New leaf on main trunk; Healthy?

sciguy1872

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Hi. I've had this Ficus Microcarpa since last March--bought from Amazon. I have Professional Bonsai Fertilizer and Super Thrive; the Internet states to use Bonsai Pro for growth, and the nutrient formula of Super Thrive when plant is under stress (repotting, etc.). My question is that the Ficus had a leaf growth nub from where I cut a limb and used cut paste--I cut off the new growth as I didn't want anything growing from the trunk at that location. My question is if I can view the fact that there was a growth, even on the bare stem where there are no limbs, can I view this growth as a sign that the tree is in great shape? Thanks.
 

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The soil looks pretty soggy. How do you water it? I would also ditch that tray underneath it, it's not doing your ficus any favors. Also do you keep it inside? Is it possible to move it outside during the summer? Posting your location on your profile will help people on here answer questions for you. Good luck!
 
I used fert/water mix yesterday. Feels moist and looks dark brown--I don't think I should use the distilled water to flush the fert tomorrow. About the tray--I don't let the Ficus sit in water. I use a sponge for the water that drains.17509017185168962717170375210876.jpg20250625_205207.jpg20250625_205207.jpg20250625_205312.jpg
 

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Thanks for your help. I mix 1 teaspoon of Bonsai Pro with 4 cups water (the makers say 8 cups/2 teaspoons). I also use distilled water in between to flush unused fert. The tree is always inside, as I like to see it.
 

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It looks like you are at risk over loving this to death to be honest.

There is very little foliage for a ficus in mid-summer; If you are not constantly pruning everything off (which you should not do) then the plant is not really growing much. Do allow the plant to grow.

to flush the fert
I have never heard of this practice. This whole point is that the tree takes up the fertilizer and we try to avoid flushing out fertilizer.
 
Sorry for all the pictures--Orion asked for a picture from the front, and I wanted a close-up picture of the soil. About the flushing: (another member wrote this to me in another thread)

Most fert can be used at full strength more often but sometimes residues build up in the soil and cause problems. Watering with plain water in between fert application helps wash away any unused fertiliser and any accumulated waste products which can build up to toxic levels in some cases

The directions on the container of Bonsai Professional Fertilizer says to use the fert/water mix in between just using distilled water.
 
Fwiw any reputable commercial plant fertilizer is OK to use here. There are no “special bonsai “ fertilizers and those labeled as such “bonsai pro” are mostly not special. They’re also sometimes marked up in price

You also don’t need distilled water which may in fact cause problems as distilled water has no mineral content. Regular tap water is fine

Many actual bonsai professional use off the shelf plant ferts

Tree should definitely be outside now if your inthe northern hemisphere. Ficus love sun and heat. Now is the time to repot them as well in the northern hemisphere summer
 
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