bonsaiTALK Community - View Single Post - When-to-water Question using Moisture meter

Hi chkaplan,

If your ficus is one of the mass produced trees, which I think Sauce was referring to, that are imported from the far east (usually in a speckled blue pot) I would recommend changing the soil at the earliest possible convenience. The reason being is that before these trees are shipped, they have thick clay placed right at the base of the trunk of the tree and then some kind of composted soil. This keeps the roots moist during the long journey.

Unfortunately, the nurseries and vendors that take receipt of these bonsai, don't repot the trees, and by the time you buy one, the tree could have been sat in that soil for a year or two. It is left to the likes of you and I to wash this crappy soil off, for a better mixture to be used in its place. More often than not, one discovers rot already working its way through the root mass.

As your tree is going to be kept indoors, you can essentially repot it at any time throughout the year. Have a read up on some soil mixes that people use for ficus. Come to think of it, as you don't have a yard or somewhere to screen soil without trashing your apartment, it might be best to purchase a premixed soil. Orchid or Cactus soils are usually a good route, as they drain very well.

All the best,

Aaron

5-Feb-2006	#6
Aaron_K bonsaiTALK Master Chief Join Date: Mar-2004 Country: England USDA Zone: 8 AHS Heat Zone: 2-3 Posts: 1,477	Hi chkaplan, If your ficus is one of the mass produced trees, which I think Sauce was referring to, that are imported from the far east (usually in a speckled blue pot) I would recommend changing the soil at the earliest possible convenience. The reason being is that before these trees are shipped, they have thick clay placed right at the base of the trunk of the tree and then some kind of composted soil. This keeps the roots moist during the long journey. Unfortunately, the nurseries and vendors that take receipt of these bonsai, don't repot the trees, and by the time you buy one, the tree could have been sat in that soil for a year or two. It is left to the likes of you and I to wash this crappy soil off, for a better mixture to be used in its place. More often than not, one discovers rot already working its way through the root mass. As your tree is going to be kept indoors, you can essentially repot it at any time throughout the year. Have a read up on some soil mixes that people use for ficus. Come to think of it, as you don't have a yard or somewhere to screen soil without trashing your apartment, it might be best to purchase a premixed soil. Orchid or Cactus soils are usually a good route, as they drain very well. All the best, Aaron __________________ Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Muriel Strode Vulpes pilum mutat, non mores! "A fox may change its skin but never its character"