AusBonsai

G'day all

I just acquired a new ficus rubiginosa. It was a private buy and I don't think the owner took a great deal of care with it. It's been in the same pot and never repotted in almost 10 years. Anyway the tree is alive and it will be a good $5 buy.

My questions is fertilising. I normally just mix miracle-gro into my water for a general feed but I noticed on the Scott's website it says not to use with natives. Any advice?

I have some slow release pellets (usually don't use this time of year) and some powerfeed (not a fert). Is the miracle-gro ok or should I use something else?

Cheers

Natives is not all Natives. Only a few are allergic to Phosphate. The vast majority of Aussie native plants do very well with standard fertiliser.
Figs are no exception. In fact they love fertiliser, lots of fertiliser so use whatever you normally put on other potted plants with your new fig.
If it hasn't ben repotted it probably has not been pruned either so will probably need cutting as well. Also not a problem for figs. They shoot very well after pruning, even from bare wood.

Pruning, root pruning and repotting is best in warmer weather so best to wait until late October or November in Sydney but in the meantime feed every 2-3 weeks to build up strength

thank you!

Yes I really would like to repot it but wouldn't in this weather.

It looks in pretty good shape for its 'upbringing' so I am sure it will flourish with me.

I have given it a prune as some leaves were all but dead but there are still plenty of good growth.

Thank you

Hi aussieant

Not advice - just what I do

Each Spring i put about a cm of dynamic lifter or similar across the surface of the soil of my figs. I still have my original Port Jackson fig circa 1984. - still going strong.

They are a hardy species that will give you a lot of joy.

Thank you, will definitely keep that in mind! Apparently this one was planted from a cutting in 2008 so only a baby


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As said already, figs love fert and will eat up everything given to them. Dynamic Lifter/Rooster Booster (and I believe there is another one on the market, although the name alludes me.) will feed a fig well. A spoonful, or so, of Blood and bone is also very beneficial from time to time. For a quick "pick me up" I don't think you can go passed fish emulsion either.

just gave it a water with some miracle-gro. Will keep an eye on the soil. Might use some seasol when it needs another drink just so I know its got what it needs

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Pics please!

Yes a pic would be great


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