Ficus virens has many common names;  Lipstick Ficus in India and White Fig in Australia. Whatever it is called it is a huge tree growing in its native environment. It can stand alone as a single trunk tree or exist as a strangler fig with many aerials. The most famous trees of this species are the Cathedral fig and the Curtain fig in Australia.

Ficus concinna is another fig species that has similarities to Ficus virens. It also has red new leaves and is used extensively in the Philippines for bonsai. There it is called Red Balete. Under my care growing in a plant room Ficus concinna is superior to Ficus virens. Ficus virens can lose some fine branches for reasons unknown.

Ficus virens can make good larger bonsai. Leaves reduce well in container culture. Some cultivars show extensive red or bronze coloring on the new leaves. Unfortunately this lovely red color does not persist for long as it fades into a dark green as the leaves mature.

Ficus virens is not often available as plants in the US so all my trees are grown from seed. The following are all about 11 years old and beginning to show signs of becoming good bonsai. All the trees are under 7-12″ tall or about 30cm.

Photos below are of seed grown Ficus virens. First shot is without leaves to view the branching.