WITHDRAWN [Shinkitai] QLD Small Leaf Fig 2

[Shinkitai]

• Species name: QLD Small Leaf Fig
• Original height of stock: 28cm
• Where you obtained it from: Red Dragon Bonsai
• Cost of stock: $15

[Shinkitai]

This one has already put on a bit of new growth in the couple of weeks waiting for the comp to start. It seems to love DL.

QLD Small Leaf Fig 2 - 5 April 2013a.JPG

I had read about fusing aerial roots to the trunk to hep create taper and thickness at the base, there are not a lot of aerial roots but have decided to give it a go. Grafting tape has been used to hold them in place. I will have to keep a close eye on the growth rate to make sure I don't strangle it.

QLD Small Leaf Fig 2 - 5 April 2013b.JPG

The fig had obviously been grown from a cutting, but with good roots already in place I was able to cut the base of the cutting back flat.

QLD Small Leaf Fig 2 - 5 April 2013c.JPG

Again something I had read with how to get good radial roots by spreading the roots over a CD or tile. Am trying on this fig and the other one I have entered.

QLD Small Leaf Fig 2 - 5 April 2013d.JPG

A trunk chop with a new leader selected then potted into a growing pot with plenty of room to spread its legs. Now if we could just get some good days of sunshine before winter I might be able to get a good head start on growing. Once it has settled in for a couple of weeks I will give it a good feed of DL.

QLD Small Leaf Fig 2 - 5 April 2013e.JPG

[Shinkitai]

Nothing much happening with this one. Has started growing a bit over the last couple of weeks so will let it go to see if something starts to form that I can work with. May use this for experimenting with the toothpick method on the trunk or something to try and get some thickness in the base as a starting point.

QLD-Small-Leaf-Fig-2---3-Sept-2013.jpg

[Gav]

Hi Mate,

I too am interested in testing the toothpick method on a ficus retusa that I have which needs air layering as well as the trunk is quite leggy. My question is - When would be the best time to try and encourage root growth via toothpicks on a fig

Cheers,

Gav

[Shinkitai]

I have no idea when the best time is, i was going to try in a couple of weeks when i have time to play. May not be the right time though but these guys seem pretty tough.

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[Dario]

I haven't tried the tooth pick method (have read some varied results though) but I have air layered a couple of figs. Personally I would just air layer a fig as I have had great results...maybe try the tooth pic method on a different species?
Nothing wrong with experimenting though, best of luck.
Cheers, Dario.

[Shinkitai]

Withdrawn

Continued to have one very long skinny branch which I have let grow. Leaves are huge. Will let this one go its own way for a few years and then revisit it.