Help requested.
Current project is trying to save this tree I got about 5 weeks ago and I will need advice. I think it might be a Ginseng Ficus because of the root area.
Showing both sides, as i can't tell front from back at this point. It had been in a dark area and lost almost all leaves.
I think it was pruned incorrectly, although they said they had an idea of how they wanted to it look in mind.
I also just found fungus gnats in the top soil and want to wash all soil off and repot. ??

Never ever repot an unhealthy tree.

Yes, you are right, this is ginseng ficus. A small leaf ficus grafted on a trunk of another ficus. By most bonsai artists not concidered a bonsai. In my opinion possible to turn into bonsai with root carving, but not easy and not for beginners. Just grow it as a potted plant and go look for better materials.

fungus gnats are a sign of constantly wet soil. Letting it dry out SLIGHTLY may help.

In general, if the weather allows, placing these outsite will help bringing it back to health. I see a few new leaves, or so it seems. That is a good sign.

Thank you so much for the reply, Will drying it out kill the gnats, eggs and larva or is this not possible? The pot os very old, crumbling and porous. I see gnats crawling into the outside pitted surface also, so that is why I wanted to repot it. think fungus may be in the pot itself. I can water from the bottom and use a pebble tray.
So many questions, so little experience...

Drying it out kills the fungus gnats and the tree.

For that you can use Neem oil I think, and I also saw some sticky pads for sale, you put near the plant and it catches them, however, this one doesn't deal with larvas and eggs.

Ah well.. I get rid of fungus gnats by watering sparingly and making sure the soil surface gets a little dry before watering.