Re: Need opinion on ficus plaited trunk for air layering

[raewynk]

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[Josh]

In my opinion you should air layer it, but that's probably not what you want to know. What do you actually want opinions on?? Should you air layer-yes, where should you air layer- hard to tell from the photos. How do you air layer-some really good post on here about air layering. Want to know something different-ask a question. I'm not sure what your wanting an opinion on

Josh.

[raewynk]

Josh thanks,

I was wondering:
the length from the branches to the roots, how do you divide where to air layer?

When is the best time for air layering for a ficus in Brisbane?

Matter of personal choice?

Does it make a difference about how much trunk you leave for the layer as apposed to the main trunk that you want to ramification (new growth)?

Thank you in advance.
Rae

P>S> This is my first attempt, layering of any type, so hoping not to kill the beast.

[raewynk]

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[Josh]

Josh thanks,

I'm still fairly new the bonsai so take what I say with a grain of salt

I was wondering:
the length from the branches to the roots, how do you divide where to air layer?
*there are "rules" for this depending on the size of the canopy and thickness of the trunk, someone more experienced more know but I figure if your happy with it does it realty matter.

When is the best time for air layering for a ficus in Brisbane?
I reckon a fig could be done nearly any time but someone up your way may have a better idea.

Matter of personal choice?

Does it make a difference about how much trunk you leave for the layer as apposed to the main trunk that you want to ramification (new growth)?
Don't think it would make make much difference.

Thank you in advance.
Rae

P>S> This is my first attempt, layering of any type, so hoping not to kill the beast.

Ray M does some great posts on air layering.

[kcpoole]

Ok got the idea now.
there is a General rule that the first branch is about 1/3 the way up the tree.
Assuming that you have the top section of the tree at the size you want, you can measure down the appropriate amount and layer there.

Like must "Rules" it is not hard ad fast and will probably get castigated for mentioning a rule at all, but they can and should be used as a guide to styling the tree. the first branch may be higher or lower to suit the particular tree and style you are looking at so like all rules, they can be bent

put a texta line across the trunk at the appropriate height, then hold a pot up to the line and stand back and have a look. Is the tree in proportion? if not, move up and down to check.

Once you have the spot, whack a layer on at the correct time of the year, and bobs your uncle

Ken

[Ray M]

Hi Rae,
Ken has given you some good information concerning where to put the layer. I have a couple of questions.

• How hot is it where you live at this time of year? If it is still hot in your area, how much longer would you normally have hot weather?
  Does the tree still appear to be growing? Is there any sign of new leaves at present?

Regards Ray

[raewynk]

Hi Ken,
Thank you for the advice, the pot idea is a great idea. I sort of envisoned that and hopefully get it right.
1/3 rd is approximately what I was working on for the trunk to be.
The top foliage is amazing.

The story behind the fig it has had 3 - 4 trunks plaited and they are fully fused. With the exception of 5 cm at the top where the branches and the foliage is. The branches have crossed and intertwined. Beautiful patterning. When I get to it and am able to take pictures I will take detailed photos a bit clearer of the branch formation.

Ray M
I am in Brisbane and the temp. 16 over night and 29 day for the next month or so. Pretty warm and humid. Sunny and not much cloud.
The foliage is abundant with new growth, but bearing in mind I had to lay it down in the back of the station wagon and its has been battered and I have lost a bit of the foliage on the way home. I expect to lose a lot with the bruising.
The roots have struck out of the bottom of the pot so in need of a repot.

I am going to take a chance of putting the layer on because of the weather humidity and the heat still. I have it under 50% shadecloth and the heat is still good. Hopefully I am not wrong.

Rae

[bonsaibruce]

Greetings,
Figs grow so well in Brisvagas that an air layer is not necessary.
Expose the root structure. It looks like a pencil in a pot, with no taper.
It is still warm enough to defoliate completely, now April 20. All the growing tips and leaves and see what pops out of the trunk.
Keep it moist, it will be a hot 29 this week.
Sort out the roots and the branches. Remember to style like a fig, flat and low with a rounded apex, not pointed like a pine.
Your local club will give you good advice.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.

[raewynk]

Thanks Bruce, The only problem with that is I like the top foliage and the grace of the intertwined branches so losing the top not an option sorry. But thank you so much for the advice.
I have lopped the top of the other ficus bonsai that I have and got great ramification so I know what you mean.

Yeah Brisvegas. Bonsai all year round.

Rae

[Ray M]

I am in Brisbane and the temp. 16 over night and 29 day for the next month or so. Pretty warm and humid. Sunny and not much cloud.
The foliage is abundant with new growth, but bearing in mind I had to lay it down in the back of the station wagon and its has been battered and I have lost a bit of the foliage on the way home. I expect to lose a lot with the bruising.
The roots have struck out of the bottom of the pot so in need of a repot.

Hi Rae,
With that weather you should get good success with a layer. If you put a layer on the tree, don't repot the tree until you have removed the layer.

Regards Ray

[raewynk]

Ray M
Thank you just a question if the layer goes on do I need to defoliate the top or just put layer on and leave the rest of the tree alone as you said with regard to re-potting.

Regards
Rae

[kcpoole]

Leave the top as it is when you layer.

Ken

[Ray M]

Ray M
Thank you just a question if the layer goes on do I need to defoliate the top or just put layer on and leave the rest of the tree alone as you said with regard to re-potting.

Regards
Rae

Hi Rae,
No, don't defoliate the tree. The layer needs the leaves to grow.

Regards Ray

[raewynk]

Thanks Ray,

I will send PM with details.
Cheers and thank you for the advice, very much appreciated.

Regards
Rae