Whatever you do, don't soak it in the sink, don't immerse it, and unless you're only watering your aralia once a month, I can't believe it's still alive either! Whoever told you to dunk plants/trees to water them is all wet :-). You water from above, like nature, just do it enough so it comes out the drain hole and you'll know all roots had a drink. Both your trees dislike being watered too often, though how often to do it will depend on how dry the top inch or so gets how quickly, and not knowing what soil mix you have, it's hard to say, but the mix should be fast draining - you don't want rotting roots. I absolutely suggest you read up on Ficus, Aralia and bonsai however - a good place to start would be "Bonsai4me.com - species guide near the top, then Ficus, because you can't treat them like house plants and bonsai is not something you learn in 3 easy steps... a lifetime is more like it! Yes you may reduce the leaves, but again, until you know more, do nothing. Don't water on schedule, but when a fair amount of soil has dried... watering a half sodden tree will kill it faster than anything. And water slowly - don't just dump a glass in there. And... all that stuff you've seen about pruning, etc... they should explain that when it's done it's done for a reason, not just because it's a 'bonsai'. Something else for you to investigate! Have fun. This post was edited by moochinka on Sun, Sep 28, 14 at 19:38

I have P. atrovaginata but it's still too small. Probably a year from now but I guess that's a long wait. Anyway, soil is finally thawed out here so maybe time for the nigra if you still have one. Thanks, Mike.

I am looking to salvage 10-15 ficus nitidas. 20-30 feet tall and 20 -30 feet wide. I am hoping to find these boxeed already or locate and have boxed.Looking for nice upright trees and full heads/character 760-670-7030

I could try taking a cutting of R.glauca later this spring. If the cuting doesn't take I also have some seedlings of it that I could send instead. These are supposed to be hybrids but I don't think they are because they look just like the mother. I'll know for sure once they bloom. I would be interested in Abraham Darby in return.