New Bonsai, need care instructions

[bonsaiboy]

Hi, I am a new bonsai owner. I recently puchaced a bonsai, and I need some care instructions. I belive the bonsai is to be a Banyan fig/Taiwan ficus, but I could be wrong. I will be posting pictures shortly. If it is (wich I'm pretty shure), I need care instructions (watering, potting, type of soil, and weather or not it can go outside in the summer; as I live in Oregon), as well as instuctions on shaping, because I'm trying to fan out the leafs some. If I can think of ay other questions, I will try to ask them on this forum.
Thanks!

[Gnome]

Bonsaiboy,

Is this a real person or are you shilling for the on-line retailer of the same name? Just kidding.

Welcome to the bonsai section of the Helpful Gardener. If you follow this link to a previous thread you will find links to the type of information you have requested, (thanks Ynot). [url]https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4109[/url]

This link [url]https://www.bonsaihunk.us/cultural.html[/url] Will provide more specific information regarding Ficus. After you look around these sites stop back and we will do our best to answer any questions you may have.

In the meantime do not water your plant until the soil is nearly dry, not just the surface either. When you do water, do so thoroughly. Can we get some pictures please, overview, foliage, soil, etc.

Norm

[bonsaiboy]

Sorry, cand load pictures, but thanks for the info!

P.S I AM a person, not a company/website. I thought bonsaiboy sounded farmiliar, but I couldn't put my finger on it!

[Gnome]

Bonsaiboy,

you're welcome. If you need help with posting pictures go [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3724]here.[/url]

Look [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3557]here[/url]for information on taking better bonsai pictures.

Norm

[bonsaiboy]

[url=https://img511.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2338in6.jpg][img]https://img511.imageshack.us/img511/571/img2338in6.th.jpg[/img][/url]

[url=https://img412.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2342xo2.jpg][img]https://img412.imageshack.us/img412/3892/img2342xo2.th.jpg[/img][/url]

[url=https://img182.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2340up7.jpg][img]https://img182.imageshack.us/img182/5674/img2340up7.th.jpg[/img][/url]

[url=https://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2341rk9.jpg][img]https://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9863/img2341rk9.th.jpg[/img][/url]

[url=https://img105.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img2339ou7.jpg][img]https://img105.imageshack.us/img105/2515/img2339ou7.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Here are the pictures of my bonsai. I hope they will help identify it.

[Gnome]

Bonsaiboy,

I seem to be having some trouble downloading your pictures but from the thumbnails it looks like it may be a Ginseng Ficus, Ficus microcarpa. I only grow one species of Ficus so you should verify this for yourself. Google is a good resource for this sort of thing. Can anyone else verify this identification?

Norm

[ynot]

Bonsaiboy,

I seem to be having some trouble downloading your pictures but from the thumbnails it looks like it may be a Ginseng Ficus, Ficus microcarpa. Can anyone else verify this identification?

I agree entirely with your Ficus Microcarpa evaluation Gnome.

ynot

[bonsaiboy]

Thank you for the identification help! I think your right, and I wold like to ask a few more things for now. First, I live in a rual area in the middle of Oregon. I would like to know if this tree could exist outside in the summer months. Also, I would like to know its exact soil requirements (ingredients), as well as any other information I should know.

[ynot]

BB,

Thank you for the identification help!

Your welcome

I think your right, and I wold like to ask a few more things for now. First, I live in a rual area in the middle of Oregon. I would like to know if this tree could exist outside in the summer months.

Yes, Absolutely. Trees live outside [All trees- Yours happens to be tropical and can handle temps down to about 55f, You will learn much about it from the links provided.]

Gnome has already linked you to an on site thread that covers some basics as well as the best ficus specific bonsai site on the web. Many many many of your basic [and advanced] questions will be answered on the links already provided.

