beginner needs help

Andrew G

"AJCarroll1019" <ajcarroll1019@aol.com> wrote in message
news:20040808173404.14991.00001289@mb-m02.aol.com...
> Hello.I am a beginner to bonsai and have been styling trees like boxwood
and
> juniper,just basic beginner material.I am very interested in doing a
banyan
> style ficus though.but,i have no idea how to get started.i know that it
must be
> kept in humid conditions for the arial roots to form and i think i read
> something about using sphagnum moss.If anyone could give me more details
and
> instructions,it would be greatly appreciated.

Generally with Ficus you let them dry out between waterings to help fatten
the trunk, as it will store water in it. Don't get me wrong, they need
water, but can get to very dry, then soak it, then allow drying again, and
so on.
To keep it humid around the plant get a tray and fill with very coarse
gravel, pieces about the size of your thumb. Fill the tray with water, then
sit the potted ficus on the gravel, so water is below it, but bottom of pot,
or drain holes are not in water. Keep water topped up, and never water plant
with water that is amongst gravel. Toss it and fill up with new water .

Good luck
> Thanks,
> Aaron