Using soil from the original Pot

ArcLad

I bought myself a Ficus a few days back and I repotted it into a new bowl. I cleared out all the soil from the roots when I repotted, then when I placed it into the bowl I covered the roots with the same soil that it came with. I read that root rot forms when you have severed roots living with the living roots applying water to it will cause the dead root to rot. I am not sure but I feel that I should take care of this issue if it is an issue because the Ficus I bought was 30+ bucks. Also, root rot is a really big deal so I want to make sure.

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Will_Heath

Using the same soil is usually not a good idea as the old soil has no doubt broken down. Could you tell us what type of soil it is in?

What causes root rot is the roots being soaked all the time, too much water coupled with a extreme lack of spaces between the soil particles for air creates a perfect enviroment for rot. Cut roots alone will not rot in a good soil mix.

There are many types of bonsai soil, if there is a club locally, they could answer many of your questions based on the climate there. They could also help you with purchasing or mixing your own soil. A good bonsai shop in the area may also be able to help, if you can not contact a club.

Can you post a picture of the soil you reused?


Will

pootsie

Yeah, ditto what Will said. Can you post pix?

There is sooo much info about soil on this fourm, it may be hard to digest. In short, though, until you are at the point in your bonsai education where you can (or need to) make your own, it is best to purchase soil made especially for bonsai.

Hollow Creek is a good brand, or your local nursery may have an option.

pootsie

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Misspeled_Name

I would also like to see some photos of the soil if possible .


I would make my own soil, or find a local sorce rather than buying some from Hollow Creek. I have heard some bad things about ordering from them online or over the phone. I tried to order from them once, called up during their hours and got the answering machine. Also I wrote them an E-mail about ordering my sruff, and they gave me very short and kinda rude replys.

- Misspeled_Name

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Pill_Man

Okay... just my 2 1/2 cents on this... I've dealt with HC Bonsai and Fred
for a couple of years now. He's been nothing but courteous, friendly
and very helpful. I do have the luxury of being able to drive over to HC as he's
only about 30 miles from where I live. He's pretty much a one-man operation, so
I guess it's possible to catch him on a very busy day - or get his machine if
he's out making deliveries. I just hate to see him maligned in a public forum over
what might very well be a very rare incident. No vendor is ever going to be
perfect - or please everyone. But Fred's been in business quite a long time and
has been very successful at it. Believe me, he's worth your giving another try.

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