Also, I would like to know its exact soil requirements (ingredients),

So would we all! [For every species!]
Sorry, It does not work like that. This entire process would be far easier but sadly...There is no magic formula.
There are far too many variables though I am glad it is a concern of yours as I can almost promise you that your tree is in inappropriate soil for a bonsai. If I were you soil and watering would be my first two research projects.

as well as any other information I should know.

Again, See the links already provided, There are literally dozens of them.

If you still have specific questions After you have done some reading [Or a lot ] We will do what we can.

Ynot

[bonsaiboy]

I had recently "brushed up" on some of my bonsai knowledge, and was wondering (if you could tell) if this soil "recipe" was worth while for my bonsai: 40% Pine bark, 5% grit, 5% peat, and 50% humus.

[ynot]

I had recently "brushed up" on some of my bonsai knowledge, and was wondering (if you could tell) if this soil "recipe" was worth while for my bonsai: 40% Pine bark, 5% grit, 5% peat, and 50% humus.

BB,
Glad to hear it

It is not as simple as that. Many other factors go into account: Your watering practices, Climate etc...

Your mix is 95% organic, My typical mix is about 80% inorganic.

Also, I should tell you that you have about twice the % of bark that I use and I have no other organic component in my potting medium at all.

I use No peat. Is that peat moss? The kind that is very fine and dusty [It is a no-no in a bonsai pot as it is difficult to wet and then it stays wet for far too long which can lead to root rot/pathogens etc..]

Sphagnum moss would be a better substitute [Long fibered is easily available]

Please define 'humus' for us. Do you mean regular soil [As in garden/potting soil?] If so... No, No and No again.
It also is too fine in particle size and limits aeration in the pot, There are far more effective choices for soil components.

If I have the ingredients right you would end up with soup with some bark bits floating about in it....Not an environment conducive to survival..

Please clarify the ingredients if you would.

Have you read the sticky re: soil at the top of the forum?
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422

ynot

[bonsaiboy]

It is realy hard were I live to come up with a working soil, and because I haven't had any boinsai experiance before, I need help coming up with soil mixtures. During the summer were I plan to bring my bonsai outside, I would need soil capable of retaining water from early in the morning to the evning, were it may get 80-90 degrees F outside in the day, with no rain (but I'll water it at mornings and evnings). Then, in the winter I'll bring my bonsai in because it rains NONSTOP, and I'll need it to withstand household conditions. If anyone could think of a soil mixture capable of following this sceduel with a Ginseng Ficus bonsai (with mabye slight alterations to the scedual), that would be VERY helpful.

[Gnome]

Bonsai boy,

If you have not done so already please read the soil sticky and any other soil related topics at the linked sites. You have a lot of options, perhaps that is part of the problem though. It can be overwhelming at first when trying to construct your own mix. The best ingredients are the ones that you can locate easily.

Check out [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4124&sid=fdc87147aacfdb4922a9fee4bdb35cb4]this thread[/url]for some possible components.

If all else fails we can direct you to some on-line retailers who sell ready made soil mix. Shipping is a bit expensive but it takes the worry away from you in the short term

I am not trying to be obtuse but soil is a very broad subject and not easily condensed into a few sentences.

Norm

[bonsaiboy]

Just out of curiosity, what is the maximum amount of moist time between waterings indoors. I belive I have "engineered" a soil cabable of being outside in the summer, but I want to make shure it doesn't retian water to well indoors. Also, are there any recomended brands of fetalizers? I have read that you should use fetilizers regularly. How often is this?

[Gnome]

Bonsaiboy,

Just out of curiosity, what is the maximum amount of moist time between waterings indoors. I belive I have "engineered" a soil cabable of being outside in the summer, but I want to make shure it doesn't retian water to well indoors.

I'm not really sure what you are trying to determine. I probably use the highest percentage of organic material in my Ficus, about 25% bark. The rest is inorganic, lava rock and Turface is what I had on hand that year. This mixture retains moisture but drains well. Ficus don't like wet feet but neither should they dry out entirely. This mixture worked well for me outside. During mid-summer daily watering was usually required except for very rainy periods. As for inside, since you are entirely in control that is not something you need to worry about, you simply water when necessary.

