Bonsai Tree- new owner many questions

Okay so I have recently purchased a Bonsai tree from walmart. I was disappointed when they did not label what the plant was.. So after looking for a few hours I think I have figured it out. I believe the tree to be a Ficus Microcarpa, which looks a lot like a ficus retusa.(it may even be the same plant for all I know). I have grown other plants that are not meant to grow in upstate NY. So I have some general experience. I noticed when I got the plant it had no drainage holes.

I found out that is because walmart glued the bottom of the detachable base on.. Which allows no water drainage.

Plant Details:
- I believe it to be a ficus microcarpa
- about 8 inches tall from pot top
-Small pot 3 inches deep.
- 6 small drainage holes after removing glued on base
- rocks are glued in the top (see picture)
-Under the rocks there is moss
-also under the rocks mixed in with the moss is some form of soil or dirt
- dirt is very dark almost black im assuming potting soil maybe not
- many leaves as you can see in picture
- have not checked acidity
- in doors at night
- outside in an area that gets shade and sunlight.

what I want to know is
- should I repot it?


the plant looks healthy but im afraid walmarts pot may not be the best for it.

-should I rmeove the glued in rocks


there is deff chemicals in the glue that could be bad for the plant knowing walmart they more than likely used super glue.

- Should I keep the moss?

I read another thread on here and I really am not sure on that one.

- why are there water spots?
Is that because the water is to acidic?


I would like to allow the bonsai tree to grow much larger. I am thinking three foot at the most. The plant is suppose to grow up to 80 feet. But for now If I do repot the plant I have read i should get a shallow wide planter that has good drainage.

other images

You have what we call Mallsai. Yes, remove the rocks and moss, fill the space with potting soil. Don't over water, use a meat skewer to test for moisture and only water when the soil is dry those large ugly roots store lots of water. The top may actually be grafted in so be careful with pruning too much until you understand what you have, The leaves are large because it didn't get enough light, expose to full sun gradually, leave out unless temps below 50 F are expected.

have not checked acidity

doesn't much matter with Ficus.

Billy M. Rhodes wrote:You have what we call Mallsai. Yes, remove the rocks and moss, fill the space with potting soil. Don't over water, use a meat skewer to test for moisture and only water when the soil is dry those large ugly roots store lots of water. The top may actually be grafted in so be careful with pruning too much until you understand what you have, The leaves are large because it didn't get enough light, expose to full sun gradually, leave out unless temps below 50 F are expected.

Okay. I was thinking the rocks were bad. There is moss entangled in the roots and in the plant itself. Is it okay to leave a little?

How much water is to much? I thought as long as the pot had good drainage it was almost impossible to over water. I have only watered it twice in the past month. But the soil is super wet( walmarts glue job to the pot/container).

I like the roots being out far. I think it is interesting how they form a giant knot. I was thinking the top could be played with.

I heard I could take a clipping from the top and another plant would grow Via cloning basically.

Billy M. Rhodes wrote: have not checked acidity

doesn't much matter with Ficus.

Sometimes the property maintenance man adds to much chlorine to the water.I try to let it sit out for a day to let the chemicals seep out some.

So the dirty spots on the leaves are not from over acidic water? (not the brown spot but the faint white grey spots that look like dried water)

You can make cuttings of Ficus, but be patient, Bonsai is about patience. Let the plant adapt to its new home, don't worry about water, as I said those roots store water, use the skewer.
The spots on the leaves can be from water. Don't worry about them. In the future just water the soil. You are right to age the water.

Billy M. Rhodes wrote:You can make cuttings of Ficus, but be patient, Bonsai is about patience. Let the plant adapt to its new home, don't worry about water, as I said those roots store water, use the skewer.
The spots on the leaves can be from water. Don't worry about them. In the future just water the soil. You are right to age the water.

Oh yes gotta be patient! lol. Okay thats cool. I never knew what the spot were from.

So for now leave it in the same pot but remove the rocks and moss. I am removing the piece that was glued on to the bottom. It blocks the drainage holes.

o for now leave it in the same pot but remove the rocks and moss. I am removing the piece that was glued on to the bottom. It blocks the drainage holes.


Sounds good

Okay thank you very much!