Giant Ficus natalensis

[kcpoole]

I have no idea why that might be but hope its just temporary.

I was given a small one by Bougy Fan on the weekend myself

Ken

[Bougy Fan]

I still say repot into a free draing mix. If the mix it is in isn't free drainging enough the tree will go downhill if that is the problem. I didn't think having wet feet would be THAT much of a problem for a fig but it is

[The Ficus Guy]

I wonder if it could also be due to under watering?

The mix it's in is actually very free draining, and is composed of turface, haydite, and chopped bark. Hmmm.

[Tony Bebb]

G'day Ryan

It has certainly lost some foliage since the early shots mate. If it is still pushing growth and the new leaves look fine, I don't believe there is to great a problem. This is an old tree and probably never been inside before in its life. It is possible that it is suffering a bit of shock from this change of environment. Lets face it, while it works for your trees so far, it is not a natural environment.

I believe repotting a stressed tree should be the last resort, as repotting creates the most stress of most things we do to trees. As long as the growth is continueing, and the leaves near the end shoots are good, I would let it be for a while to grow free and gather strength. As a Fig it can always be pruned later to regain foliage. I would leave it till the warmth returns and get it back outside before doing the pruning. If the mix is free draining as you said, it should not keep wet at the feet.

Keep us posted.

Tony

[The Ficus Guy]

G'day Ryan

It has certainly lost some foliage since the early shots mate. If it is still pushing growth and the new leaves look fine, I don't believe there is to great a problem. This is an old tree and probably never been inside before in its life. It is possible that it is suffering a bit of shock from this change of environment. Lets face it, while it works for your trees so far, it is not a natural environment.

I believe repotting a stressed tree should be the last resort, as repotting creates the most stress of most things we do to trees. As long as the growth is continueing, and the leaves near the end shoots are good, I would let it be for a while to grow free and gather strength. As a Fig it can always be pruned later to regain foliage. I would leave it till the warmth returns and get it back outside before doing the pruning. If the mix is free draining as you said, it should not keep wet at the feet.

Keep us posted.

Tony

Thanks Tony!

I don't know as the repot really contributed much to this, since it wasn't an actual repot. No root work was done, it was simply slipped into a bigger pot. Growth can still be found all over the tree, so I'm hoping it will still be just fine. I will definitely leave it until it really starts growing again, as it probably is a little weak right now. Thanks!

[Tony Bebb]

Wasn't saying that because I thought you had repotted it Ryan, just putting in my based on the suggestion to repot it now. Waiting is best I think.

Certainly going to be a fantastic tree Ryan. Keep posting photos mate, I love it. I want it myself.

Tony

[The Ficus Guy]

Wasn't saying that because I thought you had repotted it Ryan, just putting in my based on the suggestion to repot it now. Waiting is best I think.

Certainly going to be a fantastic tree Ryan. Keep posting photos mate, I love it. I want it myself.

Tony

Thanks Tony. Trust me, if I could sell this guy and get it through customs to one of you all down south I'd do so. But for now, this one will transition from indoors to outdoors until I can get a tropical greenhouse to get through the winters

Tonight I gave it a drink of some diluted Superthrive, as it was recommended to me by the professional bonsai people I bought the tree from. The wife of the couple said they've been using it for 30+ years with good results, so I thought I'd give it a shot myself. We'll see