Pruning, Watering, and Feeding a Ficus Bonsai

[shootingstar]

I just bought a bonsai plant at the grocery store like 6 hours ago.
i think its a Ficus but i have no idea what kind. at first i thought it was gardenia but i was just searching around. i have no expierence and I'm afraid i might loose it.

I was also wondering if the large bumps that look like bulbs are normal. they sit at the bottom.

I need help with watering, pruning, and feeding. Please give me all the info you have please. because i am really interested in bonsai.

[Gnome]

shootingstar,

Welcome to the site. Your pictures are not loading for me right now but sometimes these hosting services are a bit erratic, I will try again later.

For now forget about pruning and fertilization this can come later. More important that you learn how to water correctly. Not difficult really but it can be done incorrectly. Please read the sticky thread at the top of the page concerning basic growing tips, make sure to follow the links that you find there. There is much more homework to come but for now concentrate on watering.

Lighting will be the next thing to consider. Your home is almost certainly too dim for most plants and some form of supplemental lighting is all but a necessity. Even a compact fluorescent in a desk lamp will help. Stay away from incandescent bulbs, too much heat for too little output. Again don't panic, a few days in low light will not be a death sentence but it will need to be addressed.

When you have time take a look at the soil sticky and see how yours compares. Often commercial bonsai are potted in less than ideal soil.

We will be here when you have specific questions. Good luck.

Norm

[Gnome]

shootingstar,

OK, now I see them. I'm leaning toward a Ficus as well, possibly a variety of Ficus retusa/microcarpa commonly called Ginseng Ficus. Another possibility is Tigerbark Ficus. Either way care would be the same

Noticing the rocks that I assume are glued on. If that is correct the first thing I would do is to remove the rocks. This is not optional, they are only there as an aid in shipping and serve no useful purpose now, indeed there are many good reasons to ditch them.

After you do so we can get a look at the soil.

Norm

[ynot]

shootingstar,

Welcome ,

I'm leaning toward a Ficus as well, possibly a variety of Ficus retusa/microcarpa commonly called Ginseng Ficus.

Noticing the rocks that I assume are glued on. If that is correct the first thing I would do is to remove the rocks. This is not optional, they are only there as an aid in shipping and serve no useful purpose now, indeed there are many good reasons to ditch them.

I agree 100% W/ both of the above.

ynot

[shootingstar]

Ok so i took of the rocks and decided to use them for my bamboo. The soil look like average gardening soil and it does seem a little moist. I don't know when i should water it though or if i need to get different soil. I have however been misting my bonsai. Do you think thats ok??






Here is wat she looks like now

[Gnome]

shootingstar,

From this latest view I can more clearly see the bulbous structures that are indicative of Ginseng Ficus.

The soil look like average gardening soil and it does seem a little moist. I don't know when I should water it though or if I need to get different soil.

That type of soil is pretty much what is expected from many mass produced bonsai and yes it should be replaced eventually. Please read the soil sticky to get some idea of what a free draining soil is like. Ficus has more flexibility WRT re-potting than temperate trees but until you have purchased, or made, some decent soil there is no point in re-potting.

Have you read the sticky I mentioned earlier? Watering is covered there. Very quickly if the soil is obviously moist watering is not necessary. Misting is fine but make no mistake, others have, that it is not a substitute for thorough watering.

http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ficus.html

Norm

[shootingstar]

Ok sweet. And ya i just thought the leaves would like a little water:)

now i am just wondering if u could tell me about ginseng ficus. like wat those bulb-like things will look like as it matures, or like anything else. Id rather listen to what you have to say than researching hours for balonnie.

[Gnome]

shootingstar,

My experience with Ficus is limited to Ficus benjamina Mini Lucie, so I can't tell you much specifically about Ginsengs. Jerry Meislik has a good site that deals with indoor bonsai in general and Ficus in particular.

http://bonsaihunk.8m.com/cultural.html

In this portion he suggests that you will have to learn to love the unusual aspect of this species. He notes that if the bulbous roots are removed they will eventually regrow. Another option would be to pot it a little lower next time to hide the roots somewhat.

http://bonsaihunk.8m.com/info/GinsengFicus.html

Norm