Hi all could anybody help me with the identity of this bonsai plant and how best to care for it I've recently noticed roots coming from the bottom of the pot so ive been and got a bonsai compost and lager pot but I'd like to know if it's any special requirements as I've got it out of its old pot many thanks all

Colin69 wrote:

Hi all could anybody help me with the identity of this bonsai plant

Ficus Microcarpa Ginseng. Common houseplant, not a bonsai.

It was sold to a friend as a bonsai which is why I assumed it was thank for correctly identifying it for me is the care and treatments of the plant the same anyway.

Just the standard care guidelines for ficus.
You do not need that 'bonsai compost' - but I guess it'll do.

I'm slightly confused on bonsai empire the same plant all be it well looked after is termed as a bonsai plant I certa don't doubt your identity of my plant I would just like to make sure this isn't another wife killed plant and as I've always been interested in bonsai I accepted this one many thanks for all your help novices have to start somewhere

Colin69 wrote:

I'm slightly confused on bonsai empire the same plant all be it well looked after is termed as a bonsai plant

Bonsai is not a tree species, it is a set of techniques to shape a beautiful, but miniaturized version of a tree.

The examples of ficus you see on Bonsai Empire are bonsai. Your plant is not.

Colin69 wrote:

I'm slightly confused on bonsai empire the same plant all be it well looked after is termed as a bonsai plant

Well, in order to add up on Auk´s post and to clarify a little bit more on this subject I´m leaving here a link where you can see the process of transforming a Ficus "Mallsai" into a better looking tree which might resemble more accurately an actual Bonsai tree.

www.bonsaiempire.com/blog/ficus-mallsai

You´ll see that sometimes there is a long way to go before we can call any tree a Bonsai

Alain

Many thanks for your advice and help