Ficus Retusa Question

mushashi · White Belt Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 24

Hi,

I have a pretty nicely trained ficus retusa that I purchased a while back from a store. It is fairly old trained pretty well, but has some problems.

First the store put in the glued together stones on the surface(now removed) second the soil was not a true bonsai mix.

Third, the roots were beginning to show through the drainage holes.

The biggest problem is for the last few months the new leaf growth has been coming out in a somewhat distorted shape and the leaf color remains a very pale, light green color even after maturity, unlike the usual dark green leaves.

What I have done:

I tried fertilizing several times with organic seaweed extract with no change.

Finally yesterday, I broke down and decided to do a repot. I trimmed about 1/3 or a little more of the roots removed about 75%-80% of the existing soil and then repotted in the same container using a good grade bonsai soil. I watered lightly and am waiting results.

Does it sound like what I am experiencing is a root bound issue or something else or both? Any suggestions would be appreciated, because it is a really nice specimen with potential in the long run.

Thanks......

Stymie · Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 8:20 pm Post subject: Re: Ficus Retusa Question

Mushashi Hi,
You've done exactly what I would have suggested. Keep your compost just moist and don't attempt any further feeding for the next month. There will be enough feed in the new compost for now. If new growth of good colour is evident after that month then start feeding at half the recommended strength on the container at two week intervals. June 1st and 15th and the same for subsequent months until September, after which make it once a month.

mushashi · White Belt Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 24

Hi Stymie,

Wow, that is really scary that I am beginning to do the right thing before getting any advice!

Okay, I will follow your suggestion to not over water or fertilize till I see nice new growth. Now, if I can only figure out how to get a little better shape to the branches which tend to grow vertically at an angle.

By the way, it did not APPEAR to be as over run with roots as I expected, there were quite a few long ones though. Perhaps the soil was just shot as well?

P.S. I am noticing a similar thing going on with my shohin Quercus Agrifolia. The first set of new leaves this season were fine the subsequent growth a few of the leaves the color is a mottled green color and some of the newest leaves are coming out somewhat distorted. Time for a repot? And is it too late in the season to do that with Oak?

Should I trim off the distorted leaves and wait for new ones or will that take a long time with Oak?

Thanks......

Stymie · Posted: Mon May 02, 2005 8:43 pm Post subject: Re: Ficus Retusa Question

Don't start to restyle your fig before it has recovered from the repot.

It isn't too late to repot the oak if you look sharp. A watering with added epsom salts may be beneficial if it has a deficiency and will do no harm in any case. Try a teaspoonful in a pint.

mushashi · White Belt Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 24

Thanks, I will see if I can get on it this weekend. I might try the Epsom salts too. It is in a very small container, so it might be getting a little crowded with the roots.

Yes, I was referring to the future for restyling. The tree has had enough stress for a while........

GioGio · Posted: Wed May 04, 2005 12:23 pm Post subject: Re: Ficus Retusa Question

Hi Mushashi, where are your plants kept? Are they getting enough light? Poor light conditions also cause lack of colour in leaves.

Giogio

mushashi · White Belt Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Posts: 24

Hi,

All my trees except for the ficus are kept outside in a Southwest facing location and get plenty of sun. The specimens to each side of it are doing fine. I suspect either a deficiency of some kind or crowded roots.....