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Question: I just bought a bonsai tree at home depot help?

(Posted by: hottopicplayboy on 2010-07-09 20:16:35)

The tree appears to be healthy and i don't know what kind of bonsai it is but the rocks at the top of the soil is glued together and doesn't come out . How do i check the soil to see when it needs watered and is this glued rock thing ok for the tree or should i try to scrap it off the surface somehow it seems like the glued in rocks are for decoration but i need to know does it hurt the tree and how do i check the soil moisture . any serious help is appreciated

Posted by: Sam on 2010-07-09, 20:30:11

You'll know to water it by it's roots/ bottom of the tree. If it has discoloration, it needs to be watered. Bonsai's can't tolerate scheduled watering like most plants, they need water on their own time. Similar to people, when they're thirsty they'll let you know. Just monitor the root, you'll know when to water it. You can get the rocks off by scraping them (gently so you don't break the root, best to moisten them first), then get rid of the surrounding soil by running the root under a sink, then replant in a pot of fresh soil - you're good to go! Yours sounds like a ficus btw..