to wear gloves when undertaking any form of ficus ginseng plant care.
Ficus Ginseng Temperature and Humidity Tolerances FAQs:
During the spring and summer, the ideal temperature for Ficus ginseng plants is between 60 and 75ºF (15.5 to 24ºC). Any temperature above 54ºF (12ºC) in the winter will be acceptable for Ficus ginseng.
What Temperature is Too Cold for Ficus Ginseng Plants?
Temperatures that drop below 54ºF (12ºC) are too cold for Ficus ginseng plants that are used to growing indoors. Ficus ginseng plants can survive temperatures as low as 32ºF (0ºC) in the wild.
Can Ficus Ginseng Plants Survive in High Humidity?
Ficus ginseng plants do best in moderate to high humidity – anything above 50% humidity. If the humidity reaches 70 to 100%, your Ficus ginseng will start producing aerial roots.
Can I Put My Ficus Ginseng Plant Outside?
If you live in USDA Zones 9 to 11, you can put Ficus ginseng plants outside during the summer. However, make sure that temperatures are routinely higher than 60ºF (15.5ºC) before you do so.
Ficus Ginseng Temperature Tolerances – Wrapping Up
As long as you can provide the right temperatures and humidity levels, Ficus ginseng plants will thrive in your home, offering symbolic value and benefits for plant parents. They like summer temperatures between 60 and 75ºF. In the winter, Ficus ginseng trees can cope with indoor temperatures as low as 54ºF. Ficus ginseng trees need moderate to high humidity levels of at least 50%. Always protect Ficus ginseng plants from drafts.
For more, see our in-depth guide on where to position ficus ginseng plants for optimal care.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.
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