HelpfulGardener.com

I've just come on here to share my new bundle of joy!

Say hello to Ficus:

[img]https://bonsai3.net/images/ficus_05.jpg[/img]

This is my first bonsai. I bought it today. It's seven years-old.

I understand that figs are suitable for growing inside so I think this is a good tree for me to start with.

The pictures are taken with my mobile phone and the quality isn't great. I've also just realised how poorly my flat is lit. Anyway here they are:


[img]https://bonsai3.net/images/ficus_04.jpg[/img]

[img]https://bonsai3.net/images/ficus_03.jpg[/img]

[img]https://bonsai3.net/images/ficus_02.jpg[/img]

[img]https://bonsai3.net/images/ficus_01.jpg[/img]

seanabc,

Thanks for posting the pictures.

I've also just realised how poorly my flat is lit

Perhaps it is time to consider some form of supplemental lighting. This can be as simple as ordinary fluorescent tubes. I also use an inexpensive timer.

Have you taken a peek under the moss? That much can get in the way of evaluating the soil and thorough watering.

Norm

Hi Gnome!

I have a fluorescent desklamp which I have trained on it in the evenings when the sun goes down. During the daytime it's getting full sunlight in the window but is kept away from the window sill so it's not too close to the glass. I suppose I may need to have a timer set up in another month or so as it will be dark by the time I get home.

I haven't done anything with the tree yet. I only got it yesterday and I'm just letting it get used to its new environment after all the shock of moving it. I haven't had a look under the moss yet. I really don't know what I should be looking for.

seanabc,

I haven't had a look under the moss yet. I really don't know what I should be looking for.

I would love to hear that it is potted in a gritty, free draining mix but I doubt that is the case. More likely it is in a heavy, peat based, organic soil. Not a disaster with Ficus but you should know what you are dealing with.

What concerns me more is that with the moss present you will have difficulty judging when to water and when you do water it will be difficult to do so properly. Moss is not required for the health of the tree, indeed some growers never use any. The moss will probably not do well in your apartment anyway.

I should have mentioned this earlier but please read the sticky threads at the top of this forum. Start with the general one but don't overlook the ones dealing with soils and re-potting as I suspect you will be re-potting in the not too distant future.

[url]https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ficus.html[/url]
[url]https://bonsaihunk.8m.com/cultural.html[/url]

Norm