A Couple of Figs

[Thorne]

Hey everyone,

It might not look it but I’ve had these figs for around 10 years from seedlings I found on a wall. Just thought I’d post some pictures to start a progression and some advice anyone might have also. Thanks in advance

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[bki]

I like them. can't find the "LIKE" botton.

if you can ramify and reduce the size of leaves they would look perfect for me. i have a lot of figs but mostly are fat. everytime i find a slender one, i try to ramify and reduce the leafsize without overthickening the trunk but i always end up with sumo trunks.

[melbrackstone]

They look like Ficus benjamina, which would explain the lack of sumo trunk. You need to be a bit more careful with pruning, in case you cut too much off, since they have a reputation of dying back if you cut below the green...(In other words, always leave at least one leaf or more.) This means cutting back regularly. Pierre has been using the technique of cutting all the leaves except the end leaf, and has had some good success with ramification that way...Of course feeding well, and lots of good sunlight is also important if you want strong growth.

They're looking good, a bit of extra work will make them look much better!

[Thorne]

I like them. can't find the "LIKE" botton.

if you can ramify and reduce the size of leaves they would look perfect for me. i have a lot of figs but mostly are fat. everytime i find a slender one, i try to ramify and reduce the leafsize without overthickening the trunk but i always end up with sumo trunks.

Thanks bki ive got plenty of larger figs aswell which is why i wanted to keep these ones smaller. My thoughts were pretty much the same as you are saying about the ramification.

They look like Ficus benjamina, which would explain the lack of sumo trunk. You need to be a bit more careful with pruning, in case you cut too much off, since they have a reputation of dying back if you cut below the green...(In other words, always leave at least one leaf or more.) This means cutting back regularly. Pierre has been using the technique of cutting all the leaves except the end leaf, and has had some good success with ramification that way...Of course feeding well, and lots of good sunlight is also important if you want strong growth.

They're looking good, a bit of extra work will make them look much better!

Thanks for the kinds comments mel. Im hoping to use some of the new shoots on the straight as a new leader and maybe a back branch. As well as with the larger one im thinking mi should wire the lower branches down to give it that look of large long braches like you see at the trees at a park.

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[bki]

Hi melbrackstone . is this leaf pruning Teknik applicable to PJ and MBP too?

[melbrackstone]

I'm not sure, I just know it works with Pierre's benjis. I can't see why it wouldn't, but there are many more fig technicians here who might know.

[Thorne]

Hi everyone,
Just another fig I’m wondering with this as I should have mentioned with the others what are people’s thoughts on the front and back of this tree? It’s so flat because I collected it off a bridge also for some kind of scale that mushroom cap is roughly 2cm.

Thanks

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[shibui]

It is hard to get a good sense of the 3D from photos but I like the view you have labelled as back. It shows the best dead wood and hides a couple of bad branches and scars. May be even better with a couple of roots removed but that's easy and quick. I did not really look at the upper parts of the taller tree as much of that will be removed at some stage I guess.

[Thorne]

Thanks for the advice shibui. I’m guessing it’s related to the taller tree? My main concern with that one is the thicker branch at the top. Do I use the back as the new front and have that branch bending forward as the new leader or use it as a back branch as the current front and choose one of the new shoots as a leader?

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[MJL]

I am with Shibui on the back being the new front and the branch circled becoming the new leader for the reason that it is coming towards the 'new' front and creating a more welcoming and interesting posture for the tree.

[Thorne]

Hi MJL

Thanks I was leaning that way just wanted some confirmation on my decision. I’ll trim it up and post the results later this afternoon. So with the back being the new front with the branches on the left I am wondering if I just create a flat pad or have the pad and a small “apex”type of thing as well?

[MJL]

Your design decision of course but if it was me - I would not have the smaller one as a flat pad - rather create two harmonious trees. A mother/daughter or father/son type arrangement. One caring for/overseeing the other ... indeed, as the smaller tree has some scarring/shari - it looks older so perhaps ...it is flipped, a younger daughter (taller) look after the aging parent ....

Food for thought - sometimes a story helps you guide the development of harmonious trees and settings.


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[Thorne]

Thanks MJL, that seems like a good way to go thanks for the advice. I’ll do my best to make it happen

[Thorne]

So I’ve just done a little bit of trimming and before I cut too much off thought I would ask for some more advice.

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[Raging Bull]

Hi Thorne,
Here are a couple of pics I took near Byron Bay a couple of days ago. Theses figs grow abundantly up here. They may give you some ideas re shaping/styling, and I thought the nebari on them is fantastic.
Cheers, Frank.

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