Hey everyone,

I was just given a bonsai ficus (ginseng?) and noticed that the main trunk has a big open soft spot on it. I know pretty much nothing about these plants so I thought I'd ask around on here. There are still new leaves growing and everything else on it looks healthy.

Hi there,

You have received a small plant into a container, not exactly a Bonsai. As for to know why such distinction, here you can find it:

www.growingbonsai.net/why-is-my-tree-not-a-bonsai/

As for knowing how to take care of this plant look into this:

www.bonsaiempire.com/tree-species/ficus

Alain

It's a rotting root.
You will have to carve it, let it dry, maybe protect with cut paste.
It will survive.