Ginseng ficus (Ficus retusa) is one variety of a large group of fig trees. Native to Southeast Asia, the ginseng ficus is also called banyan fig, Taiwan ficus, and laurel fig. It is most striking in appearance because it grows thick roots that stay exposed above the surface of the ground. As a bonsai, the effect is of a small tree standing on legs.

​

Water frequency: ​Every 7 to 10 days. (10 to 14 days during the winter)
​
Place the kokedama in a bowl, plant side up. Add water at room temperature until the kokedama is about to float. Wait about 5 minutes until the kokedama absorbs most of the water in the bowl. Add more water to the bowl, this time a little bit more, and wait until the kokedama looks wet all the way to the neck. Add more water to the bowl as necessary. This process will take about 15 to 30 minutes. Take the kokedama out of the bowl and let it drip the excess water for about a minute before putting back on display.

​

Note: We use rainwater. If you use tap water, we recommend letting a bucket of water seat outside for at least 8 hours at daylight while the chlorine evaporates. You can also use bottled water or distilled water.
​
Light:
​
It prefers to grow in plenty of indirect sun and bright light. It can also tolerate direct sunlight.  
​​
Feeding/Fertilizing:
​
During spring and summer, fertilize your kokedama monthly with a liquid succulent fertilizer at 1/4 of the recommended concentration. Simply mix the fertilizer into the water and soak as usual.