Ficus microcarpa 'Ginseng' is selected for the bulbous, above-ground root mass that swells like a ginger rhizome from the soil surface, suggesting decades of patient training even in a young specimen. This is the cultivar most commonly sold as a ready-made bonsai, sometimes grafted with a smaller-leafed variety to enhance the miniature effect, and frequently mislabeled as Ficus retusa in garden centers.

What makes it an appealing entry point into bonsai is its relative ease. It grows faster than many bonsai subjects, tolerates some variation in care, and recovers well from neglect that would finish off a juniper or maple. A sunny, warm windowsill, consistent moisture without waterlogging, and moderate humidity are the essentials. The aerial roots will develop in humid conditions, adding to the sculptural quality of an already compelling plant.