UndeadJamieApr 23

Is there anyone on the Fediverse that would know how to revitalise a Ficus Bonsai tree?

I’ve had mine for about 10 years and being honest, it hasn’t had much care over that period. I think it needs pruning, but I’m not sure what to do without killing it. Probably needs repotting as well.

2016 and 2026 photos below. 😬

Boosts welcomed! ❤️

#Plants #BonsaiTree #Gardening

Show threadPrizmoApr 23
@jamie doesn't look like it has been repotted. I would get fresh soil (look up the soil mixture for ficus) and a slightly larger pot. Then pull it out, trim the smaller roots off so it is just the root ball + larger roots and drop it in the new pot
Show threadUndeadJamieApr 23
@unsafelyhotboots Yeah someone else said something similar. Thanks will definitely do that.
Show threadPrizmoApr 23
@jamie sure thing. Fixed the glaring typo I missed in the original post.

Bonsai need to be repotted every 6 months when young, every year as they age, and then once mature every few years
Show threadUndeadJamieApr 23

@unsafelyhotboots Oh wow okay. Mine has definitely been neglected then. 😅😬

I’m honestly surprised it’s still going.

Show threadPrizmoApr 23
@jamie ficus are super resilient, as you can see - you should be OK once it gets repotted.

In general, I am against the standard shallow pots for bonsai and in favor of pots with more depth to allow the roots to spread out more. This gives you more time between pottings
Show threadUndeadJamieApr 23
@unsafelyhotboots Oh I assume they need repotting due to lack of nutrients in the soil etc?
Show threadPrizmo
@jamie root binding is the (pardon the pun) root cause, and that binding caused those same roots to lose uptake in water and soil nutrients.
Apr 23 at 5:27pmWeb
Show threadUndeadJamieApr 23
@unsafelyhotboots Ah okay, good to know. Thanks!