Old fig

[bonsaiboy50]

I have had this fig for 30 years but this year it surprised me by defoliating itself. I know of a few species that do this but first time I have seen it in this one. Anyway I hope you enjoy the pic.

[Boics]

This is an amazing tree BB50.

Your figs are of a very high standard.

Are you not concerned about the "self defoliation"?
I know that I would be with a specimen of this quality!

If I may..
What are your thoughts on the two aerial roots?

[bonsaiboy50]

Hi Boics, I was initially worried when all the leaves started to turn yellow and falling off but on close inspection I found that it had new growth as well. I was very happy as the loss of this tree would have upset me greatly.
As for the two arials, I know why you ask as they do disrupt the trunk line. I keep them because I am a fan of aerial roots and they have not gotten any bigger for the past 20 years. Aerials can get too vigerous and fatten the branches too much leading to an unbalanced tree. When it comes down to it I just grow my trees for my own pleasure and I like it like that

This is an amazing tree BB50.

Your figs are of a very high standard.

Are you not concerned about the "self defoliation"?
I know that I would be with a specimen of this quality!

If I may..
What are your thoughts on the two aerial roots?

[Rory]

I'd exterminate the aerial roots too, but that is just me, or try to encourage more aerials as it does detract from the beauty. Maybe you could take it to a bonsai Doctor who would do this for you. But bonsai are tardy by definition, so because you can't travel in time to create more, you're bound by your own dimensions. I've heard sonic screwdrivers can rectify the problem, but this last suggestion might be making it too obvious.

[bonsaiboy50]

I do like the way you think bonsaiduddyman

I'd exterminate the aerial roots too, but that is just me, or try to encourage more aerials as it does detract from the beauty. Maybe you could take it to a bonsai Doctor who would do this for you. But bonsai are tardy by definition, so because you can't travel in time to create more, you're bound by your own dimensions. I've heard sonic screwdrivers can rectify the problem, but this last suggestion might be making it too obvious.

I'd exterminate the aerial roots too, but that is just me, or try to encourage more aerials as it does detract from the beauty. Maybe you could take it to a bonsai Doctor who would do this for you. But bonsai are tardy by definition, so because you can't travel in time to create more, you're bound by your own dimensions. I've heard sonic screwdrivers can rectify the problem, but this last suggestion might be making it too obvious.

[Boics]

When it comes down to it I just grow my trees for my own pleasure and I like it like that

I think with tree's the quality of yours you can do whatever you wish!

Thanks for sharing BB50 I'm surprised there haven't been more comments on this impeccable specimen.

[bonborn]

What kind of fig is it? My nerifolia decided to defoliate itself. I was a bit shocked but now it is putting on new growth.

[Mount Nasura]

I drive past a massive fig on the way to work each day that has surprised me too. There's a construction project going on not far maybe 50m from the tree a large apartment site where they are doing excavation. I was shocked and disappointed to see that the fig had over a few weeks lost all it's leaves, I thought it had seen its time up after the heavy machinery about and all the disturbance. However it is now shooting again all over and looks amazing. I must get a photo too add. Ps your fig is incredible. Thanks for sharing.

[gerald randall]

BB50

Great tree. Great structure and ramification. I'm not going to say anything about the roots. Your tree, you grow it how you want to.

A fig defoliating is quite normal. I have many. Some are more protected than others. The figs which are open to the winter elements lose most of their leaves. It would seem, the older they are and as such grow less vigorously, the more leaves they lose over winter. However, the same trees, kept under cover over winter, lose a lot less leaves.

I suspect this tree is just "coming of age" and now going to lose all or most of its leaves over winter going forward. Did you maybe move it to a new location? That may also be a reason.

What I do notice is that the trees which lose their leaves seem to ramify better as there is a lot of back budding when they get going.

If there are just a few leaves left by the time spring comes around, I cut them off. Leaving a stub, which can drop off by itself and create a new bud.

I always remove last years leaves in spring from my figs. Stimulates a lot of new growth. I only do that once the tree shows strong signs of growth.

I would not worry too much about the tree. Good to feed it well during the growing season, as low feeding can also be one of the reasons figs drop their leaves in winter.

Excellent specimen.

[Neli]

Very nice tree. Well done!

[Slothman]

That is absolutely stunning. I would be thrilled to have something half as good one day.

I have a Tiger Bark Ficus I acquired last year. I never got around to re potting it and now it has started losing its leaves. They turn yellow with black spots than fall off. From reading it appears normal however I was going to re pot into a large colander this weekend as things are getting warmer and start feeding the hell out of it

I was also going to take some cuttings and use the guide on this site to start the process to get some nice Nebari Ficus in the coming years.