Advanced Tiger Bark Ficus (Rare)

 

The Tiger Bark Ficus is a cultivar of Ficus microcarpa known for:

Its distinctive mottled, tiger-striped bark

Small glossy leaves ideal for miniaturization

Strong vigor and ability to bud back easily

Aerial roots, especially in humid conditions

It’s one of the most forgiving and beginner-friendly bonsai species.

🐯 1. The bark patterns naturally become “tiger stripes”

The mottled bark you see on mature trees is caused by small flakes of outer bark shedding unevenly. As the tree ages, the contrast sharpens, giving that wild, almost camo-like tiger pattern.

🌬️ 2. It can grow aerial roots on command

If you keep humidity high and temperatures warm, you can “train” aerial roots to grow where you want. Some bonsai artists even use straws or plastic tubes to guide roots down trunks to create dramatic buttresses.

☀️ 3. It tolerates almost anything

Tiger Bark ficus is one of the most resilient bonsai trees:

thrives indoors

tolerant of low humidity

bounces back from hard pruning

grows quickly in warm weather
This is why it’s often called the “ultimate beginner tree.”

🌿 4. The leaves can become tiny with pruning

Through clip-and-grow, the leaves can reduce to less than half an inch, making it excellent for detailed bonsai designs.

 

🌱 Care Guide

☀️ Light

Bright indirect light or full sun is best.

Indoors: place near a south or east-facing window.

Outdoors: morning sun + afternoon shade works well.

💧 Watering

Allow the top 1–2 cm of soil to dry before watering again.

Avoid letting it sit in water.

Loves humidity, but thrives in typical indoor conditions too.

🌡️ Temperature

Optimal: 18–30°C.

Do not expose to cold drafts or temps below ~12°C

🌬️ Humidity & Aerial Roots

Higher humidity encourages the famous aerial roots.

Can be achieved with:

A humidity tray

Occasional misting

Warm, stable temperatures

 

🌿 Pruning & Shaping

Currently defoliated for smaller leaves (Nov, Summer)

Trim back to 2–4 leaves once shoots extend.

Can take heavy pruning—very resilient.

Responds well to wiring, but check often because branches thicken quickly.

🪴 Repotting

Every 3-7 years in early spring.

 

35 cm from the bottom of the pot