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Forum Newbie
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| Hi Guys, I'm new here and new to bonsai. Was given a Fig as a birthday pressie and just love it. I can't keep it outside, not yet anyway, and because of lack of natural light I have been keeping it under a 30w Warm White CFL for 16 on 8 off. It seems to be thriving, got lots of new shoots. Is this the correct photoperiod? Do I need to change the photoperiod as if to emulate the seasons natural change? If I leave it on the same photoperiod will it just continue to vegitate n never flower or fruit? Cheers
UK-Zone 8.
New to Bonsai and growing
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SENSEI?
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Hi Grasshopper and welcome to the forum.
Your retusa comes from a semi-tropical area where there is comparatively little seasonal variation. As your lighting programme seems to suit it, I would continue as is. How long have you had it? It will continue to grow through our winter albeit slower. It will appreciate a humid atmosphere if you can provide it. Any pruning will result in an exudation of white fluid. This is quite normal, it is latex which will dry up and seal the wounds naturally. You cannot expect to see any flowers or fruit on it. Keep talking to us and tell us what you do, when it was re-potted and what kind of medium it is planted in. =Don.
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 05/06/2010 18:03:11
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Thanks for the reply Don. It's currently sat above a gravel tray, she seems to be healthy. I have no idea when it was last re-potted. I've am looking to learn how to recognise when it needs to be re-potted and pruned and hopefully be able to take cutting and start my own little creations - in time.
UK-Zone 8.
New to Bonsai and growing
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SENSEI?
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If the gravel in the tray is kept damp, that will increase the humidity in the immediate vicinity. You still don't tell us how long it has been in your possession or the type of potting medium.
If you can lift it out of the pot without much disturbance, you may find that the roots have gone all the way round the inside of the pot walls. This would be an indication that re-potting is needed. Does water drain through and out through the drain holes within seconds of being applied?
Would it be possible to post a photograph here so that some idea could be given about pruning?
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 05/06/2010 18:03:11
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Hi and thanks again for the reply.
I've had her since beginning of May and yes the gravel is kept moist. She is apparently 12 yo. I've lifted her out and checked, she doesn't need re-potting. I was a little feared of doing that tbh but it all came out in one peice really easily. Not sure what the medium is really, It's rather like a brown peaty soil, or could just be peat. I have little experience of growing so am not really familiar with all the growing medium. I'd say it was peat though.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge, loving it.
UK-Zone 8.
New to Bonsai and growing
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SENSEI?
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Does water drain through the planting medium and out through the drain holes within seconds of being applied?
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 05/06/2010 18:03:11
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| OK I've just watered it and yes it runs through quite quickly, about 4 or 5 secs. Thanks for removing the pics, I'll re-post as soon as I can. Cheers 
UK-Zone 8.
New to Bonsai and growing
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Forum Newbie
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Last Login: 05/06/2010 18:03:11
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| I finally got around sorting out the pics. When she first arrived:
 Now she sits on a bed of moist gravel under 30w Warm White CFL:
 Dodgy close ups of new growth:
 
Many Thanks
UK-Zone 8.
New to Bonsai and growing
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Genius
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well its looking happier now.
If you forget your history, you will repeat your mistakes! RoyH 
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SENSEI?
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The bark doesn't display the usual markings for F. retusa but no worries, it is one of the figs and the care is the same for all. It apparently likes what you are doing with it so stay on the same regime.
My name is Don and I'm a bonsaiholic.
My imaginary friend Givitago takes over when I'm not sure of myself in print. He's not a complete fool - several bits are missing.
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