Ficus Ginseng Soil.

[ducreamious]

I got a ficus for Christmas. For soil I bought organic houseplant soil that has fertilizer, and some fir bark and I might also grab some small lava rocks. I haven't potted it in the new soil yet. The only problem is that the fir bark is too big I think (on average ~3/4 in.) Should I cut up the bark? If so what do I use, maybe a blender?

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Welcome! Please update your profile so we have an idea of your location and climate!

Does the ficus need to be repotted? What soil is it in now? Why are you repotting it?

Typically, for bonsai, you will see a recommendation of inorganic soil with high water movement characteristics. Its a little different than simply taking care of the tree as a houseplant where potting mixes are used. For a single tree, you would not be wrong in purchasing a bag of bonsai soil from a supplier. Many of us with many trees mix our own soils from individual ingredients to cut down on costs but for someone with one plant, a bag of premixed soil is still economical.

Pottings mixes often dry fast at the top of the soil while retaining moisture in the bottom of the pot. For shallow pots and trees, this can lead to health issues such as root rot. To avoid this, bonsai enthusiasts usr soils which both retain water while providing open space for air movement.

 

[ducreamious]

Hello! Just updated my profile. If it didn't work- I am in Minnesota, USA. USDA zone 4.
I am going to keep this plant inside (at least right now, until I figure out if it can go outside during summer)
I am repotting because the pot it's in does not have drainage holes and the soil is really staying wet for a long time.
Thanks for the help!

 

[ducreamious]

Welcome! Please update your profile so we have an idea of your location and climate!

Does the ficus need to be repotted? What soil is it in now? Why are you repotting it?

Typically, for bonsai, you will see a recommendation of inorganic soil with high water movement characteristics. Its a little different than simply taking care of the tree as a houseplant where potting mixes are used. For a single tree, you would not be wrong in purchasing a bag of bonsai soil from a supplier. Many of us with many trees mix our own soils from individual ingredients to cut down on costs but for someone with one plant, a bag of premixed soil is still economical.

Pottings mixes often dry fast at the top of the soil while retaining moisture in the bottom of the pot. For shallow pots and trees, this can lead to health issues such as root rot. To avoid this, bonsai enthusiasts usr soils which both retain water while providing open space for air movement.

Welcome! Please update your profile so we have an idea of your location and climate!

Does the ficus need to be repotted? What soil is it in now? Why are you repotting it?

Typically, for bonsai, you will see a recommendation of inorganic soil with high water movement characteristics. Its a little different than simply taking care of the tree as a houseplant where potting mixes are used. For a single tree, you would not be wrong in purchasing a bag of bonsai soil from a supplier. Many of us with many trees mix our own soils from individual ingredients to cut down on costs but for someone with one plant, a bag of premixed soil is still economical.

Pottings mixes often dry fast at the top of the soil while retaining moisture in the bottom of the pot. For shallow pots and trees, this can lead to health issues such as root rot. To avoid this, bonsai enthusiasts usr soils which both retain water while providing open space for air movement.

Hello! Just updated my profile. If it didn't work- I am in Minnesota, USA. USDA zone 4.

I am going to keep this plant inside (at least right now, until I figure out if it can go outside during summer)

I am repotting because the pot it's in does not have drainage holes and the soil is really staying wet for a long time.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Definitely a good reason to repot it! Id get it in some nice soil and a pot with good drainage. For sure keep inside if you are in an area that routinely drops below 50 during the winter. Good luck!!

 

[ducreamious]

Definitely a good reason to repot it! Id get it in some nice soil and a pot with good drainage. For sure keep inside if you are in an area that routinely drops below 50 during the winter. Good luck!!

Thanks so much! I'll grab some bonsai soil and a new pot from the store!

 

[19Mateo83]

Sounds like you are heading in the right direction.

 

[Captain_Electron]

Since we are talking about soil, I bought this today on a whim. Any ideas?

 

[pandacular]

I am going to keep this plant inside (at least right now, until I figure out if it can go outside during summer)

It should do well outside in the summer. 50°F for extended periods is a safe cutoff, and I’m pretty sure most of Minnesota has at least a few months in there. Be careful and keep an eye on the forecast in the spring, as late frosts are dangerous, but can be easily avoided by just moving it inside.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Since we are talking about soil, I bought this today on a whim. Any ideas?

