Can anyone give me advice on my Ficus Ginseng? This is my...
1ft to light, direct
6” pot without drainage
Last watered 17 hours ago
10
Best Answer
Hey there Sarai! I'm originally from Asheville 😛 I usually like to give plants a chance to adapt to their new home before repotting, since the extra stress could cause transplant shock. Unless of course the plant is super unhealthy and the benefits of repotting outweigh the potential risks. So you have to weigh the pros and cons when deciding to repot. Your plant card says it's in a pot without drainage, is that the case? I'd also move it much closer to a window — these guys like a LOT of light, but too much direct sun can burn them. Within 3 feet of a south or west-facing window is ideal. Since it's winter, they don't need to be watered as often and the soil should be allowed to almost completely dry out between waterings.
@stephonicle thank you so much for your advice! I just moved to Asheville 😂 love it so far! The pot that it came in is this huge cement pot with glued together fake rocks (typical Home Depot) I’ll definitely move it closer to the window!
@moongardenbabe oh goodness, not the glued rocks 🙄🤦🏻♀️ You have quite a task ahead of you freeing it from those rocks, but as long as you take it slow it can be done with minimal damage to tree and roots. Do you own a chisel? 😜
@moongardenbabe you'll need to soak the whole thing in water to loosen up the adhesive, then begin chiseling from the outside and work your way in. Doesn't have to be a chisel, a flathead screwdriver will also work. Use it to pry off chunks at a time. Hopefully the glued rocks are only on the top surface, but you won't know until you break off a piece and see what's underneath.
@stephonicle I JUST changed it because I just got the app and I saw my user name was something about beans 😂
@moongardenbabe it was selflessbeans something lol. If you don't create your own username the app automatically gives you one with some association to plants. Although beans are a bit of a stretch 😂😂
@stephonicle exactly why I changed it 😂 I’ll update you on the changes to see how Usagi does! Also the app says only a specific amount of water but I’ve also read to never allow the soil to dry out for these bonsais. What’s your watering routine?
@moongardenbabe yes, please update on its progress! 😀
The info Greg provides are more suggestions than anything. There are countless variables unique to your plant that the app can't possibly account for. If it sends you a reminder to water but the soil still feels damp, click the "snooze" button and it will remind you again in a few days. The amount of water it recommends is based on pot size, but again it's not an exact science. Typically you want to water thoroughly until it starts to pour out of drainage holes, then let it almost completely dry out before watering again. You can water when the top several inches of soil feel dry. You might consider getting a moisture meter, they're super helpful for checking soil further down in the pot. If the soil in the bottom half of the pot is still very wet, you want to hold off on watering until it's only moderately damp to avoid root rot. Checking the soil and figuring out a good watering schedule will be much easier once it's freed from its rock prison and repotted 😛
The info Greg provides are more suggestions than anything. There are countless variables unique to your plant that the app can't possibly account for. If it sends you a reminder to water but the soil still feels damp, click the "snooze" button and it will remind you again in a few days. The amount of water it recommends is based on pot size, but again it's not an exact science. Typically you want to water thoroughly until it starts to pour out of drainage holes, then let it almost completely dry out before watering again. You can water when the top several inches of soil feel dry. You might consider getting a moisture meter, they're super helpful for checking soil further down in the pot. If the soil in the bottom half of the pot is still very wet, you want to hold off on watering until it's only moderately damp to avoid root rot. Checking the soil and figuring out a good watering schedule will be much easier once it's freed from its rock prison and repotted 😛