The Ficus Loves Miracle-Gro

All I can say is WOW! A few weeks ago, I decided it was time to re-pot the ficus bonsai. I don’t really know how I knew, but I could tell that it was time for some fresh soil and a root trimming. The tree had the same soil I bought it with, and I had never fertilized, so I really figured it was time.

That day, I didn’t have the time to make a trip to the nursery where I get my stuff from, so I looked around the garage and found some Miracle-Gro potting soil that I had used for another tree a few months before. The other tree, a ficus benjamina, had done so well in it that I decided that my ficus retusa probably would too. I was so right.

Maybe it is the fertilizer, or maybe it’s just the fact that the soil is new, but it has been doing great since. I suppose it could also be the root trimming, or the time of year, but I have a feeling that whatever is in that Miracle-Gro is perfect for my trees. The ficus benjamina, which is not a bonsai tree, is still getting new growth every day practically. The ficus retusa bonsai is starting to act the same way, with tons of new growth every week or so.

I hope no bonsai purist would look down on me for doing this, but all I know is that it is working. I now will fully endorse Miracle-Gro potting soil and I’ll probably use it on all my bonsai trees from now on into the future.

Tags: bonsai, Miracle-Gro, bonsai care, fertilizer, ficus bonsai

An Introduction to My Ficus Bonsai Site

My bonsai journey began just under two years ago.  It was Valentine’s Day and I wanted to buy my wife something special.  I was looking for something that would stick around longer than flowers – something that would be around for many years to come.  I decided to try a local cactus and exotic plants shop that had just opened, and lo and behold, I stumbled upon my first bonsai tree.

There were some amazing specimens in this shop, most of which were way beyond my skill level to maintain.  The salesman recommended that I buy a ficus retusa bonsai tree because they are forgiving trees and easy for beginners.  I picked one with some character, watched the salesman re-pot it for me, and I was off.

I had no idea at the time how addicting bonsai would become.  As I began to care for it, I grew more and more attached to it.  It’s got to the point where when I think of moving out of our current place, I can’t help but single out the houses that have southwest facing windows because I want plenty of sun for the little guy.  My wife rolls her eyes at this, but I just can’t help it.  I never thought I would become so concerned for dropping leaves, discoloration, and whatever else affects the ficus.  But I have to admit that it’s fun.

Time permitting of course, I would like to grow my hobby with many different kinds of trees in the years to come.  I really like natal plum bonsai trees, junipers, and others, but what I would really like to get for my next one is a Japanese maple.  Those are some of my favorites of all tree varieties.

So I think I’ll have fun with this blog.  I created it not because I am an expert, but because I would like to share what I learn.  I know what it’s like having to look for information online about bonsai, so I’m confident that many of you will find my informational posts useful.  I might make more of an effort to write about ficus bonsai, but I’ll write plenty about all the other type of bonsai trees that interest me too.  I hope you come back often and find something of use to you.

To success with your bonsai trees!

Tags:bonsai,ficus bonsai,bonsai tree,Japanese bonsai,juniper bonsai