Question
My first Bonsai is a Green Island fiscus. This is early summer and I believe it is about 5 years old. Must I remove all the leaves at this time & if so will new small leaves soon grow? Thank you very much !     Ray

Answer
HI Ray:

I do not grow many in the way of tropical trees, the Green Island Fig would be in that catagory.  I know that Ficus Benjimine and Retusa are defoliated often two and three times a year in the warmer climates with longer growing seasons.  I am assuming that the Green Island Fig would respond the same way.  Here are a couple of things you must consider.  The weather should be warm and the tree growing well.  It should be healthy and adequately fertilized a good month befor you procede with the operation.  How long since the tree was repotted?  This could be crucial.  A tree in a severely root bound condition will not respond well to leaf reduction.  If all goes well the new leaves should start to appear in about a month or three weeks.  At this time you have to be careful that you do not over-water the tree.  Water only when it needs it.

Vance Wood.