[Shane] Port Jackson fig

[Shane]

Proving that I have more trees than I should, this fig has only ever been repotted from a tube pot into this pot. No styling or pruning or even root work by me. Just an ugly trunk chop by the nursery.
Source: Orient bonsai nursery
Cost: probably $15?
Height: currently 22cm.

[Shane]

shanepjf.jpg

So I moved this one from the table to a bench. That is all...

[Shane]

Back in July, I took the tools to this poor little tree and in a fit of delusion turned it into a slanting or soon semi-cascade. Since then it has drop leaves (or the kids have pulled them off).

shanefig_jul2013.jpg

Shanefig_sep2013.jpg

[Shane]

This is now one of the ugliest trees I've ever seen. That was the aim of this comp wasn't it? I might trunk chop this tomorrow and start from scratch.

[Shane]

So, on 04-Jan, I did trunk chop this ugly fig. And on 10-Mar, after it recovered and had thrown out lots of new shoots, I cut the trunk upwards to give some more basal flare, having had success with this technique before. I might have removed too many roots, but the ones it had were poorly placed at the end of long twisters. It is now powering along and I'll select branches next time.

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[Shane]

Have just left this little fig to grow, but it is winter, so nothing to report, except that there are some nicely placed buds ready to open in spring that will help build an apex. I'll probably carve the top a bit better another time too.

[Shane]

Final competition photos for this ugly little fig. It has been literally left to recover and grow on; albeit in this little pot that's a big ask. I did spend part of Friday night staring at it intently trying to decide what to cut, but I want all of it. I just want it to harden off into thicker branches before I trim and wire into a traditional banyan style. There's a perfect bud right near the top of the trunk chop on the front...if only it would open soon.

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Did I mention that I made the pot? Move along, nothing to see here.

[GreenThumb]

Nice pot - let the little guy grow out for a while, some aerial roots and it will be rocking!

[Shane]

Thanks GreenThumb.