Help! Ficus Pre-Bonsai

markhr · 07-26-2009, 04:06 AM

Hello everyone, this ficus has been growing in this pot for 10-15 years. This is a multi trunk totaling 18 inches around. The tree is about 5 feet tall. It has some interesting nebari towards the rear but maybe the photos dont show this very well. It should also be noted that there is a wooden stake at the center of this thing creating a gap between the multiple trunks. I really have no idea where to begin with this thing. I am very very new to the art of bonsai and have some other material that will be posted to seek advice on. Basically my questions are as follows:

1. Does this tree have good potential and what are my general options with such a tree??
2. How far should down should the branches be pruned and how should repotting be done?

Thanks to anyone and everyone for their advice. Please let me know if you would like to see more photos.

-Mark

JLDoggett · 07-26-2009, 12:17 PM

That looks very much like a plant I was given this past my, same dimentions, same type of pot, mine is supposedly 25-30 years old. I have reduced mine to approximatly 2' tall. on most branches adn trunks I left 2'3 branches at the base, many were removed completely. Now I am awaiting new groth to see where it will need its next pruning.

All the removed material was inserted in wet sand and if all take root I will have to set up a farm stand to get rid of them all.

markhr · 07-26-2009, 02:26 PM

Thanks for your advice DL, it is most appreciated. Is it possible you could post a photo of the tree you described?

P.S.
How long do you expect it will take for your cuttings to develop roots of their own?

07-26-2009, 12:17 PM	#2 (permalink)
JLDoggett Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: New Hampshire, USA, Posts: 642	That looks very much like a plant I was given this past my, same dimentions, same type of pot, mine is supposedly 25-30 years old. I have reduced mine to approximatly 2' tall. on most branches adn trunks I left 2'3 branches at the base, many were removed completely. Now I am awaiting new groth to see where it will need its next pruning. All the removed material was inserted in wet sand and if all take root I will have to set up a farm stand to get rid of them all. __________________ "Resolve to be tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant with the weak and wrong....because sometime in your life you will have been all of these" And I further resolve to click on an ad, each time I visit, to help support the site and to be welcoming to lurking guests when you join! After all, you're already here.

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07-26-2009, 02:26 PM	#3 (permalink)
markhr Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Southern California Posts: 14	Thanks for your advice DL, it is most appreciated. Is it possible you could post a photo of the tree you described? P.S. How long do you expect it will take for your cuttings to develop roots of their own?

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