Twin Trunk Willow Leaf Ficus ‘89 Bonsai with a Florida Origin Story
This is the exact Willow Leaf Ficus ‘89 bonsai you will receive.
This is not a ficus we see very often, which already makes it interesting, but the backstory makes it even better.
Ficus ‘89 originated after a freeze in 1989 at Jim Smith’s nursery in Vero Beach, Florida. Standard Willow Leaf Ficus plants were cut back hard by frost, and the new growth that returned showed a genetic mutation with larger, faster-growing leaves. That unusual origin is part of what makes this variety so collectible for tropical bonsai growers.
This tree has a clean twin-trunk composition with two trunks rising from the same base and building into a full, bright green canopy. It has a soft, tropical feel, good foliage density, and a simple, pleasing structure that makes it easy to enjoy now while still leaving room for continued refinement.
Why This Tree Stands Out
- Uncommon Variety: Willow Leaf Ficus ‘89 is not a ficus we commonly see available as bonsai material.
- Florida Origin Story: This variety traces back to the famous 1989 freeze at Jim Smith’s nursery in Vero Beach, Florida.
- Twin Trunk Form: Two trunks rise together from the base, giving the tree a natural paired composition.
- Healthy Canopy: Bright, vigorous foliage gives the tree a fresh tropical presence.
- Easy to Enjoy: A handsome tree now, with room for the next owner to continue shaping and refining it.
Tree Details
- Common Name: Willow Leaf Ficus ‘89
- Style: Twin trunk tropical bonsai
- Height: 19" tall from table to apex
- Spread: 15"
- Pot: 10" glazed Japanese ceramic pot
- Availability: Online Only
About This Tree
Willow Leaf Ficus are loved for their tropical character, narrow leaves, and strong response to pruning. The ‘89 form adds a little extra history and personality, making this a nice choice for someone who wants a ficus with a story, not just another common tropical bonsai.
Care Notes
This is a tropical bonsai and should be protected from cold. Grow it in bright light, keep it warm, and provide good humidity when indoors. With consistent care, ficus bonsai can grow strongly and respond well to pruning and shaping.
Shipping Confidence
We pack each bonsai carefully so the tree, pot, and soil are supported throughout transit. Some minor leaf drop or shifting can happen during shipping, especially with tropical trees, but this ficus is healthy and established.
Please Note
All trees are sold as-is. All sales are final - no refunds, returns, or exchanges. Once the tree leaves our nursery, care is your responsibility. Have questions? Just reach out - we're happy to help.
We ship thousands of bonsai trees and supplies each year, and every order is packed with care by our team. Live trees are watered, secured, and packaged to help them arrive safely and ready for their new home.
Live bonsai trees generally ship early in the week, Monday and Tuesday, to reduce time in transit. Tools, pots, soil, fertilizer, and other non-living items usually ship throughout the week.
Bonsai Outlet is a licensed nursery, not just a warehouse. We follow the proper inspection and certification requirements for shipping live plants across state lines. When a state requires additional documentation, such as a nematode certificate or nursery inspection certificate, we work to ensure the proper requirements are met before shipping.
For complete shipping and return details, please visit: Shipping & Returns
