|
| Ok, I know I've probably been really naive and stupid however here's my story...
... I've recently purchased my own apartment but it needs a lot of decorating and refurbishing work. When I was at a large commericial home store recnetly I saw Ficus Retusa that looked just like the one from The Karate Kid movie (sad I know) and just had to buy it. This was about 4 - 5 weeks ago and its been in my apartment since. I'm not living in the apartment yet but have watered it maybe 3 to 4 times a week. I have no experience with plants at all and don't know if I have watered in thoroughly enough or not but I would say I've used around 150mls of water each time. The problem is that we've been cutting laminate wooden floors and sanding walls in the apartment and you can see the dust on the leaves of the tree. The leaves are now falling off at an alarming rate with probably only half the number of leaves remaining from when I first got it and I'm really worried. My intention is to buy some liquid fertiliser on my home from work today as I've yet to fertilise it. I'm also not sure if the pot has holes in the bottom or not either. Help! Have I all but killed my tree with the environment I've subjected it to? What can I do to save it? Your comments and advice would be greatly appreciated. I hang my head in shame and guilt. Ray |
Follow-Up Postings:
|
| Ray Watering 3 -4 times a week indoors sounds excessive. I have ficus outdoors in 100+ degree fahrenheit or 37+ celcius and only water every other day. Some of my very small pots have to be watered every day, but a plant indoors shouldn't be needing that much water. IMHO it sounds like you killing your plant with water. I would let the soil dry out some. Using fertilizer now would probably finish it off. fertilizer really should only be used on healthy plants that are growing. |
|
| And put it in a pot with holes, in the sun. |
|
| How often should I water it though? Or whats the trick of being able to tell? |
|
- Posted by gnome_in_pa Zone 6 (My Page) on Fri, Aug 25, 06 at 10:31
| Ray, When watering the only thing that can be put on a schedue is you, check it daily and water when it is aproaching dryness. Ficus can be kept a little on the dry side but don't let it dry out entirely. A lot depends on the density of the soil. It should be in a gritty, free draining mix. When you water does the water puddle on top or flow through the medium? As Lucy said, ensure that it has drainage holes and provide the best light you can. Norm |
|
| I usually water ficus (and juniper, and succulents and even sometimes maples) when more of the soil than less is dry, but that's generally if the tree's in fairly heavy organic or potting soil. If it's in a real bonsai mix that drains right away (and no water sits on top even for seconds) then you have to do it more often, especially if it's outside, and not worry so much about overdoing it as it will only 'keep' what it needs anyway and roots won't rot as they would otherwise do. |
|
| Thanks again guys. I've checked the pot and it does have drain holes. It's now sitting in the light near the window and I haven't watered it for about a week now. It seems to be looking better, although in saying that it really has just sustained its present condition after losing around 50% - 60% of its leaves. When I water it, it does puddle on top of the soil. What's your advice for watering based on that? Thanks Ray |
|
| You've got peat, and when the plant's feeling better maybe repot into something with either a lot more grit mixed in, or a lot less peat (you'd need to ask a garden ctre for that... most store bought potting soils are mostly peat. |
|
- Posted by gnome_in_pa Zone 6 (My Page) on Tue, Aug 29, 06 at 1:51
| Ray, You wrote: "When I water it, it does puddle on top of the soil. What's your advice for watering based on that?" Same advice, allow to dry out somewhat before watering. The heavier the soil the less frequently you will need to water. Eventually you should repot into a more free draining mix. Check out the link. Norm |
Here is a link that might be useful: Ficus Information
|
| Thanks again guys. Still haven't watered it again (thats almost 2 weeks now) as the soil still feels quite damp. I think it's on an upward curve again now as I'm sure its grown some new leaves back. Thanks for all you advice. I'll keep you all updated with its progress. Ray |
|
- Posted by gnome_in_pa Zone 6 (My Page) on Sat, Sep 2, 06 at 11:03
| Ray, Glad to hear that things are working out for you. Next, have you ever fertilized your tree? Once your sure that all is well, maybe not your first watering but the second, begin fertilizing,(again?). Start your research into a more appropriate soil. Use the search function on this forum, I seem to remember some good discussions on soil back in the day. Norm |
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Bonsai Forum
Instructions
- You must be a registered member and logged in to post messages on our forums.
- Posting is a two-step process. Once you have composed your message, you will be taken to the preview page. You will then have a chance to review the contents and make changes.
- After posting your message, you may need to refresh the forum page in order to see it.
- It is illegal to post copyrighted material without the owner's consent.
- HTML codes are allowed in the message field only.
- No advertising is allowed in any of the forums.
- If you would like to practice posting or uploading photos, please visit our Test forum.
- If you need assistance, please Contact Us and we will be happy to help.