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Replied by SpencerM on topic Fungus Gnats? Related watering question
Posted 8 years 2 months ago #19426Auk wrote:
SpencerM wrote: Yes! And also, someone wrote a "Mad Libs" checklist for new user questions, something like ...
I think that was me in this topic: www.bonsaiempire.com/forum/basic-techniq...ficus?start=10#19097 ?
It was. And like all good satire, it really helped highlight how much my first post was 1) totally novice and uninformed and 2) completely ordinary and not unique.
Everyone thinks they are special snowflake until someone else guesses their post word for word :blush:
by SpencerM
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Replied by SpencerM on topic Fungus Gnats? Related watering question
Posted 8 years 2 months ago #19427Samantha wrote: so how's the gnats doing, just wondering?
Amazing! It has completely cleared up! It turns out I was overwatering and I had no idea! I was using all the advice I had read about waiting for the soil to be dry to the touch, but it turns out the deeper soil was still a little damp in between waterings. I was also mistaken as I had read that some types of Bonsai species will dry out and lose leaves, but the Ficus Ginseng I have is somewhat tolerant to drought (this was my fault for not reading carefully enough).
I think it was Cronic who suggested using a chopstick to check the moisture below the surface. I've actually been using a Kabob skewer and it gives me pretty good information. I had been watering about once every 7-8 days, but it turns out it is actually between 10-14 days before the soil is dry. As I said, I'm currently inside with this one, and the environment is remarkably consistent.
I do think I have a problem with my soil though, so I think that is my next move. I've read that Bonsai soil should drain pretty well and have aeration, and I think mine is just sitting in potting soil. I've been reading up and when spring comes around I'm planning on picking up a species of larch from a nursery as I've been told they are well suited to my geography and decent for beginners, and I want to have good soil and setup.
But this one is looking very healthy and no gnats/flies! As it grows I'm also seeing why this is not even a "pre-bonsai," as it is so small and was so clearly chopped in half I doubt even a master with 300 years could make it nice, but I'm really having fun practicing keeping it alive, learning how to diagnose its health, and where to find good information as I get ready to invest in real material.
by SpencerM
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Replied by Cronic on topic Fungus Gnats? Related watering question
Posted 8 years 2 months ago #19428
once you buy a larch and learn to care for it and style it, you'll get addicted to the species.. if i didn't have 20 projects already i'd buy me another larch
currently have 2 and i'm planning to get a 3rd.. a 5 or 7 tree forrest.. or maybe a shohin raft..
currently have 2 and i'm planning to get a 3rd.. a 5 or 7 tree forrest.. or maybe a shohin raft..
by Cronic
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