I have read that you should use fetilizers regularly. How often is this?

Since we use such loose, free draining soils (for the benefit of root development) any nutrients in our soils will readily be leached out. This in turn necessitates frequent fertilization. How often you fertilize will depend on various factors including, the stage of development of the tree, the type of fertilizer you intend to use, and your personal preference among other things.

For instance a mature tree requires less aggressive fertilization than a young tree that you are trying to grow out. Some like to fertilize frequently with a weak solution, others with more potent products/ratios less frequently. You could use a water soluble product mixed according to directions every two weeks during the growing season or every week mixed at half the recommended rate. If you are going to go with organic products that have lower N-P-K rates, fairly frequent attention may be needed.

So as you can see, as with the soil question, the answer is it depends. I hope this begins to answer your questions.

Norm

[bonsaiboy]

Thank you for all the helpful information so far. I have just two more questions I think. First, in the pictures of my bonsai, I wired down some branches to fan them out. I did this one or two weeks ago. How long must I keep them like this? Secondly, I read a thread on here about hibernating ficus bonsai at tempatures around 30-40 degrees for a few weeks/month. Would you recomend me to do this with mine (it natural gets that cold here).

[Gnome]

Bonsaiboy,

Thank you for all the helpful information so far. I have just two more questions I think.

You are welcome and don't worry about the questions.

The most important thing first.

Secondly, I read a thread on here about hibernating ficus bonsai at tempatures around 30-40 degrees for a few weeks/month. Would you recomend me to do this with mine (it natural gets that cold here).

Absolutely not, that is way too low of a temperature for Ficus. I'm not really sure which thread you are referring to but that seems way out of line to me. I bring mine inside when the temperatures at night get down into the mid to low 50's.

One grower states that the night temps in his greenhouse can get much lower, into the 40's without damage but that would only be for a few hours at a time, not a prolonged stretch. I think the reason he does that is out of necessity to keep costs down. This is not an issue with you, please keep it inside until the weather warms up considerably.

I wired down some branches to fan them out. I did this one or two weeks ago. How long must I keep them like this?

Until the branches set or the bark begins to scar whichever comes first. If, when you remove the wire, the branches are not set you will need to re-wire them. By the way when you do remove the wire do not attempt to unwrap it. Cut it carefully into small pieces, don't try to save a few feet of wire to the possible detriment of the tree.

Norm

[ynot]

Thank you for all the helpful information so far. I have just two more questions I think. First, in the pictures of my bonsai, I wired down some branches to fan them out. I did this one or two weeks ago. How long must I keep them like this?

I noticed the wiring [What is that exactly? It looks a bit like bread twist ties or similar??- Also there appears to be slack in them...Meaning they are doing nothing at all- The links will be useful to you] You may want to check out these articles to learn a bit about wiring.:
https://www.bonsaikc.com/wiring2.htm
https://www.bonsai4me.com/Basics/Basics_Wiring.htm

Secondly, I read a thread on here about hibernating ficus bonsai at tempatures around 30-40 degrees for a few weeks/month. Would you recomend me to do this with mine (it natural gets that cold here).

I am sure you must have confused two different threads as that info does not refer to ficus.
They are a tropical species and do not take kindly to the temps you mention.

From https://www.bonsaihunk.us/Figsindoors.html:

* Temperature

Temperature is a third factor in plant growth. In general most fig plants thrive indoors in a range of 60 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher or lower temperatures may result in slower growth of some plants or even their death. Figs in general are happiest with even temperatures. Avoid cold drafts especially from open windows and doors in wintertime and your figs will be happiest. If you are growing your figs outside for the summer remember to bring them back in as night temperatures get near 55 Fahrenheit to avoid subtle damage that only later may be apparent.

