Feeding figs

[juice01]

Gday everyone.
I have purchased a Port Phillip Bay Fig yesterday, and was after a bit of info on a feeding regeime. I have some organic fertiliser which I use on my pine trees.
Do figs need any special food?
Cheers
Mick
P.S I will take a picture and post it tomorrow.

[Ash Barns]

G'day Mick
I have no knowledge of the ficus family but when Jerry views this you should get your answer. Good luck mate.

[Dustin Mann]

I have been growing various Ficus as bonsai in warm indoor conditions for past 16yrs. The feeding regime would depend upon growing medium as well as growing conditions. I use totally inorganic soil(lava rock and turface) so I need to supplement organic Fertilizer on regular basis. I put granular mix into soil(Bonsai Green-NPK-4-2-3 plus Ca,S,Mg,Cu,Z,Fe trace elements) In addition I give deluted liquid Fish Emulsion twice per week(approx 3 -4 table spoon per gallon after soaking soil first so already wet). I have heat between 70-85 degrees F (except Dec.-Jan.) and lots of light(greenhouse plus Halide) I repot some small trees several times per year to root prune. Large trees less often. I would not recommend this regimen with less light/heat and more organic soil Dustin Mann

[bonsaihunk]

Hi Guys,
Great question on fertilizing figs.
Dustin, uses mainly organic fertilizer and has great looking trees.
I use mainly or totally inorganic fertilizers and my trees look quite healthy and vigorous.
I think figs grow well with any fertilizing regime. I think you can even combine organic and inorganic. Fertilize your trees once or twice a week when they are growing new leaves and back down to once every two weeks when they are not growing. As with any bonsai fertilize only when the tree has been watered first.
Never fertilize a sick tree or one that has been recently repotted.
Alternating brand or type of fertilizer is probably a nice safety precaution.
Hope this helps.
Jerry
PS would like to see a photo of your fig. Port Phillip Bay fig is one that I am not familiar with.

[juice01]

I will post the pic this afternoon. Have to go to work right now.
Thanks for the info guys
Cheers
Mick

[juice01]

Here is a Quick pic of my new tree. ( or should I say Very young fig )
It is 200 mm hich, I have an aqua coloured pot which I will pot it into, but I am unsure of the right time of year that I can prune roots and re-pot. Any help would be great
Cheers
Mick
P.S I will post some pics of the re-pot if it is the right time to do so. It is mid spring heere in oz.

[bonsaihunk]

Mick,
Are you growing the tree outdoors or indoors?
You should be fine to repot now in your springtime but it looks like the pot is plenty big for your tree so maybe don't repot it this year and just let it grow and fill in. You could wire it for shape while you let it grow and thicken up it branches.
Jerry

[juice01]

I am growing it indoors at the moment. We have a tendencey to get one last cold burst before summer where I live. So better to be safe than sorry.
When I do end up re-poting, do you bare root figs, or do I go a little at a time. I am completely new to these types of trees. Are they a quick or slow developer?
Cheers
Mick

[bonsaihunk]

Once the weather is warm move the tree outdoors, gradually acclimating it to full sun.
I do bare root my figs when repotting as I do not like keeping old soil in place.
Figs like yours will develop as quick as any bonsai can. So you are on the right path.
Good luck.
Jerry

[juice01]

Hey guys. I must appoligise
I had written Port Phillip Bay Fig on my post, when I accually meant that it was a Port Jackson. Steve pointed it out to me. Thanks steve
I had Phillip Bay on my mind and must have written it instead.
Anyway, I did a re-pot today but I dont have my camera for a few days, but when I get it back I will post the pics.
I bought two smaller figs to grow on, as well as this fig and the reason I put it in a bonsai pot is that I only have one tree in a bonsai pot, but plenty in grow boxes.
Steve I do check out and participate as much as I can on Ausbonsai. Great site
How long after a repot and root prune can I start to feed my Port JACKSON Fig? Is it around six weeks as most trees?
Really appreciate the help everyone
Cheers
Mick