Newbie needs some reassurance with Fig Ginseng

[Greywoulf]

Hi
Glad to be here...
Even tho I've kept a Fig Ginseng Bonsai alive and growing for 6 or 7 years, I'm still a newbie when it comes to Bonsai gardening. T'was a gift from a friend and came in a very small root-bound pot; I've kept it under a fluorescent lamp on my desk and it's gotten a little leggy but is still thriving.
But now I'd like to repot it into a tray and make a little garden for it, with rocks and moss sheet. I saw a video on how to do this but it scared me a bit... The video showed a Bonsai gardener removing most of the dirt around the Ficus's root, raking out the roots, and then cutting them back a quarter of their length. Is this what I need to do also? I don't want to kill the plant... And if I do need to do this, should the plant be watered first or left a bit dry?
Thanks...

 

[Carol 83]

Welcome to the forum! Please put your location in the world in your profile so that you can get the best advice. Pictures would be a big help so we could see what you are working with. This time of year in most parts, your ficus would enjoy being outside for the summer.

 

[WNC Bonsai]

How to Grow and Care for Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

The ginseng ficus is the perfect plant if you are looking for a great beginner bonsai. This brief guide will give you some pointers.

www.thespruce.com

 

[19Mateo83]

Welcome to the nut house! Gensing ficus are hardy trees. They can take a lot of root reduction during a repot. I completely cut the tubes off of one of mine and planted it like a big cutting and it came back just fine. The main thing to master for their success is watering. Once you get it in some good draining soil keep it moist but not wet and it will keep on keepin on.

 

[Greywoulf]

Welcome to the forum! Please put your location in the world in your profile so that you can get the best advice. Pictures would be a big help so we could see what you are working with. This time of year in most parts, your ficus would enjoy being outside for the summer.

OK thanks, I replied with an updated profile with some pics and info. Plant(s) cannot go outside as I'm in a 5th floor apt, but they'll get open-windows fresh air until it get's too hot...

 

[Greywoulf]

How to Grow and Care for Ginseng Ficus Bonsai

The ginseng ficus is the perfect plant if you are looking for a great beginner bonsai. This brief guide will give you some pointers.

www.thespruce.com

Thanks very much; I'll definitely check this out!

 

[Greywoulf]

Welcome to the nut house! Gensing ficus are hardy trees. They can take a lot of root reduction during a repot. I completely cut the tubes off of one of mine and planted it like a big cutting and it came back just fine. The main thing to master for their success is watering. Once you get it in some good draining soil keep it moist but not wet and it will keep on keepin on.

Thanks. I water it once or twice a week until it's small pot leaks water into it's tray, and also spray it's leaves at the same time. ~Howzat?

 

[19Mateo83]

Thanks. I water it once or twice a week until it's small pot leaks water into it's tray, and also spray it's leaves at the same time. ~Howzat?

Sounds about right.

 

[Greywoulf]

How about adding Raindeer moss for a nice look? Does that interfere in any way with the care and watering of a Fiscus or Tea Bonsai?

 

[Shibui]

Normal moss does not hurt a bonsai but you may find it difficult to keep moss green indoors.
Reindeer moss appears to be a lichen species. Pretty sure that will not grow indoors.
I see preserved reindeer moss is a thing???? Putting that on will not harm the ficus though it does not look like it would be to my taste.

 

[Greywoulf]

Thanks... I have a small bag of preserved Raindeer moss that's my favorite (chartreuse) color... ~I know it will not exactly make for a 'classic' Bonsai look (which might bother some purist gardeners) but this particular Bonsai display is only for my own delight, on my own windowsill, in my own apartment. ~And I cannot resist that color!! ;>})
~Enjoy!!

Y'know when we had a house last year my partner did all the gardening. She'd spend many happy hours just pulling weeds, while my job was to mow the lawn, trim hedges, and destroy wild vines with a weed-whacker. (~All of which I did not particularly enjoy?)
But now that I'm alone in an apt (she's in assisted living housing close by) I'm really enjoying indoor gardening, which surprises me? -I spent a few very enjoyable hours yesterday in my kitchen just re-potting plants, and the feel of the potting soil in my hands was delightful and absolutely wonderful! ~Already in 6 months I have on my living room and bedroom windowsills 4 Money Trees, 1 Pony Tail Palm, 2 small Cacti, 1 China Doll plant, a Ficus Ginseng Bonsai, and a Chinese Tea Bonsai, and a small rock garden in a plastic container. ~And there's room for MORE plants too!!
(LOL! ~When I like something I get sort'a compulsive I guess...) ;>})