I have not seen beads like that. Is it actually a drop of liquid? There are some pests that live on ficus. Could this be eggs or waste from a bug? I can't see any of the usual suspects but some pests leave drops of 'honeydew' as they feed.
If I prune back a branch by half (especially my thicker ones), will that prevent the branch from continuing to extend in the future? I noticed most of my leaves are at the end of the branch so if I cut by half, without leaving any leaves, will that cause the whole branch to die?
Also, do you recommend fertilizing? I recently purchased a 20-20-20 bonsai fertilizer, though I haven't used it yet.
Quite coincidentally I am in the process of writing pruning notes tonight for my local bonsai group to explain pruning to promote ramification in bonsai.
Figs are very good at growing new buds. There are dormant buds at the base of every leaf in all trees. Some species can still activate those dormant buds even long after the leaves have gone. Ficus is one of those so we can prune fearlessly anywhere on the tree and expect to get new shoots. Pruning will not kill a branch on ficus, even when we prune all the leaves off. You can still see many of the node where the leaves have fallen Each node has the potential to produce new buds. You can even prune Ficus rubiginosa close to the ground and the stump will sprout new shoots. (note that I am not advising this for your tree, just an illustration of extreme pruning and the ability for PJ to respond)
Pruning does not stop a branch extending. It just activates new shoots that will then grow out long again. Bonsai pruning is regular and lifelong to develop and then maintain a compact tree.
Always prune further back that you first imagine. New shoots will only grow from the few nodes just below the cut and those new shoots only ever get longer so prune well back so that the new shoots will grow out to the desired tree outline. Jst taking the tips off will not produce a densely branched tree. i think you will need to take off at least 3/4 of any long branches on this tree and maybe 1/2 of shorter ones.
It may be frightening the first time but you will become confident after the tree responds with new shoots.
Strong growing trees usually respond far better to pruning. It is better to delay pruning on weaker trees and concentrate on getting them healthy in order to get a good response.
This tree appears to be in moderate health. I would advise feed and try to maximize care to build up its health and vitality for a couple of months at least before pruning. Even if that means the tree grows wild until next summer it is still OK because this is a ficus rubiginosa and they can grow new shoots wherever we cut. The healthier the tree the better the response.
Mix your fertilizer according to instructions. I apply every 2 weeks but that is with plenty of watering while the trees are outdoors. I assume this tree lives indoors all year round. It may be better to use a bit less indoors because your watering regime might not flush out as much leftover nutrients. You may need to do some searching to find appropriate fert regime for indoor trees. Good news is that PJ love fertilizer. I have seen really heavy feeding that would probably kill other species and PJs just grow faster on it. Should be fine to use your fert at recommended dose and intervals.
