Hello,
I recently acquired a 2 year old ginseng tree, and am not so sure how to take care of it properly. It has lost many leaves since I got it and I don't know why. Including the exposed roots (which is normal for this type of tree), the tree is approximately 8 inches tall. Can anyone help? Thanks
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- Gnome
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save_goshi,
As bonsaiboy noted more information would really be helpful. Where do you keep the tree, inside or out. If outside where are you located? If inside what type of lighting are you providing?
It is not uncommon for ficus to drop their leaves when they are moved to a new environment. I would caution you against trying to water it back to health. A tree with reduced foliage will have a reduced need for water.
BTW, just to confirm we are talking about a Ficus, correct?
Norm
As bonsaiboy noted more information would really be helpful. Where do you keep the tree, inside or out. If outside where are you located? If inside what type of lighting are you providing?
It is not uncommon for ficus to drop their leaves when they are moved to a new environment. I would caution you against trying to water it back to health. A tree with reduced foliage will have a reduced need for water.
BTW, just to confirm we are talking about a Ficus, correct?
Norm
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I do believe it is a ginseng ficus. I just got it a few days ago, and I'm new at this. I've been keeping it outside in the day (it's around 80 outside these days, Northeastern USA) in the shade of the porch. It is always in indirect sunlight. At night I bring it back inside (around 76 degrees Fahrenheit). It has lost quite a bit of leaves. I have watered it once since I got it about 1/4 cup of water. I'm not sure if that's enough or too much/too little. Once a day I lightly mist it with water. I'm trying to learn all I can, but I can't find information specific enough to my tree. I also discovered there's an earth worm in its pot! I have no idea why or if that's good for the tree. The leaves that have fallen off are slightly yellowish-green. I don't know the type of soil. There are small pebbles on top of the soil (not glued). I do not know how to add a picture to this. Any help would be very appreciated! Thank you!
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save_goshi,
[img]https://www.gigusa.com/Green%20Plant/Bonsai/In_out%20Bonsai/GINSENG%20FICUS%20MD.jpg[/img]
Norm
Ginseng Ficus are readily identified by the tuberous roots.I do believe it is a ginseng ficus. I just got it a few days ago, and I'm new at this.
[img]https://www.gigusa.com/Green%20Plant/Bonsai/In_out%20Bonsai/GINSENG%20FICUS%20MD.jpg[/img]
It is not necessary to move it about like that, find a good spot for it and let it stay there. You will need to bring it inside for the winter but that is still a few months away.I've been keeping it outside in the day (it's around 80 outside these days, Northeastern USA) in the shade of the porch. It is always in indirect sunlight. At night I bring it back inside (around 76 degrees Fahrenheit).
That is too little by the quantity but quantity should never be the issue. When you water do so copiously and then wait until it needs water again. A little water often is the wrong approach.I have watered it once since I got it about 1/4 cup of water. I'm not sure if that's enough or too much/too little.
I get them if I leave my pots on the ground. I don't think they cause any direct harm but their castings tend to clog up the drainage which can be a problem.I also discovered there's an earth worm in its pot! I have no idea why or if that's good for the tree.
https://www.helpfulgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=3724I do not know how to add a picture to this.
Norm
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save_goshi,
I keep my Ficus outside in as much sun as I can until I absolutely have to bring them in. Ficus will tolerate low light but really thrive on full sun. As I mentioned before Ficus have a tendency to drop their leaves when moved to a new environment. New leaves, that are better suited to the new conditions, will grow back.
[url]https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ficus.html[/url]
Norm
I keep my Ficus outside in as much sun as I can until I absolutely have to bring them in. Ficus will tolerate low light but really thrive on full sun. As I mentioned before Ficus have a tendency to drop their leaves when moved to a new environment. New leaves, that are better suited to the new conditions, will grow back.
[url]https://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ficus.html[/url]
Norm
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Ok, at least it's reassuring to know dropping leaves is natural. My tree has probably dropped almost half its leaves, and that seems to be quite a bit to me. I have moved indoors before I knew that it needed a lot of sunlight. Will putting it outside now hurt it even more by changing its environment yet again? Thank you for all of your help so far; I really appreciate your willingness to help.
Is this tree grown in bonsai soil or potting soil? A ficus grown in potting soil will often tend to shed leafs. And, do the surface roots have a fat, smooth appearence, or are they wrinkled? From expiriance I know that the genseng ficus variety is prone to a root rot that travels up the root, eating away the wood and giving it a wrinkled look, and making it drop leafs. If this is the case, it would be a good idea to cut off the infected root(s).
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save_goshi,
Norm
The owner of Bonsai Hunk keeps his inside year round but he has specialized lighting. Perhaps it would be best to leave things as they are now. You will likely be bringing it back inside in approximately 8-10 weeks anyway. I really can't say with any certainty what to do, there are pros and cons to both scenarios.I have moved indoors before I knew that it needed a lot of sunlight. Will putting it outside now hurt it even more by changing its environment yet again?
Norm
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