Ficus as Literati? Yes or No

[Ryan1979b]

I have found Fig at a house we are cleaning up, it was in poor condition in an old beaten up weathered ice cream container laying sideways in the yard. It looked in very poor heals but still alive. I have potted it & treated with Seasol & it is showing signs of recovery. It is a very tall fig with some movement in the trunk and has an alright base.

My question is, do you think that a fig can be styled as literati or is this too out of character for its natural form. I thought I would like to keep its height & tapper as it would suit this style. Or am I just kidding myself. I know I can style it this way but do you think it would look odd?

I will post an image when I get one soon.

Cheers all

Ryan

[Asus101]

You have to ask yourself, "art or replication of nature?". Artistically there is no reason why you cant do such things, but it wouldn't fit if your goal was to replicate nature.

[Mitchell]

You probably already know the answer. Since it is not a prized stock plant I suggest in this instance, you attempt it and see where it goes. If it fails, chop it back and you have lost nothin but a bit of growing time. Who knows you may come out with something unusual. I'd chop it though

[Mojo Moyogi]

Hi Ryan

Fig-e-rati.jpg

well I'm not gonna chuck it out!

Broad leaved evergreen Literati. Why not!

I once owned a Literati Olive, there are a few Privet in the style too (not that I like Privet - but that's a whole other story)
In Japan, Satsuki Azaleas are often shaped in the literati style. You won't find that in nature either.

Providing the image of the tree is convincing, do it

Cheers
Mojo Moyogi

[dayne]

yes for sure leong has some great ones as for natural may be if done right they grow much different in the rain forrest than they do in a field

[Ryan1979b]

Ok all here is what I have, a very plain leggy unhealthy fig but this is what I would like to achieve or something along these lines. Sorry about the dodgy Photoshop sketch but I think it will do for the moment.

I will definitely trim off the main large leader & bend the new growth from there. I think it will definitely be along arty path

might try & produce a more 3d canopy than shown on the Virt, but its a start.

DSC_5972.jpg

fig literati2.jpg

Any thoughts? or directions, virts are quiet welcome. I thought the trunk chop would be the easy option once it is healthy so like Mitchell said "if it fails chop it'