I have just bought a "ginseng ficus" from a local grocery store. I know that is not the best way to aquire bonsai material, but I thought I could turn it into a nice bonsai with some work. I have not tried to replant the tree yet, but by inspecting the pot that it is in, I got a little worried. The trunk of the tree is a few inches above the soil, but by feeling the pot (which is 4 inches deep) it feels like the roots are deforming the pot, and are huge. I am just wondering if the pot IS full of roots and they need to be cut, if the tree can take a SERIOUS cutting. Secondly, I am wondering if I can use what is cut from the rootball to regenerate another plant. Also I am wondering what time of year I should try to cut the roots and replant so that it heals the best possible. I appreciate your time and help with this.
DON'T cut it. that is why its called a ginseng ficus, the roots are supposed to swell and this is done by pressuring the seed so it would burst and swell, you must keep it s a bonsai or else the swell would wear off. also root propagation would not give the same effect but you trim off the small roots. in china and japan, the more the roots swell the more valuable it is.
Can anyone help me to save my ginseng ficus. I bought it few days ago. The leaves are turning brown, dry and it falls down. I don't know what to do, as it is my first bonsai. Any help would be useful!!
