My new baby & of course a few questions

[paulad449]

Well I've quickly become the "crazy bonsai lady". Got this one today, as I can't seem to leave a ficus in the store when I see one. I think it's a Tiger Bark, but if someone can confirm that would be great & I'll research the proper care of it.

https://web.mail.comcast.net/service/home/~/CAM00031.jpg?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=97796&part=2

https://web.mail.comcast.net/service/home/~/CAM00032.jpg?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=97795&part=2

https://web.mail.comcast.net/service/home/~/CAM00029.jpg?auth=co&loc=en_US&id=97798&part=2

This guy had about 1.5" of gravel cemented to the dirt, bottom of the trunk and even some aerial roots. The dirt is soaked so I'll just let it dry out & acclimate.

Questions:
1. The roots are wrapped all around the pot, so can it stay that way? If so for approximately how long? There are also roots all over the top of the soil.

2. Can I slip pot it into a slightly larger pot with some extra bonsai soil?

3. It is too big for my DIY greenhouse but I have a 22" T5 fluorescent light hanging on top. Is one light enough or should I buy another?

A lot of questions but I'd be grateful for the ID confirmation & any advice!

[rainbowgardener]

Can't see your photos. Please read under New to Helpful Gardener? Helpful Tips and Suggestions for New Members for info about how to post pictures here (and other good stuff)...

Usually it is suggested to remove the glued on gravel, so that the soil can breathe and you can tell how damp it is.

[paulad449]

OK, I hope these links work:

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[url=https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/837/cam00029n.jpg/][img]https://imageshack.us/thumbnmail.png[/img][/url]

[url=https://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/254/cam00032t.jpg/][img]https://imageshack.us/thumbnmail.png[/img][/url]

I already removed the gravel & the soil was dripping wet. Three days later and its still very wet. Its in regular potting soil and a couple of leaves at the bottom have turn yellow. Is there something I should do once the soil dries? I haven't done anything yet but put it under lights. I just don't want it to die!

Thanks for any help.

[rainbowgardener]

Nope, links didn't work. Even when I click on the little squares showing, it takes me to image shack, but no photos are showing there, either, just the same little squares.

Soil staying wet like that is very bad. Usually potting soil is not good for bonsai, because it stays too wet like that.

There are lots of different bonsai soils and since we still can't see your pictures or know what kind of tree you have, I don't think anyone can make any specific suggestions. But the general idea is that bonsai soil needs to be very free draining and not hold too much moisture. It is usually any where from half to mostly inorganic components like clay/rock, with maybe some shredded bark and a little bit of humus.

The yellowing leaves are probably from staying too wet.