Bonsai forum

  • Page:
  • 1

TOPIC:

is it normal??? 9 years 4 months ago #13632

  • luda
  • luda's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Posts: 4
  • Thanks received: 0
hello , i have a question. i have bought a privet bonsai tree last year. in the begining of sept, the leaves started to fall. one day, i saw like white coton stuff on the tree( not leaves). then , i decided to put the tree outside, the coton white stuff went away but the trunk started to be white in some spots(the bottom). then i started to fertilize the plants, some white spots go away but the bottom of the trunk is like loosing the color of the tree( from dark brown to light brown). Then i started to read all kinds of websites. I am lost, is it ill? can i still save it? i read that i can also try to do a "How to Make Homemade Insecticidal Soap for Plants", please help!!

This message has attachments images.
Please log in or register to see it.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

Last edit: Post by luda.

is it normal??? 9 years 4 months ago #13633

  • bob
  • bob's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 1097
  • Thanks received: 175
Wait for further postsas i do not know what is happening but i hink that is a focus ginseng and not a privet at all. But wait fo furher pposts.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

is it normal??? 9 years 4 months ago #13636

  • leatherback
  • leatherback's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 8620
  • Thanks received: 3653
Indeed FIcus Ginseng.
The white stuff along the roots are calcium deposits. NOrmal product of watering with so calld hard water, water rich in dissolved salts, mainly calcium based.

No urgent action required. Just consider repotting when summer comes back to your areas.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

is it normal??? 9 years 4 months ago #13638

  • alainleon1983
  • alainleon1983's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 691
  • Thanks received: 185

i hink that is a focus ginseng and not a privet at all. But wait fo furher pposts.

Indeed FIcus Ginseng.


That is most definitively a Ficus Ginseng and not a Privet. No ifs or buts about it... I have one myself, look at this image, compare the roots and see it by yourself:

This message has an attachment image.
Please log in or register to see it.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

is it normal??? 9 years 4 months ago #13640

  • luda
  • luda's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Posts: 4
  • Thanks received: 0
thank you for a fast reply,a question: why to repot it in summer only? it is my first bonsai and i really want to save it....... should i put less water for the start? should i fertilize( i did not fertilize it from the begining, and started when i started to see the white spots)??
any hope of saving it?

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

is it normal??? 9 years 4 months ago #13641

  • luda
  • luda's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Posts: 4
  • Thanks received: 0
those are the instructions:
BONSAI BOY OF NEW YORK
bonsaiboy.com


GINSENG FICUS (Ficus Retusa))


Native to Malaysia, Taiwan and other Southeast and East Asian countries, the Ginseng Ficus is an excellent choice for bonsai tree growers. Sometimes known as the Taiwan Ficus, Banyan Fig or Indian Laurel Fig, the Ginseng Ficus is characterized by the shape of its strong roots and stems and small, alternating oval dark green leaves that grow up the stem and which are more oval than the Ficus Benjamina. A Ginseng Ficus will have two or more heavy, thick exposed aerial roots that appear to look more like tree trunks than a typical root. A Ginseng Ficus bonsai is also noted for a thick, pot-bellied trunk similar to a Ginseng plant’s root and its grey to reddish bark dotted with small horizontal flecks that look like tiger markings. The Ginseng Ficus is ideal for first timers or new comers to the world of bonsai growing. It is especially suited to anyone looking to grow a bonsai tree as a hobby, since it is commonly regarded as the easiest bonsai tree to grow because it is very tolerant.
How To Take Proper Care Of Your Indoor Bonsai Tree

Bonsai is the reproduction of natural tree forms in miniature. This art form has its origin in Japan and China where it has been practiced for centuries. Bonsai are grown in pots and are totally dependent on you for their care.

With proper care, your bonsai will remain healthy, beautiful and miniature for many years to come. Since your bonsai is a living miniature tree, it will increase in beauty as it matures through the years. The instructions below are just the basics and, therefore, we recommend that you purchase one of the many fine books available on the subject.

PLACEMENT SPRING, SUMMER & FALL
The Ficus Ginseng will thrive indoors in high light and appreciates being kept outdoors during the spring and summer. When night time temperatures drop below 45 degrees we suggest that you place the tree on a windowsill or on a table in front of one.

PLACEMENT WINTER
Once nightly lows begin approaching the 40 degree mark, it is time to bring your indoor bonsai inside. The ideal indoor location is on a window sill facing south. An east or west exposure is second best. A northern exposure will work, but will necessitate the use of "grow lights" to provide sufficient light to keep your bonsai healthy. Four to six hours of sunlight per day should suffice. If you can provide more, so much the better.

