CantSTOPdaTRUCK
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Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:23 pm
Location: Green Bay, WI

tree indentification and aid for a beginner

I recently picked up a bonsai tree and tried to find some information for watering, lighting, conditions, and other helpful tools to grow a healthy bonsai but I did not know which type of tree my bonsai was classified as so I need some help identifying it.

[url=https://img233.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture001yz9.jpg][img]https://img233.imageshack.us/img233/8476/picture001yz9.th.jpg[/img][/url]

also I know now that the rocks should be taken out and I am wondering what type of pot I should put the tree into.

also some of the leaves are developing a very oily texture and are some are starting to die or get brown spots

[url=https://img338.imageshack.us/my.php?image=picture002ll3.jpg][img]https://img338.imageshack.us/img338/6221/picture002ll3.th.jpg[/img][/url]

I need all the help I can get so send me all you have!!

Thanks!!

Petra26
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Joined: Thu Jun 22, 2006 10:23 am
Location: Chicago, IL

it looks like a ficus. possibly a retusa, same as my ficus. you are correct about removing the rocks. I would remove the rocks and repot it asap. first, I would suggest you read some of these sticky threads prior to repotting. you have a decent amount of time to repot so no hurry. but sooner the better. a decent sized pot/bucket/etc... as long as it has excellent drainage should be fine.

Bonsai Soil, Repotting, & Root Pruning
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3422

also, a suggestion. take a couple more photos of the plant during repotting of the roots. you might want to do a quick root pruning. read up on that and take some photos of the root system before you put it into the soil. make sure you have coarse fast draining soil. I think you will get a clearer picture if you set the camera to micro setting. probably a flower like icon vs. a landscape/hills icon.

some general tips for ficus...
- likes light
- likes high humidity
- can grow year round, no dormant period.

CantSTOPdaTRUCK
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Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:23 pm
Location: Green Bay, WI

I also would like to know which type of soil would be the most benefitial for my bonsai. Any suggestions??

CantSTOPdaTRUCK
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Location: Green Bay, WI

another question!

should I pitch off the leaves witht the brown spots which seem to be dying because new sprouts are froming slightly under these leaves and I do not want these dying leaves to soak up all the nutrients and prevent these new leave sprouts from growing.

constantstaticx3
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Location: Haddonfield, NJ

No leave these leaves the way they are. They are not going to be using nutrients if they are dying and if you attempt to remove them you run the risk of pulling off the new shoots. These leaves will fall off when they're ready.

Tom

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Gnome
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Truck,

Ficus are able to do well with a larger percentage of organic material than say a pine. One grower uses a 50/50 mix of lava rock and "rich black soil". I personally keep all actual soil out of my pots. I use pine bark for my organic component, with Ficus you can use a fairly large percentage. I don't really like to go over 25% though. The balance being lava, Turface or Haydite. I don't have extensive experience with Ficus only about 2 years now so take it for what its worth.

What's more important than the actual composition of your soil is that you ensure it is free draining and does not hold water too much. Avoid the fine peat moss you often see in garden centers. It is the cause of much of the problems with sick trees on this site.

[url=https://bonsaihunk.8m.com/cultural.html]Here[/url] is a link to excellent information regarding Ficus. This guy literally wrote the book on Ficus bonsai.

Norm

vdotson
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Location: Wisconsin

Thank you for the link to the bonsai site
[url=https://bonsaihunk.8m.com/cultural.html]Here[/url] is a link to excellent information regarding Ficus. This guy literally wrote the book on Ficus bonsai.

It is great!

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Gnome
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Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A

vdotson,
Thank you for the link to the bonsai site. It is great!
You're welcome, I'm glad you find it useful.

Norm

CantSTOPdaTRUCK
Newly Registered
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Joined: Sun Feb 25, 2007 9:23 pm
Location: Green Bay, WI

Thanks alot for the link Norm

Probably one of the most helpful links I have seen besides our forum here!

Thanks again for your wonderful help

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Gnome
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Truck,

Glad to help. Please return when you have something else to discuss.

Norm



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