Sumo Shohin Willow Leaf Ficus Progression

[The Ficus Guy]

Hey everyone,


First post here so let me introduce myself. My name is Ryan and I am from the United States, thought I would join you all to share some of my trees. I've been into growing trees ever since I was 15, and I am now 18. I've been into bonsai, however, for only a little over 2 years. Anyway, one of my first trees I'll share with you all is a Sumo Shohin Willow Leaf Ficus. I've had this guy for about 2 months now and it has overgone quite a few changes since I received it. This tree has a trunk of 2 inches (5.08 cm) and stands about 12 inches (30.48 cm) tall.

Here is the tree when I first purchased it:


And here it is today:



After discussing the tree with Jerry Meislik it was determined that the transition from fat trunk to branches was too drastic and there was no taper, so they needed to go. This branch will then be trained into the new leader. Now I'll let it grow, grow ,grow.

Questions, comments, concerns?


Ryan

[NBPCA]

Hello and welcome to Ausbonsai.

An unusual tree. I have never seen such a drastic change from lower to upper trunk so Jerrys advice is good.

Over time the tree will gain a lovely taper in a very short distance.

These trees are deciduous in cooler climates and I think Virginia does get cool so don't panic if it loses some or all of its leaves over winter.

They hate frost!

Grant

[The Ficus Guy]

Hello and welcome to Ausbonsai.

An unusual tree. I have never seen such a drastic change from lower to upper trunk so Jerrys advice is good.

Over time the tree will gain a lovely taper in a very short distance.

These trees are deciduous in cooler climates and I think Virginia does get cool so don't panic if it loses some or all of its leaves over winter.

They hate frost!

Grant

Thanks Grant! Are these really considered deciduous in cooler climates? Here in Virginia the temperature can get down to about 15 F (-9.4C), so this guy will stay inside along with the other 8 Willow Leaf I have and 12 other Ficus. I leave them all indoors under lights and in greenhouses/aquariums with humidifiers. I can make a seperate post detailing my setup if anyone's interested.

Oops, should've put this in the shohin section

[NBPCA]

Hello and welcome to Ausbonsai.

An unusual tree. I have never seen such a drastic change from lower to upper trunk so Jerrys advice is good.

Over time the tree will gain a lovely taper in a very short distance.

These trees are deciduous in cooler climates and I think Virginia does get cool so don't panic if it loses some or all of its leaves over winter.

They hate frost!

Grant

Thanks Grant! Are these really considered deciduous in cooler climates? Here in Virginia the temperature can get down to about 15 F (-9.4C), so this guy will stay inside along with the other 8 Willow Leaf I have and 12 other Ficus. I leave them all indoors under lights and in greenhouses/aquariums with humidifiers. I can make a seperate post detailing my setup if anyone's interested.

Oops, should've put this in the shohin section

Where I used to live it got down to just below freezing and even in an unheated glasshouse they would go fully deciduous.

I now keep my figs indoors for about six months with available light through glass doors and then put them outdoors in late spring.

Grant

[Handy Mick]

G'day Ryan and welcome to our forum,

I'm very interested in watching the progression of this little fig over its time.
You are in good hands with Jerry, as you know he has a good international reputation.

I would however love to see your set-up.

Regards
Mick

[hugh grant]

should turn out with some nice taper once the old a new trunk grow together better.
i too would like to see your set up, sounds interesting

HUGH

[Glenda]

Hi Ficus Guy,

I live in North Queensland where it is hot and humid. I have two willow-leafs. One doesn't drop a single leaf in our 'winter' and the other one drops every leaf with no regrowth for 2-3 months. I don't know what the difference is, but I got them from very different sources.

I guess if one of mine is fully deciduous in my climate, it will be deciduous in almost any climate.

Glenda

[boom64]

Hi and welcome Ryan,
A very interesting fig to start with.I too would like to see your set up.
Cheers John.