A tale of my ficus....

[k2bonsai]

When i was getting married back in 2009 my wife to be knew i had been interested in bonsai in the past (just a dabble here and there) and as a wedding gift i was given this Port Jackson Fig. The first pic below shows the tree in November when i took it to see Thor for some advice. During the repotting we found a lot of root rot starting to set in as I have no idea how long the tree had been in that pot and the soil used was high in organics but lowish in aggregate. The tree started to recover but late 2010 started getting some major die back issues causing the loss of a number of smaller inner branches. From then until now i just focused on getting this tree really healthy and putting on lots of growth ready to start the process of ramification... Anyway here are some pics of what took me a good 4-5 hours to defoliate and wire every branch on this tree. During repotting i took the chance to slightly lean to tree to the left so the apex is more over the base of the tree and creates a better balance.

I had to remove one large branch about a thrid from the top on the right as it created a bis cross bar, but luckily i had a new smaller branch coming out just above this so this will now grow out and fill in the void on the upper/mid right of the tree.

ps. Happy for any input/feedback/criticism so i can take this tree to its ultimate.

[k2bonsai]

Here is the 360 degree video:

[Qitianlong]

Really nice work! The more I work and see ficus bonsai, the more I'm becoming a fig guy... its between them and maples... your tree is very inspiring!

[k2bonsai]

The next phase of this tree that i am thinking about is selectively placing sphagnum moss in and around some of the roots and then covering the base up with foil or plastoc to see if i can get lots of smaller roots to form with the aim of eventually having enough mass of roots that they fill in and for one solid base for the tree. Has anyone tried this approach to their ficus?

[Jag01]

Looking good!

A very Nice tree. I am not sure about the need for the lower right branch, it appears to be on the inside of main curve of the trunk and in my eyes detracts from the movement the tree has.

cheers,

Jeff

[k2bonsai]

you know, i never really thought about that until you mentioned it. Looking at the height of the tree the lower left branch would also be the perfect height as a first branch. The then second branch which would be on the right has that brach slope matching the slope of the trunk which i think will stand out even more without the branch below.... but then again when it is in full foliage it could be ok. Thamks Jeff i will certainly take your advice on board and keep an eye on the tree over the next year to see if it gets the chop. I might see if i can vert it out tonight....

[k2bonsai]

Ok i used photoshop and removed the lower right branch but as i suspected the slope of that new lower right just feels wrong, and the branch is way to thick to be able to be bent down..... I think i need to see this in full foliage after wiring to start to get a better picture, after all this is not a maple so is not often displayed or seen with no foliage pads etc... Thoughts?

[fiveoffive]

i like it better with the lower right . ( a lot more )

great tree and great work so far

[Shane]

Hi. Definitely agree about keeping the lower right branch. It simply looks wrong without it.

Cheers
S.

Bonsai was supposed to keep me away from the computer; so I got a smart phone to take outside to my trees.

[Andrew F]

I have to concur, the lower right hand branch although looks a little awkward it ties the whole tree together and to lose it wouldnt help the overall aesthetic of the tree. Great work, very inspiring.

[kcpoole]

I like the lower branch where it is
The one above needs to come down though I think. You can take a wedge out of the branch to acheive it if too thick for just wire

Ken

[Nathan]

very nice work and great to see the development over time

[k2bonsai]

Thanks Ken, certainly a good idea. Never tried that before, how far should i cut into the branch? Or should i try to bend it wrapped in rafia etc first? or is this not preferable with ficus? I guess with the rapid growth rate of the ficus the wedge could be a quick easy way to go once the tree has leaves back on it.

[bodhidharma]

Thanks for sharing and really liked the 360.

[Bretts]

Nice work K2, I would love to see what you could do with some better stock.

I don't see an issue with the lower right branch but I do agree with Ken. If you wanted to remove the lower branch you can always get that branch above it to come down. Using a wedge cut guy wires or some other similar method.
Google wedge cut bonsai or wedge cut bonsai heavy branches. I think Grant Bowie also has a post on here doing similar with a larch.
Anyway I did a virt of the branch moved down just to see

compare-vertual1.jpg

It is a possibility but almost all branches would have to be tweeked to acomadate the new design. I like it with the lower branch myself.