Should I be worried? Ficus showing rot

[Jason]

Hey,

Made a purchase on gumtree yesterday, and scored this ficus (benji I think?) basically for free. Probably only cost me $1 with everything else I got with it

Now the base is showing a bit of rot, and I just want to make sure its not going to kill the tree. Is there anything I should be doing to prevent or stop this? Or can I just leave it as is?

I've put him under cover for winter to keep him from being constantly wet (in a little greenhouse I have) where he still gets plenty of light

Obviously there isn't a lot I can do now, but I just want to make sure it survives the winter Needs a lot of work, but am hoping I can make something of it over the next few years

[Bougy Fan]

Hi Jason I have problems with rot only in my benjis. The mix doesn't look very free draining - I would think about repotting it. Not sure of the weather conditions over that side of the continent but it shouldn't need any special attention in winter unless you get frost.

[Jason]

Hi Jason I have problems with rot only in my benjis. The mix doesn't look very free draining - I would think about repotting it. Not sure of the weather conditions over that side of the continent but it shouldn't need any special attention in winter unless you get frost.

The mix is quite bad, I think it was potted with a standard potting mix, not a very free draining one at all. That being said, when I watered it last night... it went straight through, so I don't think there is much soil in there at all. I've no idea how it has survived, as it looks like it hasn't been loved very much (broken branches, low soil, rotten wood, etc)

I didn't top it up last night because I wasn't sure whether the soil should be covering the rotted area, or if I should leave that exposed?

I will try and post some close up pics of the rot tonight

Cheers for the reply

[Ray M]

Hi Jason,
An idea you might like to consider mate. Do a slip pot into a larger pot. Try not to disturb the roots at this stage. For the mix get some Scotts Orchid mix and mix it 50-50 with a good bonsai mix. Figs like a very open soil. This will give room for the roots and will drain very well. Give it a feed of Seasol at least once a week.

Regards Ray

[Bougy Fan]

Don't cover up the rot - I find benjis will not recover by themselves. I would get a dremel with a wire brush and get rid of all the soft wood. Then coat it with Earls wood hardener - no guarantees but if you do nothing it will die.

[Jason]

Thanks Ray and Bougy

I'll slip pot it this weekend, but just be careful to keep the rot out of the soil.

Should I be waiting until its drier to get rid of the rot and hit it with wood hardener?

Not expecting any miracles, but its a good learning experience either way

[Ray M]

Hi Jason,

Should I be waiting until its drier to get rid of the rot and hit it with wood hardener?

I don't see any harm in carefully removing some of the rot, and applying some hardener. Just be careful with the good roots. Apply the treatment carefully trying not to effect the other roots or soil. You may find you will do this several times before all the rot is treated.

Regards Ray

[Jason]

Hi Jason,

Should I be waiting until its drier to get rid of the rot and hit it with wood hardener?

I don't see any harm in carefully removing some of the rot, and applying some hardener. Just be careful with the good roots. Apply the treatment carefully trying not to effect the other roots or soil. You may find you will do this several times before all the rot is treated.

Regards Ray

Thankyou again Ray