Repotting Ficus, need help!

[JedPhillips]

I recently received a long-neglected bonsai, that I *think* is a ficus. It was previously in a thin, somewhat deep pot with no drainage. I just repotted it into a more fitting pot, but wanted some expert opinion. It has two thick wooden roots, and it used to have a third, but that has since rotted away into a stump (see photo). Because it was in a deep pot, the wooden roots are long, so it sits relatively high in the 2" deep pot I selected.

First off, is this pot to small for this? And what would you suggest I do with that root that's hovering about the soil? Should I get a deeper pot and make sure this is beneath the soil?

Thanks!

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Pack some sphagnum around the existing roots and wrap it in foil, and give it a real light twist periodically, in the same direction. and in a few months (or like 3 days if you have it in full sun) you'll have roots sprouting to cover up the existing monstrosity. The light twist is to not break the roots, but to attempt a spiral motion to the roots.

 

[JedPhillips]

Pack some sphagnum around the existing roots and wrap it in foil, and give it a real light twist periodically, in the same direction. and in a few months (or like 3 days if you have it in full sun) you'll have roots sprouting to cover up the existing monstrosity. The light twist is to not break the roots, but to attempt a spiral motion to the roots.

Thanks for the quick response. Do you mean I should wrap the whole base in foil, or just the area around the roots? And would you otherwise say the pot is sufficient size, or should I consider a larger one?

Thanks!

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Depends what look you are going for as to where you want the new root coming from, either just above where existing roots join, or higher up for more of a banyan style. Pot size is good. These thicken up readily even in potted life.