ginseng ficus styling/general

[Troke-Dast]

hey dudes,

I'm very new to bonsai, i recently bought one of those basic grafted ginseng ficus trees just to get into the swing of things, i've managed to keep it alive with regular watering and fertilising/repotting at the right time. however, i wanted to know what the deal was with styling these trees? I've done minimal pruning to encourage canopy growth (cutting 3 leaves for every six new ones that grow), but i'm not sure how to create an aesthetically pleasing tree.

moreover, i read a few articles saying that these type of trees were rubbish and too un treelike to be made into full fledged bonsai. I just wanted to know what everyone thought and if I could have a bit of general advice as how to take care/style my tree? As i said i'm very new but would very much like to properly get into working with bonsai.

I'm also located in melbourne if that makes any difference

Cheers everyone!

[NAHamilton]

Please don't take offence, but I came across this video a few days ago and it seems to fit your post well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sVjEgETgr8&sns=em

It's linked off the following article about Ginseng Ficus, which may give you some ideas.

http://adamaskwhy.wordpress.com/2013/04 ... eng-ficus/

Cheers,
Nigel

[Troke-Dast]

Please don't take offence, but I came across this video a few days ago and it seems to fit your post well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sVjEgETgr8&sns=em

It's linked off the following article about Ginseng Ficus, which may give you some ideas.

http://adamaskwhy.wordpress.com/2013/04 ... eng-ficus/

Cheers,
Nigel

None taken of course! So what I got from that was cut out the dieback and then let it grow for five years or so? And then once I have a tree-ish form it's time to begin training etc?

also in the meantime, if i wanted something a bit more bonsai-esque what kind of plant would you recommend for a complete beginner at bonsai (i know the basics of gardening, but just got started on bonsai)

[Waltron]

Thanks NAHamilton, now I'm going to be singing that song all night!

T-D, for a beginner, can't go wrong with a Trident maple or a Chinese elm. I can't seem to kill them.

[Naimul]

Ive had one of these for a few years now and im predominantly using the clip and grow technique because it takes a few wirings to get a branch to set. Mind you, mine doesnt look like a "traditional tree" but i have been lifting the trunk every repot so as of late its been looking a lot like a Baobab tree. using the aerial roots is a great way to help thicken the trunk, as well as add some character, plus you can use it to fill some voids to reduce that bloated look.