View attachment 523551

As to what to do with it?

I think it’s decent. I’ve used this and the inorganic blend for some trees as it is available within a few miles from me.

 

[Captain_Electron]

As to what to do with it?

I think it’s decent. I’ve used this and the inorganic blend for some trees as it is available within a few miles from me.

Nice thanks
I’m a rookie and my local store had it as well. I got told to mix a tiny bit of potting soil with it to help with new baby trees

 

[Eckhoffw]

Any pics?
My ficus do fine here in Minnesota.
In Winter, they are under grow lights and kept in 62-65 degree basement.
When temps are consistently above 45° (lows) they go outside.

 

[Orion_metalhead]

Nice thanks
I’m a rookie and my local store had it as well. I got told to mix a tiny bit of potting soil with it to help with new baby trees

I would NOT mix this with potting soil. Can you share a picture of the actual soil particle size. I would mix it with something inorganic that would add to its capacity to allow water movement and air movement. Something like perlite, pumice, or grit depending on what is available near you.

 

[grovesgo]

Hello all! I'm also having issues with my ficus. Bought it about 6 weeks ago. I eventually repotted it after about 2 weeks because the soil was soaking wet when I bought it and just wasn't drying out at all. Now it's in clay balls and some of the original mix. My problem is that it's dropping leaves like crazy (pictures attached). They were dropping when I first got it and now it's accelerating. It's probably lost 70% of the leaves it had when I bought it

I live in Germany. It's in the kitchen on an East facing window & gets about 8-9 hrs of natural light a day. It's in one of the warmer rooms of the house, but still low 60s (did I mention it's Germany, it's freezing, & utilities are hella expensive ).

I've been growing orchids that have done phenomenally here. I realized they're not the same plant... but I'm struggle bussing with this one so far and really want to make it work. Thoughts? Help!

 

[Eckhoffw]

Hello all! I'm also having issues with my ficus. Bought it about 6 weeks ago. I eventually repotted it after about 2 weeks because the soil was soaking wet when I bought it and just wasn't drying out at all. Now it's in clay balls and some of the original mix. My problem is that it's dropping leaves like crazy (pictures attached). They were dropping when I first got it and now it's accelerating. It's probably lost 70% of the leaves it had when I bought it

I live in Germany. It's in the kitchen on an East facing window & gets about 8-9 hrs of natural light a day. It's in one of the warmer rooms of the house, but still low 60s (did I mention it's Germany, it's freezing, & utilities are hella expensive ).

I've been growing orchids that have done phenomenally here. I realized they're not the same plant... but I'm struggle bussing with this one so far and really want to make it work. Thoughts? Help!

These guys regularly drop leaves in the winter when conditions change at all.
Stay with it, moist not wet. I’d bet it starts to push new leaves in a week or two.

I’ve had one that has completely defoliated itself a couple different times in the winter.
Thought it was a goner both times, but bounced back beautifully.
They are tough plants

 

[grovesgo]

These guys regularly drop leaves in the winter when conditions change at all.
Stay with it, moist not wet. I’d bet it starts to push new leaves in a week or two.

I’ve had one that has completely defoliated itself a couple different times in the winter.
Thought it was a goner both times, but bounced back beautifully.
They are tough plants

Thanks for the encouragement! I'll keep at it for sure.

 

[MarkoEurope]

Welcome! Please update your profile so we have an idea of your location and climate!

Does the ficus need to be repotted? What soil is it in now? Why are you repotting it?

Typically, for bonsai, you will see a recommendation of inorganic soil with high water movement characteristics. Its a little different than simply taking care of the tree as a houseplant where potting mixes are used. For a single tree, you would not be wrong in purchasing a bag of bonsai soil from a supplier. Many of us with many trees mix our own soils from individual ingredients to cut down on costs but for someone with one plant, a bag of premixed soil is still economical.

Pottings mixes often dry fast at the top of the soil while retaining moisture in the bottom of the pot. For shallow pots and trees, this can lead to health issues such as root rot. To avoid this, bonsai enthusiasts usr soils which both retain water while providing open space for air movement.

 

[Dabbler]

Yeah they are tough - once the weather is nice - outside would do wonders for it

 

[Orion_metalhead]

RAD STONES BRO