Ficus re-pot

[kez]

Hi folks,

I have a question regarding re-potting. I have a PJ that I want to re-pot as the current pot is to deep/big for the tree. My concern is that it had a re-pot and root trim about a month ago (this was done for me) and I de-foliated it around 3 weeks ago. Will another root prune/re-pot be too much stress or seeing the time of year should I make hay while the sun shines?

I was at bonsai south yesterday and leong said that it will be fine as now is the time to work on figs, and they are robust anyway.

What's everyone's thoughts?

[Ash]

Hi, it all depends on the state of the tree and the amount of work done on it. I would follow the advice you have been given. First hand experience of the tree beats anything we can give. Ash

[Josh]

My thoughts are if Leong says its ok then it's ok. He's pretty good with knowing what to do when.

Josh

[kez]

Thanks folks,

This wasn't a tree purchased through leong, rather a tree I have had for a while that I had re-potted at a bonsai exhibition. I explained the recent work and was given advice in accordance. The tree is currently at the stage of the new buds opening after defol. Leong also mentioned figs favouring shallow pots and their advantages with helping root spread as opposed to a deeper pot.

Seeing his figs I am rather inclined to go with his advice, I just worry I didn't explain the trees situation as well as I could when asking!

[Ray M]

Hi Kez,
A couple of photos would help as this would show the condition of the tree.

Regards Ray

[kez]

Sorry for the delay, been experiencing some technical difficulties.....

Anyway here are some pics of he tree in questions

first is the tree


I have another pic that I am trying to uplaod of the pot but the computer is having a moment so unfortunately I can't. The pot to be is about half the depth of the current one and is a lighter green. Still oval in shape.

Any sudgestions on post styles for this tree would be great as well

Kez

[Guy]

rushing any tree has its dangers

[DavidWilloughby]

Hi Kez,

Looking at the photo, it looks fine in the current pot and I would be inclined to let it sit there for a year and come next year, repot it into a pot of your liking. The extra room wont be a bad thing and should reward you come next repot with having put on more growth. Its a cool little fig, I like it alot.

Cheers

David

[mugen]

I would wait until it is growing vigorously to hack the roots give it a feed and wait a while. In saying that figs are pretty robust and you could probably get away with a light root prune.
Nice tree

[Ray M]

Hi Kez,
The tree looks like it is recovering. Figs are hungry little beasts. I would feed it and let it put on some figure. After you see some good growth you could concentrate on refining the branches and encouraging more ramification, for the rest of this growing season. Next year you would have a better canopy and you could repot into a pot you would be happy with.

Regards Ray

[kez]

Here is the other pic I had with the new pot for reference. As I mentioned before ideas or suggestions on the pot most welcome.


Thank you all soo much for the advice, I have decided to wait until next year to re-pot, and will work once the tree has recovered fully on some pruning and ramification. I think I will shorten the upper branches to create more of a triangular apex and some stepping in the foliage

Cheers,

Kez

[kcpoole]

I like that new pot, and agree to repot next year. If you have goodrecovery then you could repot in late summer

Ken

[Eusto]

I would put it in the new pot but do no trimming on the roots. It could easily fit in the new pot only it will be mounded slightly. If you can brush the bottom roots out wider then it will fit level with the pot. But, yeh i wouldn't cut any roots until next year.

[GavinG]

I'd leave it for a year to recover - it will also give you time to think about the colour and mass of the leaves relating to the pot. I actually quite like the old pot - the colouring is a bit more subtle - and as the canopy fills out, the leaves might balance the depth of the pot better. No hurry. Just my 2c. Nice tree.

Gavin

[kez]

Thanks to everyone that has commented so far, great to hear your opinions, keep them coming. This is exactly the sort of stuff a newbie like me needs to hear!