WATERING
The watering of your bonsai must never be neglected. Apply water before the soil appears dry -- never allow the soil to become completely dry. It is a good idea to use a moisture meter until you get to know the requirements of your bonsai tree. Water should be applied until it begins running out of the holes in the bottom of your pot. It doesn’t really matter “how” you water your tree, but rather that when you are finished the tree has been well watered.

HUMIDITY
During the cold months, when your bonsai is inside, we recommend placing it in a shallow tray filled with a layer of gravel with water added. This provides extra moisture around the tree as the water evaporates and reduces the amount of moisture lost to modern heating systems.

FERTILIZING
Fertilizing is also necessary if your bonsai is to remain healthy and beautiful. Since your bonsai is growing in such a small amount of soil it is necessary to replenish the soil's supply of nutrients periodically. Any general-purpose liquid fertilizer will do fine and is available at most garden centers. We suggest that fertilizers be used at half their recommended strength. Fertilizer should be applied at least once a month except during winter. Your bonsai will also respond well to foliar feeding, with a water-soluble fertilizer applied every other month as a spray.

TRAINING
This brief explanation of basic care does not cover training. Training deals with the art of bonsai and should be thoroughly understood before undertaking -- or left to a professional. However, most of the true bonsai trees you find have already been through their training period, thus requiring only periodic trimming and pinching to remain miniature.

TRIMMING & PINCHING
Trimming and pinching keep your tree miniature. Pinch and trim back the new growth to the farthest safe point. Never should all of the new growth be removed. A little should be left to sustain the health of the tree. Tropical and sub-tropical trees used for bonsai will require periodic pinching and trimming throughout the year. Since different trees grow at different rates, it is necessary to evaluate each tree’s rate of growth and adjust your trimming and pinching to accommodate it.

REPOTTING
Repotting must be performed periodically on all bonsai when their root system has filled the pot. The reasons for repotting are to supply your tree with fresh soil, and to encourage a more compact root system. As a rule, most deciduous trees require repotting every two or three years, while evergreens only need to be repotted every four or five years. Since trees grow at different rates, this schedule will not always hold true, therefore, you should examine your tree's root system each year to determine if it has become pot-bound.

In most cases, the potting process is easy and safe if performed properly and at the right time of the year. Repotting should be done in mid-summer. The tree, along with all of its soil, should be removed from the pot. The outer and bottom most fourth of the tree's root mass should be removed. This is done by raking the soil away, then pruning back the roots. In most cases, it is not good to prune back more than one fourth of the tree's root mass. After this, the tree can be placed back in its original pot or into another. The pot should have screen placed over the drainage holes. Then a thin layer of small gravel is placed in the bottom of the pot for drainage purposes. On top of this gravel is placed the new fresh soil. Place a layer of well-draining soil which is sufficient enough to elevate the tree to its previous height in the pot. After placing the tree back in the pot, the area left vacant by the pruned root mass should be filled in with fresh soil. This fresh soil should be worked in around and under the root mass in such a manner as to avoid leaving any air pockets. After repotting, your bonsai should be thoroughly watered. This can be achieved by submerging the entire pot in a tub of water. Moss or other ground covers can be used to cover the surface of the pot to help prevent soil erosion when watering.

INSECTS & DISEASES
Since your bonsai is a tree in miniature, it can be treated for insects and diseases the same as any other tree. If you discover any insects or diseases, visit our website where you will be able to obtain the necessary products to eliminate the problem.



What do you think about putting my bonsai outside? now it is winter and the snow/rain will help?
or only inside? i always was putting my bonsai inside.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

is it normal??? 9 years 4 months ago #13642

  • luda
  • luda's Avatar Topic Author
  • Offline
  • New Member
  • New Member
  • Posts: 4
  • Thanks received: 0
I have placed my plants with a specific light that it is just for plants, should I leave my bonsai there or more near a window?

This message has an attachment image.
Please log in or register to see it.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

is it normal??? 9 years 4 months ago #13643

  • m5eaygeoff
  • m5eaygeoff's Avatar
  • Offline
  • Platinum Member
  • Platinum Member
  • Posts: 2977
  • Thanks received: 850
I think there is some mealy bug on there. I can't see any calcium deposits, and anyway, it takes a lot of time to build up any amount. Watering should not be to a schedule, check eery day with a chopstick and water when it comes out clean. Do not water to a set time and day. The easiest way is to put the pot into a bowl of water and wait for the bubbles to stop, then allow to drain.

Please Log in or Create an account to join the conversation.

  • Page:
  • 1