What is even my tree? (Ficus Ginseng confusion)

[astronoob]

Hi,

I had I believe 2 types of leaves on my Ginseng, after very hard pruning, this is what it looks like.


Now all the leaves have this tongue like endings, if that makes sense.
I want to un-frankenstein that tree, and also completely remove the whole potato base, but in a year or two I guess.

I wonder what specimen is at the top? And where does it start in this tree?

As you can see, the 2 main branches are very brownish, is this the grafted stuff?
If yes, perhaps I could air layer the bottom parts of those branches and create new trees out of them?

Thanks

 

[Shibui]

Ginseng ficus are generally grafted so the thick trunk is one variety of Ficus and the branches are a different type.
I can only see 1 leaf shape on your tree so you have removed all of the other one. Pity you did not take a before photo which would give us much more info.
Ginseng foliage is generally smaller and rounded I think. It also has shorter internodes so I suspect you have removed all of the grafted section and kept the root stock which would mean it starts right at the roots???
It is likely the brownish bark is just younger and will turn grey as it ages.
I can see lots of air roots growing from the main stem so you would not even have to layer that one. Just chop it and plant into potting soil and it will almost certainly grow.

 

[astronoob]

Ginseng ficus are generally grafted so the thick trunk is one variety of Ficus and the branches are a different type.
I can only see 1 leaf shape on your tree so you have removed all of the other one. Pity you did not take a before photo which would give us much more info.
Ginseng foliage is generally smaller and rounded I think. It also has shorter internodes so I suspect you have removed all of the grafted section and kept the root stock which would mean it starts right at the roots???
It is likely the brownish bark is just younger and will turn grey as it ages.
I can see lots of air roots growing from the main stem so you would not even have to layer that one. Just chop it and plant into potting soil and it will almost certainly grow.

I have a few photos:

https://imgur.com/a/2xPuJLl

The first one taken in 2019.
The rest was taken this month, 3rd and 4th I believe before any prunning.

From the research I’ve done, there is no such thing as Ficus Ginseng, apparently usually It’s microcarpa root mixed with other microcarpa specimen.

 

[astronoob]

Also I think I might have some fungi on shortened root?

https://imgur.com/a/0sclrJ2

What do I do?

 

[astronoob]

Also that Kaizen soil I hoped wouldn’t keep moisture for this long.

I think I watered it like 3 days ago and It’s still quite wet, despite being in pond basket.

 

[astronoob]

Noticed one more thing, one leaf has a brownish hole.
The one on first image had this white spot underneath, which I could remove easily with cotton swab.

Could this be some insect?

https://imgur.com/a/jTYA879

 

[Shibui]

Just for info, links for photos are a PITA. Much better for me if you attach photos direct to Bnut.

Insect: not entirely clear but Ficus do get scale insect, especially on the underside of leaves so very likely scale. Treat with systemic or horticultural oils.

White on roots and soil might be fungi but much more likely to be mineral deposit caused by mineral rich water evaporating and improper watering. More common on indoor bonsai and outdoor trees with restricted watering or very dry climate.
Check to see if the root is soft (fungi) or if it appears to be hard, mineral deposit on the surface of the root.

Before and after pics: Can you see any difference in leaves on the different branches? Looks like you have kept the branches with pointy leaves and removed the rounder leaves of the grafted branches.
Ginseng ficus is named because the roots resemble the swollen, forked ginseng root which has medicinal and other properties in Chinese medicine. The root stock for Ginseng Ficus is likely F, microcarpa. Usually the top is F, retusa which ahs smaller leaves and compact growth. It appears you now have only the root stock -F. microcarpa. No problem, F. microcarpa is a great species for bonsai.

 

[astronoob]

Just for info, links for photos are a PITA. Much better for me if you attach photos direct to Bnut.

Insect: not entirely clear but Ficus do get scale insect, especially on the underside of leaves so very likely scale. Treat with systemic or horticultural oils.

White on roots and soil might be fungi but much more likely to be mineral deposit caused by mineral rich water evaporating and improper watering. More common on indoor bonsai and outdoor trees with restricted watering or very dry climate.
Check to see if the root is soft (fungi) or if it appears to be hard, mineral deposit on the surface of the root.

Before and after pics: Can you see any difference in leaves on the different branches? Looks like you have kept the branches with pointy leaves and removed the rounder leaves of the grafted branches.
Ginseng ficus is named because the roots resemble the swollen, forked ginseng root which has medicinal and other properties in Chinese medicine. The root stock for Ginseng Ficus is likely F, microcarpa. Usually the top is F, retusa which ahs smaller leaves and compact growth. It appears you now have only the root stock -F. microcarpa. No problem, F. microcarpa is a great species for bonsai.

I’ve ordered Neem Oil and will try to spray it.

Watered the tree yesterday and today leaves became more yellow and some young ones fell off after touching them.

Perhaps I need to water less.

 

[Shibui]

It can be hard to gauge need for water indoors where the soil does not dry quickly. Only water when soil is getting dry below the surface. Wooden skewer or chopstick makes a good soil moisture gauge. Poke in and leave. Pull out each day to check for damp deeper in the pot.
It's hard to diagnose over watering and underwatering without seeing and feeling the soil. Above ground symptoms are similar. Only you can tell if you are watering when soil is still wet or letting it get dry between.
Ficus are much more tolerant of dry than of wet so I try to err on the dry side rather than too wet.

 

[astronoob]

It can be hard to gauge need for water indoors where the soil does not dry quickly. Only water when soil is getting dry below the surface. Wooden skewer or chopstick makes a good soil moisture gauge. Poke in and leave. Pull out each day to check for damp deeper in the pot.
It's hard to diagnose over watering and underwatering without seeing and feeling the soil. Above ground symptoms are similar. Only you can tell if you are watering when soil is still wet or letting it get dry between.
Ficus are much more tolerant of dry than of wet so I try to err on the dry side rather than too wet.

There are some meters but using them in soil with rocks probably not the best idea.

 

[leatherback]

I suspect you have removed all of the grafted section and kept the root stock

This is my conclusion too. The rootstock produces much better foliage long-term anyway.

It's hard to diagnose over watering and underwatering without seeing and feeling the soil

Cold draft behing a window and/or irregular humid/too dry phases of the soil because e.g., standing on top of a radiator looks exactly like this too.

 

[astronoob]

Cold draft behing a window and/or irregular humid/too dry phases of the soil because e.g., standing on top of a radiator looks exactly like this too.

They will be away from the radiator and window soon, on a shelf.

That is, if the lights I’ve ordered will be sufficient.