Hi all, Many thanks in advance for assisting a newbie (both to this site and to all things green!). We have inherited a large potted plant with the house we bought a year ago. I doubt it is still confined to the pot now, which is a worry because the earth directly below it carries the sewer services pipes (so far, no trouble). Before I work out how to manage the root problem I would like to know what the plant is. Perhaps one of you might be able to help. It is evergreen, and so far it has not produced flowers in the year that we have had it. The leaves are about 20 cm (8-9 in) long. The trunk and main branches are grey coloured but the newer branches are light brown with pale spots. Any help would be most appreciated before I can try to decide what to do with the plant.
thank you so much for your help. I wondered if it was a ficus. Now I am beginning to think it looks so vigorous and healthy because it has itself a nice supply of water and 'nutrients' from the sewer service pipes? I checked yesterday and there are certainly roots exiting the pot. Would these seriously be endangering my sewer pipes? I hate to think what will happen to the plant if I try to repot it thereby severing part of the roots. Do you know if there is any way I can save it? thanks again
It will eventually strangle your pipes - ficus are pretty aggressive, so if I were you, I'd call on ... a bonsai expert and find out just how to prune which roots and when (it matters), to keep the tree healthy, and your pipes safe.
