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Ficus Microcarpa

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Old 3-Dec-2006   #1
Marin
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Ficus Microcarpa

Greetins from Europe.

I'm a newcomer in Bonsai trees, got one as a gift...Ficus Microcarpa.

I have put in my living room, not directly exposed to the sun, but with (as least I think) enough sunlight. Room is heated at app 21 degrees Celsius.
I'm watering it once per week.

But, the leaves are falling off, every day few of them, so what used to be a beatiful tree is not a sad tree with 30% of original nr. of leaves. Tried to put in different room, with other conditions, did not help...

Can someone give me a advice what to do, how to take care of this type of tree, or give me a link to a topic if that type of question has already been answered.

Thank you in advance.


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Old 3-Dec-2006   #2
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Ficus species commonly react to environmental changes (e.g. moving to a new location) by dropping leaves prior to regrowing new ones. Just put the tree in its permanant location and leave it there . . . .

Search this site for ficus info, there's lots out there.
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Old 3-Dec-2006   #3
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Lots of good advice on growing Ficus indoors here:

http://www.bonsaihunk.us/cultural.html

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Old 3-Dec-2006   #4
Marin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 007
Ficus species commonly react to environmental changes (e.g. moving to a new location) by dropping leaves prior to regrowing new ones. Just put the tree in its permanant location and leave it there . . . .

Search this site for ficus info, there's lots out there.

007, BrianBay9, many thanks.

I'm an apsolute ignorant regarding plants and flowers, but I hate to see such a lovely tree dying in front of my eyes. So, just to be sure, if I leave it permanently on one place (conditions described in my 1st post), leaves will re-grow? In what period (weeks, months...)? Is it OK that all leaves fall down, and than grow back?
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Old 3-Dec-2006   #5
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Yes, many leaves will fall, but so long as it gets appropriate light and water, it will regrow new leaves. Even if all the leaves fall off. Its impossible to say how long it will take though . . . it varies based on growing conditions. Weeks to months though for sure, not days.
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Old 3-Dec-2006   #6
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You say you are watering once a week. Do not try to put the tree on a strict watering schedule.
It may need more water than you are giving it. The tree will dictate to you when it needs water, and that could be what is happening by the leaf drop. Or it could be potted in soil that may be too heavy and holding too much water. The soil should be a free draining soil.
The amount of water the tree needs is directly related to how much light it gets.
More light= more water.

It would do best in a south or east window if you do not have a light system for the tree.

Check the soil to see when it needs water by pushing your finger about 1 inch into the soil. If it is dry, it definitely needs water.

Always water thoroughly, either by sitting the pot in a pan of water for about ten minutes to let it absorb what it needs through the bottom drain holes.
Let the excess water drain out the holes in the bottom of the pot.
That is but one method of watering. The other is to top water which most people prefer. However, if you choose to top water be sure that you water several times to be sure it is completely wet to the bottom.

The tree will dictate when it wants water.
Good luck, Hector
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Last edited by Repotter : 3-Dec-2006 at 11:08 PM.
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Old 20-Dec-2006   #7
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Ficus is one of the most hardy species of tree for bonsai, so don't worry too much about the loss of leaves, they will be replaced. As said figs do react to climatic changes so the permanant position will help. Make sure it is a bright postion though with preferably some sunlight if possible. While figs do grow indoors they often grow large leaves and long branches in darker areas. This is so they can catch as much light as possible for photosynthesis. Watering will be a challenge so it will be needing checking everyday for at least a month untill you work out how the tree is handling certain variables, eg heating in the house or a hot day? I wouldn't think it will require water every day but you'll still have to check it. As to how long till the leaves come back, it will depend on the quality of light you provide for the tree. More light, more and stronger buds, less light, less buds and weaker growth. Good luck with it Andrew
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