Ynot

[bonsaiboy]

I'm sorry I couldnt get back ealier, and I have yet another question that seems it should go here, and I understand many people can't (or have trouble) downloading my pictures. I would like to know how I can style my bonsai. I saw another thread on here about a ficus bonsai, and some people recomened sertain things done with it. If at all possible, I would like to know a few ideas (I could download more pics if nessissary)

Thanks!

[ynot]

I would like to know how I can style my bonsai. I saw another thread on here about a ficus bonsai, and some people recomened sertain things done with it. If at all possible, I would like to know a few ideas

Please do a search and provide us with links to the threads you mean...There are many many threads here....

More specific questions are easier to address also.

(I could download more pics if nessissary)

[url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3557]By all means. [/url]
ynot

[Gnome]

Ynot,

I think that [url=https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=4196]this[/url] is the thread that B.B. is referring to.

B.B.

Your choices are much the same as outlined in that thread.

Norm

[bonsaiboy]

Yes, this was the thread I was refering too. Sorry, but I don't know how to highlight words so when you click on them they take you somewhere. Also I would like to ask, is it absolutly nessissary to have a leader. I would also like tips on growing areal roots (I read how to do this on provided links, but I want to see if there are other ways). And, if I should leave the largest two roots (the ones in the front) alone, or redo them.

P.S If I were to mix regular poting soil with sand and/or grit, could this work for soil?

[ynot]

Yes, this was the thread I was refering too. Sorry, but I don't know how to highlight words so when you click on them they take you somewhere.

See the bottom of this post.

Also I would like to ask, is it absolutly nessissary to have a leader.

I would say yes but first I must ask 'When doing what?' [ I hate to make assumptions in situ such as this.]

I would also like tips on growing areal roots (I read how to do this on provided links, but I want to see if there are other ways).

Humidity and time- Just like the links say.

And, if I should leave the largest two roots (the ones in the front) alone, or redo them.

Explain more please about what you would redo?
I am assuming the 'front' is the perspective shown in the second picture down in your third post...

P.S If I were to mix regular poting soil with sand and/or grit, could this work for soil?

Do not use regular potting soil. [Period]
I don't have a speck of dirt/potting soil/garden soil in any of my trees pots.

It has far too small of a particle size, This retains too much moisture, Limits [Or eliminates] the aeration of the soil and it compacts easily.
All are properties you do not want in your soil

Please see the soil sticky.

See here: https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422

Note: To post the above link, All I did was copy the address [of the link I wanted] from the address bar of my browser and paste it here... That is the simplest way to link to another place.

Keep 'em coming

ynot

[bonsaiboy]

Thank you for the help! I realy appreciate it. And I have another soil question. There is this realy sandy soil in a garden in my yard. I have been atracted to it because of its drainage qualities. It is mostly sand, with mabye a little dirt/soil. If nessissary however, I can add more sand and grit. It is all natural river sand and regular dirt (not potting soil). Also, some leafs on my bonsai are turning slightly yellow. Is this bad? It will be at least another month before it can go outside.

[ynot]

Thank you for the help! I realy appreciate it. And I have another soil question. There is this realy sandy soil in a garden in my yard. I have been atracted to it because of its drainage qualities. It is mostly sand, with mabye a little dirt/soil. If nessissary however, I can add more sand and grit. It is all natural river sand and regular dirt (not potting soil).

From the post previous to yours.

[bonsaiboy wrote:]
P.S If I were to mix regular poting soil with sand and/or grit, could this work for soil?
[ynot wrote] Do not use regular potting soil. [Period]
I don't have a speck of dirt/potting soil/garden soil in any of my trees pots.

Asked and answered.

The sand is most likely too fine to use, Not to mention possible pathogens/toxins.
Is the sand all chunky like [url=https://www.dallasbonsai.com/store/river_sands.html]this?[/url] Notice the quarter for a size reference.

Also, some leafs on my bonsai are turning slightly yellow. Is this bad? It will be at least another month before it can go outside.

Yellowing is often a sign of over watering.

Please review the links you have been given and the articles RE: watering.

ynot