Ficus tree mold

[Thompson]

I'm having a problem with the potting soil for my ficus tree. I cover it with paper towel and i usually have to replace it often because of mold. Is there a way to get rid of the mold and help the soil dry out fast in between each mistings?

 

[Mantis789]

Try using an inorganic soil like Akadama, Fictus thrive in it but you will have to use a slow release food occasionally.

 

[Thompson]

Oh that looka like the perfect type of soil, do you know where I could get that?

 

[DGray]

bonsai...

Akadama soil is used by bonsai people for re-establishing transplanted wild plants, or large transplants. Its a kind of clay soil with large, firm gravel-sized particles. Its sort of like kitty-litter (kaolinite clay).

I don't know why you're using paper towels on the top of the soil, doesn't sound practical, but I use nylon window screen, and I have no mold issues. Its easy to clean too.

Some organic soils are very prone to molds and mildews, but the ones with a peat moss base tend to resist molds. It may be time to change soil. You can also fight molds by increasing the air circulation with a fan. There are organic fungicides like Serenade and copper soap as well.

 

[summoner12]

don't cover the dirt....

 

[Thompson]

don't cover the dirt....

couldn't they accidently eat the soil.

 

[skully23]

Use screen/rocks. The papertowel is proabably keep it moist all the time

 

[summoner12]

couldn't they accidently eat the soil.

If you are covering the dirt with a paper towel that molds.... the damage caused from your cham eating the mold is worse than eating the soil.

It isn't bad if your cham eats soil... It is bad if the cham eats the little white balls in some potted plants. This stuff is called perlite. If the cham eats this and the cham is small... this will cause death...

If you are using organic potting soil and there aren't any large pieces of 'stuff' in the dirt, your cham will be fine eating the soil. I have a panther who LOVES eating soil..... I cover his dirt partially so he can't eat it all...... cause he will.

 

[Mantis789]

You can get Akadama from most Bonsai stores, and flyscreen over the top would be perfect.