Recent content by greenman63

They're not very fussy, but that might also depend on how much root you cut/removed/damaged during repotting. I would wait for the soil to dry completely, and then give it a little more time than that, before a second watering. They can definitely take dry conditions, but IME they can take a lot...

Day 6 and new growth happening, old growth hasn't stopped yet. A little insect damage, but feeling pretty hopeful.

Much of my bonsai hobby is very experimental in terms of style and method, just like my art and poetry. In the process of pruning an older ficus, I decided to remove a branch that had a pretty good sized air root growing down from it. A difficult decision but ultimately worth the loss to get a...

What made the event worthwhile was seeing the many bonsai clubs, societies, nurseries and hobbyists showing their stuff. Tons of cool booth displays. Much of it was enjoyable, some of it was breathtaking. They also held a couple free public workshops were very inspiring and informational (ok...

Yes, been there many times! Last time I was there for a bonsai festival, many very impressive trees were on display. Disappointingly, their stands bore placards with the scientific name of each tree, but I found not a single tree posted on its own stand. If it was a ficus, the plaque was for a...

If you're in a good warm climate or can provide a reasonable facsimile thereof, FT can live quite a bit longer than 4 years. I see no reason for anything different under adequate conditions, given that they often survive in the landscape here for decades. You should be in pretty good shape. 😎...

If it's any comfort mine always drop leaves and scare the hell out of me before recovery. You get a feel for when they're really in trouble or not after enough seasons. I don't blame people for losing good FT, they're easier in their own climate zone, and yes, fussy when on the edge of cold weather.

Forgot I was casting bait into hungry waters, lol. It is a monstrosity. Shitty stick in pot I believe is the applicable terminology. It needs a good repot and I doubt any of the existing canopy is relevant to its ultimate goal. More than courage, it's knowing I'll have the time to keep it alive...

Not making any claims about styling, this one is about 6 years old now.

FT are one of the easiest to propagate IME. Fresh berries, dried berries, growing tips, woody stems. The only thing easier might be some ficus spp. because you can literally stick a leaf in dirt and grow a tree. I put cuttings in a non-draining container full of potting soil on the warm porch...

Light pruning of those awkward branches is ok on a healthy tree any time. Limit heavy pruning to warmest season.

My Fukien Teas thrive in this 10a zone all year, with nighttime winter temps rarely dipping much below 50F. My experience is they never go truly dormant, but they can slow down quite a bit. They'll appreciate any sunlight and heat you can give all year, and are also prolific at fruiting when...

Everyone has an opinion. I'm just amazed that anyone gives shrift to narcissists and their sycophants. Is this his website? I gather it's not.

He lost me at waah. Nobody needs an attention seeker, no matter how good they are at their art. Plenty of other people and places to get good advice.

Stay the course, I think you're doing fine. Keep providing as much sun, heat and adequate water as you can, and I'm very optimistic it will come 'round. A warm spring with new soil should give it a push in the right direction. If the weather is good, I'd say you're safe to add just a hint of...