[Neli] ficus benjamina Natasha

To create the best possible Shohin sized bonsai from raw, untrained stock over a period of 18 months.
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Tambrand
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Re: [Neli] ficus benjamina Natasha

Post by Tambrand »

G.M,

i used to have ficus trees that grew as you have described. I think what has happened with my growing technique is that it uses the - ball bearing idea [ good supply of air at the roots , and moisture retention through the compost, which will also hold the fertilizer within itself [ the compost ]].

Also the way our native ficus plants grow on walls, concrete and rooftops / guttering, the growing medium is closer to what they prefer.

Well in 4 years I was at 5 cm in trunk thickness and I was slowing down the tree. When I shift to branchlets, I will have to slow it down even more to stay around 8 cm.

I use the guideline - 1 to 5 or 1 to 6 trunk to height. I can physically lift 38 to 46 cm tall trees and their pots. So as I get older, this will not be a problem. At 61 to 91 cm heights with pots, it is bit too much.

Now the trick is to keep the trunk at around 8 cm, with a goodly amount of branchlets. So the shallow soil / pot will give me a fighting chance especially if I am growing sacrifice branches of say 91 cm in length.

Unlike the Chinese, I have chosen to grow tree-like shapes with the Ficus, and not decorated trunks / roots with a green hat.

I accidentally grew a Ficus p. to a trunk of 13 cm, and the cut is not wanting to heal [ at 5/6 cms ] so now I use smaller cuts made at the beginning stage, which easily heal. Less stress on me.
Wish me luck.
Baba K.

* This idea also works on our local Chlorophora t. [ looks like Zelkova - cousin of the Ficus - Mulberry family I believe.] and I will keep on testing, with other tree types able to thicken in a pot. Shall keep you informed.
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Re: [Neli] ficus benjamina Natasha

Post by Neli »

Hi Baba K,
That is good news!
I have been sticking all cuttings wherever I find a space in pots and they are growing...Now I have a problem what to do with them...so I am starting all sorts of weird forests...he he he.
My gardeners water my trees in a frenzy 3 times a day...so if my mix was not inorganic my trees will all rot. I put tooth picks in each pot so they check the moisture but it does not help.
here is a weird forest I made this month.
See the soil? Just pebbles.
09 09 2014 116 (550x403).jpg
24 09 2014 068 (550x369).jpg
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I started a blog:http://nelibonsai.wordpress.com/2013/07 ... a-nursery/
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Re: [Neli] ficus benjamina Natasha

Post by Tambrand »

Chuckle,
G.M,

on this side we use the word - yardman - a Gardener would be a trained individual, ususally Technical school for 3 to 5 years, diploma and all that..

It takes 3 to 5 years to learn to water Bonsai, longer if not done on a daily basis, especially if using a hose with a fine rose.

Will have images ready for showing around January next year, as I begin the repot. I believe the results will satisfy you.
Take care.
Baba K.

* With purely inorganic, I just add a few teaspoons of sifted compost to the surface. It decays / waters in and the tree takes off.
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Re: [Neli] ficus benjamina Natasha

Post by Shane »

I like what you've done with this tree Neli. It evokes images of the lone tree on a desert island for me.
Bonsai was meant to keep me away from the computer.
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Re: [Neli] ficus benjamina Natasha

Post by Neli »

He he he! Shane...Thanks! I know what you mean! But that is normally a palm tree on a lone small island...but it does evoke it for sure to me too.

Baba K show us pictures when done.
I ask lots of questions that sound like suggestions. Please remember I am a inquisitive newbie trying to figure out why You made a particular decision, in order to learn.
I started a blog:http://nelibonsai.wordpress.com/2013/07 ... a-nursery/
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