I was some what surprised when last night I was given a Ficus Ginseng bonzai as a belated bday gift from my brother and his wife....
frankly... I have no idea what to do with it.. I've been reading the forums, I've watered it as advised. its been misted, standing where it can get a decent but not overwhelming about of light, it's got a chopstick in it to check the water level in future... but now I have no clue what to do with the top. I'll try to get some pictures up asap but any advice u can give me in the mean time would be great.
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Welcome to the board 'SS'!!
We always love pictures and that would be of great assistance in helping/advising.
Your tree doesn't have stones/moss, or anything else glued to the surface
of the media does it? Many of these 'present' bonsai's are bought at the mall or Walmart typ places and are pretty but the glued stuff has to come off.
We always love pictures and that would be of great assistance in helping/advising.
Your tree doesn't have stones/moss, or anything else glued to the surface
of the media does it? Many of these 'present' bonsai's are bought at the mall or Walmart typ places and are pretty but the glued stuff has to come off.
- Gnome
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SoullessSolace,
Hi, good advice from Len. Glued on topdressing, if present, must come off.
Norm
Hi, good advice from Len. Glued on topdressing, if present, must come off.
Sounds like you have the basics covered for now. Don't feel the need to do any pruning or wiring right away. Allow the tree a chance to become acclimated to its new environment before you make any big changes.I've been reading the forums, I've watered it as advised. its been misted, standing where it can get a decent but not overwhelming about of light, it's got a chopstick in it to check the water level in future... but now I have no clue what to do with the top.
Norm
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well... we don't have walmarts etc here so I believe it was bought at a nursery, it has nothing glued on and no moss. its in a nice oval ceramic pot.
Front
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0014.jpg[/img]
Top
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0015.jpg[/img]
Right
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0016.jpg[/img]
Back
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0017.jpg[/img]
Left
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0018.jpg[/img]
Roots
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0019.jpg[/img][/u]
Front
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0014.jpg[/img]
Top
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0015.jpg[/img]
Right
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0016.jpg[/img]
Back
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0017.jpg[/img]
Left
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0018.jpg[/img]
Roots
[img]https://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u58/soullesssolace/Photo-0019.jpg[/img][/u]
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OK... thanks for the advice guys... while I've expressed a passing interest in Bonsai trees, mainly due to my interest in tradition Japanese culture and art forms, I never expected to pick it up as a hobby... and I still haven't... as I said I was presented with the tree as a belated birthday gift so kinda in the deep end here. however being the person I am... I already know what tree I want to use as my next Bonsai... but that will wait a little while still.
The soil should be changed to something more bonsai friendly soon. Remember not to let it stand in water, and to plant it in a pot with drainage holes. And as a word of advice: this type of ficus is prone to a root rot condition if allowed to completely dry out. Do not let the soil go completely dry.
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GX: Thanks... I'll keep an eye out for that book... doubt I'll find it in my libraries but could probably order it through a book shop..
Bonsaiboy: The soil appears to be good soil for bonsai from what I've read and seen online, the pot does have drainage holes and it is properly watered but I will keep all u said in mind. thanks
Bonsaiboy: The soil appears to be good soil for bonsai from what I've read and seen online, the pot does have drainage holes and it is properly watered but I will keep all u said in mind. thanks