Unidentified tree-(Ficus)

[lonepalm]

[img]https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q75/lonepalm15/DSCN0904NewBonsaifromLaura.jpg[/img]

This is the tree that I acquired from a friend. She said it was a ficus, but I find that there are so many different types of ficus and I can't identify this one. If you could help me identify it and help me with some tips on its care, I would appreciate it. Do I prune this one like I do my little Scheff? I pinch my Scheff to keep the small tree look...but I'm not sure what to do with this tree...
Thanks for your help.
Liz

[Gnome]

Liz,

I assume we directed you to Jerry's site in the past, if not here it is.
https://www.bonsaihunk.us/cultural.html
https://www.bonsaihunk.us/ficusforum/FicusForum.html
Here you will find a lot of information about basic Ficus care and training, including this photo that you may find interesting:


It is a variety of F. microcarpa. Does that look familiar?

You can help to confirm that it is indeed a Ficus when you prune/pinch it. Look for a milky sap that is indicative of Ficus.

Also there is a care sheet here:
https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ficus.html

Sorry I can't help with the other plant you posted, it is not familiar to me. Hopefully someone else can offer something.

Norm

Edit: The picture is unavailable again so I removed the link. Apparently hot-linking is no longer permitted.

[lonepalm]

Thank you, Gnome, for your valuable information on the ficus. I just stumbled upon that website you provided for me as I was hunting around for information today. I wasn't able to view the photo you provided because apparently I don't have the correct type of account that will allow me access to this photo. But I did find photos on the bonsaihunk.com that confirms that my unidentified tree is indeed a ficus. I printed out the care sheet that you also noted for me. Thank you again for all this very valuable information.
I hope someone can help me with my little Money Tree...meanwhile I'll just go easy with its care...
Thank you again,
Liz

[Gnome]

Liz,

I'm not sure why you can't see the picture but you can view it at the site on this page.
https://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/ChineseBanyan.html
Scroll down about 1/4 of the page and look for the picture labeled 'A round leaf variety of Ficus microcarpa'

Jerry also has some information on Schefflera, that's why I thought perhaps we had already referred you there.

Norm

[lonepalm]

Hi again, Gnome...
You may have already referred me to this website for my Scheff...I just don't remember. It's a funny thing...just now when I went back to answer your post, the photo that you had sent originally was right there easily seen...I wonder why I wasn't able to see it before? Anyhow, yes! That tree and that leaf looks just like mine!! Thank you so much! I had looked into all the different types of ficus, but was frustrated when I couldn't seem to find clear pics to help me identify mine.

I've had my original Scheff since Dec. 2005...I am wondering if I need to consider repotting it when the weather turns warmer. I have read how they need to have their roots trimmed and fresh bonsai potting soil. Would you recommend that and would I be able to do that myself or should I take it to a nursery for someone to help me? I don't put my Scheff outside ever since I know it is a tropical tree and the Money tree is also tropical. Can the ficus stay inside all year too?

Thanks for your help. As always, you answer my questions and provide me with great material to read and refer to later on.
Liz

[Gnome]

Liz,

About the Schefflera; I am just getting started with them (one young plant 7" tall) so I'm learning about them too. I think after three years I would lean toward re-potting this year. Make sure you use a good quality medium. You can do this yourself, in fact it will help you gain the confidence to work on your other plants when the time comes. Here is a video that might help a bit.
https://www.bonsaichannel.com/schefflera0107.html
I see that he does not remove all of the soil as Jerry suggests at Bonsai Hunk. My preference is to remove all of the old soil as I don't like to have a situation where two differing mediums are in the same pot. You can also use water to help wash out the old medium if necessary. I don't remember what the medium is like in your current planting but once any conventional potting soil is removed future re-potting will be much easier.

Make sure to show us pictures, I like to take before and after shots as this helps augment my record keeping. BTW there are other videos (follow the link HOME) at Bonsai Channel that you may find interesting.

Norm