Ficus Benjamina 'Shorty'

[Steven]

G'day,

I hate Ficus Benjamina! They are a pest when planted in the ground and make dodgy bonsai at best. So why do I have one in my collection you might ask... I liked the look of this one

This one found its way into my garden back in 2009. The following is the first picture I have of it from February 2010, 3 years ago.

2010 February (a resize).jpg

The roots were cut back hard and it was potted into a beautiful Australian made pot while the roots grew. It grew in this pot for 12 months and nothing was done to the top.

2012 January (resize).jpg

I wasn't sure how well it would backshoot so I cut it back and left enough foliage to support it.

2012 January (a resize).jpg

Buds popped all over the place and gave me plenty of options!

2012 August (a resize).jpg

2012 August (b resize).jpg

In December last year I thinned the branches and only left what I thought would be useful for the future design. I didn't do any wiring but in hindsight I probably should have.

2012 December (resize).jpg

It powered on over the last few hot and wet months.

2013 February (a resize).jpg

2013 February (b resize).jpg

It is still sitting higher than I would like but I think I'll be able to lower it again next year. The apex and secondary branches still need some fine wiring but I'll let it recover for a couple of weeks first.

It currently stands 230mm tall and 300mm wide.

Regards,
Steven

[g.raft]

Not bad for a dodgy bonsai....

[Dario]

Nice one Steven
Cheers, Dario.

[Ash]

Looking not to shabby Steven. I would probably remove the lowest LHS branch to prevent it over-thickening at that point where it is at a similar height to the lower RHS branch (although it balances better as is). I don't mind the old Ficus benjamina, they are not the easiest tree to style, but therein lies the challenge. Ash

[Ces]

like where its heading.

thanks steven.

[Bougy Fan]

That's a bit harsh Steven I have a soft spot for them and have lots growing on Great progress for 3 years

[boom64]

Hi Steven,
Very nice little fig.... I am like Bougy Fan,i have several going and find once you put the time in you can get some nice results. . Cheers John.

[Tony Bebb]

So has your opinion of them changed a bit now Steven?

Coming on nicely mate. I agree with Ash about the LHS low branch. Already a bit round in the trunk with the old scar at that point. Would also suggest a slight lean to the right to balance the direction at next potting.

Good choices from where you started mate.

Tony

[bodhidharma]

Arghh, way to early for a Bonsai pot Steven. A nice little tree and should be developed in a grow box. A bonsai pot in another five years would be appropriate.

[Tony Bebb]

They must grow alot slower where you are Bodhi.

[Steven]

G'day,

I got around to wiring the apex and some secondary branches last night. I had to remove the wire I put on in February as it was starting to cut in on the lower branches.
I know that technically the first left branch should go but I'm going to persist with it as I prefer the balance and natural look it gives. The apex needs to grow wider and the back branches need to extend for more depth but by this time next year it should be looking better.

Regards,
Steven

2013 June (a).jpg

[Boics]

Thats a great dodgy Bonsai.

It's coming along VERY well.

[Steven]

Thanks Boics,

My opinion of F. benjamina might be slowly changing. In a pot that is, they are still a pest in the ground

[bamboos]

Steve
The people in Cairns will be miffed you think they are a pest in the ground
I can't imagine FNQ without them

[Steven]

G'day Mr Bamboos,
I've just had my opinion tainted by the large one you saw in my neighbours yard. It's roots keep finding their way into my pond and causing leaks. Plus a big branch dropped onto my bench earlier this year which caused a bit of damage.

In the right place they do look pretty good.

Regards,
Steven

P.S.where are the pictures you promised?