Obtained 2 5+ year ficus's

[Scooter_M]

Hey guys,

New to the forums so hey!

I've getting into bonsai latley, picked up a few from Gardenworld in Braeside Vic. Few babies, all less than 12 months. So not much to post on those they are just.. growing, i liked the idea of growing one from a small stage and having it in 15-20 years... however of course im sure like most, now im itching to actually do something! Wiring, cutting, repotting, anything!

Coincidentally what i have obtained is two ficus's from my grandfather, so these i can play with! I've been on a few american forums but of course all their seasons and climates are backwards so its a bit confusing sometimes when getting information.

Ficus1.jpg

Ficus2.jpg

Since im new theres alot of info ive been trying to find but cant seem to get a handle on,

Looking at these they are obviously very long and dangly, they are about a foot and a half tall, and need to be shorter, is now the time to cut them back? They are kept inside in a well lit bathroom, so plenty of moisture and plenty of light, and seem to be doing very well, gaining new leaves all the time.

And then anyone with a better eye than me able to give me an idea about shape/direction and how to thicken up a bunch of the branches?

And also repotting? coming into winter im presuming no no? I have no idea how much or if even at all pot bound they are, whats the best way to tell?

Cheers in advance!

[fiveoffive]

repot in summer for figs .
I don't even look at mine in winter (only water)

[kcpoole]

Welocome to the forums
for an idea of when to do what, check out the wiki https://www.ausbonsai.com.au/wiki/index. ... hould_I%3F

As you are in melbourne, do nothing till spring and the overnight temps get above 15 Deg.
in the meantime, Draw sketches, have ideas and then execute when growing starts again. If you get frosts, keep them protected.

Ken

[DustyRusty]

as ken said, welcome.

they look healthy enough to me and let me tell you can't go past figs

but if those bulbous roots drive you absolutely mad in a couple of years, check out this idea: viewtopic.php?f=133&t=14337

[Scooter_M]

Cheers guys, Yeah they are inside so they are pretty warm most of the time, even for melbourne. the house only ever drops to 15-16 on the cold days, between the heater on the morning and night, and showers its always pretty toasty. Shape is my biggest thing, will definitely be trying the air laying Dusty, want to get rid of those roots on one, the other i thought i'd try and make a point of them, bit of a contrast, also just playing and see how it goes.

Cheers.