Inner Growth - Horty Girl's Plant Care Guide

This bonsai ficus retusa is perfect for the home, office or gift

This past Chinese new year, we introduced the Ginseng Ficus in a cute round glass container to our product line. The Ginseng ficus tree, also known as the Ficus retusa or Ficus microcarpa, have a distinctive bulbous root that resemble ginseng (Hint the name ). These trees have also been called Cuban laurels or Indian laurel figs.

Given its tropical origins, the FIcus retusa enjoys warm, direct sunlight, but can grow in full sun to partial shade.  Because of its bonsai nature, this ginseng ficus can still grow in low-light levels. Remember to avoid placing the plant in areas where it is close to the henter vents or drafty windows.

Bonsai Ginseng Ficus plant maintenance

Due to the bonsai nature of the ficus tree, pruning will be required as it grows.  It is said to prune at both ends (the roots and the leaves). Pruning the leaves will help maintain the shape and structure of the tree.  Should you repot the Ginseng Ficus,  pruning at the roots will need to be done as well. The Ginseng Ficus tree may get spider mites or gnats, but it will not affect the actual health of the plant.  If you notice these pesky bugs, just spray with a mixture of soapy water twice a day for 2 weeks.

Watering your Ginseng Ficus

To water a Ginseng ficus tree, the soil should be dry between each watering period.  Water every  2 – 3 weeks in the Spring and Summer months, and then space out your watering in the Fall and Winter months. This plant can survive drought light conditions, as it does store and soak up water through its roots – so it is better to under water than overwater. Grab a 1/3 of a cup of water, and pour slowly at the base of the plant.  Pour slowly to ensure you don’t overwater.  Sometimes the soil may need less than 1/3 of a cup.  The water shouldn’t “pooled” at the bottom of the glass and should soak up reasonably quickly. Signs of overwatering? The tree will develop root rot.

A FOOLPROOF WAY TO WATER YOUR GINSENG FICUS – Use the Smart Stick Method! Simply insert the Horty Girl Smart Stick found with every plant, into the base of the plant and pull out the stake.  Feel/Notice if it feels wet, moist or dry and water accordingly.  In this case, if the soil comes out dry – its time to water.  If it comes out wet, you should check back in a week or so.

Perfect for Chinese New Year, weddings, house warming and those just because moments...

The Pachira is also known as the Money Tree or Pachira aquatica.  It has a thin trunk that is often braided to add to its unique look, with 5 bright green leaflets.  According to feng shui, the pachira money tree is said to bring good luck and good fortune.  The hardy Pachira can be grown indoors or outdoors, and will range in size depending on environment.

The Money tree likes bright indirect light, with a combination of both hours of shade and sunlight.  Careful not to expose to direct sunlight as the leaves may begin to burn.  For watering your pachira money tree plant, you should let the soil dry between waterings.  The plant would fall into the low maintenance plant category, very similar to a Marginata plant care – you can follow those directions here.

A FOOLPROOF METHOD TO WATER PACHIRA MONEY TREE PLANTS, using a Horty Girl Smart Stick, place the Smart Stick into the soil and pull it out. Feel/notice if it feels dry, wet or moist – If the stick feels DRY, it’s time to water it.  You can also use a bamboo stick for the same effect. 

Do you have any pets? Pachira is non toxic to pets, but if it is ingested, pets may experience symptoms of diarrhea or mild vomiting.  This is similar to when pets eat grass.

Still have questions or concerns? Send us an email at plantcare@hortygirl.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can

What to do with your Grinch Tree

HortyGirl Grinchy trees were a fabulous hit this past holiday season! The Grinchy or Cypress tree can easily be undressed and replanted to allow you to enjoy it all year long.

Check out of the photos below to find out how to undress your grinchy tree .  Click on each photo to see it larger.

The Lemon Cypress – also known as a “Goldcrest Wilma” or Cupressus Macrocarpa is an evergreen tree with delicate, feathery and bright foliage.  The leaves when touched or crushed give a lemony smell (hint the name of Lemon Cypress).  If you have sensitive skin, be careful touching the leaves as it could cause skin irritations.  Be sure to use garden gloves when handling the plant if this is the case.  Goldcrest Wilmas can grow up to (eventually) 9 feet.  Pruning should be done regularly to maintain the desired shape of the plant.

Native to California, the Lemon Cypress like their soil to be moist but not soggy, but do not like the soil to dry out between watering.  Cypress can be placed in a sunny window or shady spot.  In the spring time, replant these trees in an 8-10 inch pit that has drainage holes.  You can use general outdoor potting mix and water well through dry spells.  To prevent the top layer of soil from hardening, top the soil off with a lavel of pebbles or good mulch – this will make watering easier through the summer.  You should gradually transition your tree to the outdoors by placing it in partially sunny place.  These plants can also be brought back in for the winter and even make a create holiday decor with a set of mini white lights.

For a foolproof method of watering your Lemon Cypress Wilma trees, use a bamboo skewer or Horty Girl Smart Stick.  Place the stick into the soil and pull it out.  Feel/notice if it feels dry, wet or moist – if the stick feels dry, its time to water it.  

Did you receive one of these from the Holiday?? How are they doing??

Still have questions or concerns – please do not hesitate to contact us by leaving us a comment or by sending us an email to plantcare@hortygirl.com.