Is your ficus bonsai showing signs of distress? A soft trunk could indicate a serious problem, but don’t despair! Find out how to identify the causes and the right steps to save your plant.
Caring for a ficus bonsai It’s a fascinating experience, but not without its challenges. Even with a well-organized routine of watering, light exposure and fertilization, unexpected problems can emerge. One of the most concerning signs is a trunk that becomes soft, often accompanied by yellowing or drooping leaves. This symptom is generally caused by root rota problem that compromises the health of the roots and, consequently, the entire plant. Despite the severity of the situation, there is good news: if you act quickly and correctly, you can still save your bonsai.
In this article, you will discover everything you need to know about root rot: how to recognize it, deal with it and prevent it. By following these simple steps, you can restore your bonsai to its vitality and beauty.
Ficus bonsai with soft trunk: how to recognize the problem and why it occurs
And soft trunk it is one of the first signs that something is wrong with your bonsai. This symptom occurs when the internal tissue of the trunk begins to deteriorate due to the death of the roots. But how do we get to this point? There is one main cause of root rot excessive watering or using soil that does not drain water properly. Bonsai roots, which are particularly delicate, can suffocate and begin to rot if they are constantly immersed in a humid environment. Other related symptoms include yellowing leaves, brown or black spots, and general weakness of the root system.
An easy way to confirm the problem is to remove the bonsai from the pot and check the condition of the roots. Healthy roots appear white and strong, while diseased ones are brown, soft and lack substance. If your bonsai comes loose from the ground easily, the root system is likely severely compromised. The key to dealing with root rot is to act promptly. With the right techniques, you can give your bonsai a new chance to grow and thrive.
Steps to save your ficus bonsai
If your bonsai is suffering from root rot, it is essential to follow a targeted process to get it back to health. Follow these simple steps to increase your plant’s chances of recovery.
- Remove the bonsai from the pot. Use a toothpick to gently remove the soil around the roots and check the condition of the root system.
- Remove diseased roots. Cut all the brown and soft roots with sharp and sterilized scissors, leaving the white and healthy ones intact.
- Sterilize the jar. If you reuse the vase, clean it thoroughly by soaking it in a solution of bleach and water to kill any bacteria or mold.
- Repot with fresh soil. Choose a specific, well-draining substrate for bonsai and fill the pot, creating a stable base for the plant.
- Avoid air pockets. Gently compact the soil around the roots to ensure stable support and adequate contact with the soil.
With these targeted actions, your bonsai will be able to recover and become lush again over time.
How to prevent future problems with correct watering
Prevention is essential to prevent your bonsai from developing bonsai-related problems again root rot. Adequate watering and well-chosen soil are your best allies. Before watering, always check the soil: by sticking a finger into the soil or using a moisture meter, you can check whether it is dry or still moist. Adapt the frequency of watering based on the species of bonsai and the climate: generally, weekly watering is sufficient, but during periods of intense heat it may be necessary to water the bonsai more often. Also make sure that the pot has optimal drainage, with adequate holes to avoid water stagnation, which is one of the main causes of the problem. Finally, place the bonsai in a well-lit and ventilated place, so as to encourage uniform drying of the soil and healthy growth.
By taking care of your bonsai with these precautions, you will not only avoid future problems, but you will guarantee your plant a long life full of vitality and beauty!
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