Many would agree that one of the best bonsai trees for beginners is the Ficus species. They are evergreen, fast growers, tolerant towards any soil and light conditions, and are perfect as indoor plants. Beginners would also find them incredibly forgiving when it comes to its watering schedule. The Ficus is unique in that it produces inverted flowers that are also its fruits. There are over 600 variants of this species and most of them are tropical and evergreen. Among those however, many people adore the Golden Gate Ficus.
The Golden Gate does not need much attention yet is considered the best tree to grow indoors. Its thick and sturdy trunk is alluring in beautiful gray, and is often topped with small and oval dark green foliage. It does not tolerate drafts, so keep it away from vents, or the foliage will dry out. This grafted Ficus prefers warm weather so keep it inside if the temperature drops to below 50 degrees C. It is also important to keep the temperature constant, as varied conditions can cause it to drop more leaves than normal.
The Ficus can still grow in low light, though it prefers high light. Be careful not to expose it to direct sunlight during summer though, especially the afternoon sun. Despite its indoor nature, it would grow better and stronger with sufficient sunlight, so you may want to consider artificial light, turned on up to 18 hours a day. Water the tree to ensure it is moderately wet. Water it more during summer and less during winter. Misting would also help. It needs to be fertilized every two weeks during its growth period, and reduce that number when winter comes. It is best to fertilized only after a thorough watering of the soil.