Hey,

I have this Ficus Bonsair for more than 1 year. It's been slowly dying as far as I can see, as most of the leaves have been falling. Mostly due to my lack of knowledge I probably didn't deal well with wattering, prunning and so on. I'm starting my bonsai journey 
I've cut most of the dead branches so it's like this at this point. The tree has been generating some leaves, even though it's not much, it's clearly alive and re-generating.





But I don't like the original soil. I'd like to hear your oppinion. I think this needs a proper repot to a good and suitable soil, but I'm afraid if I do it at this point, the tree won't survive.
What do you think I should do? It's still summer time, I know the desirable is to do it by spring, but do you think I should consider to do it by fall?
Also which soil do you recommend for this 12 years old Ficus?

I'd like some tips from expert people on this.
Thanks a lot for your feedback in advance,

Best regards,
Will.

The time of year for re potting a Ficus that is inside is irrelevant. The plant is on its last legs and re potting now will finish it. The soil these plants come in is always poor, this should have been re potted a long time ago into more suitable soil. I would not risk re potting now or unless or until it is growing well. If the soil is draining then there would be no reason to re pot anyway.

Thanks for your feedback. The thing is that is not on its last legs. These are brand new legs, the tree was completely without leaves in the recente past. When do you think it's a good time for re potting then? Should I wait to grow a few more leaves? I'd like to repot to a more suitable soil anyway.

Thank you.

The plant needs a lot more growth, as I said if the soil is draining well then there is no reason to re pot.

The soil did not cause this trees bad health. But beeing in a hurry to repot it may make things worse.

Tropfrog wrote: The soil did not cause this trees bad health. But beeing in a hurry to repot it may make things worse.

I agree with you. Repotting is unnecessary and can be detrimental to the plant until it is well established. It has nothing to do with well drained soil.

How did you solve it?

Didn't do any repot at all. I'll keep a closed eye into the tree and wait until it grows and become more solid. Any other tips you guys might have for this tree in specific?

Looks like the tree has been struggling with the lack of sunlight for quite sometime, it needs sunlight...

Do you have access yo any outdoor space?