Ficus Ground Layer for New Root System

[Ray M]

Hi all,
This thread was sparked off by a previous thread, Creating new roots A post from Elmar sparked off an idea. This project will take a few years, so I thought it best to separate the threads.

This is an experiment to develop new roots and a larger base on a Fig. There are other posts describing this, but I thought I would try a couple of different elements.

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The layer will now be fed with Seasol a few times a week until I see new roots forming.

Regards Ray

[Isitangus]

Great tutorial Ray.
I've seen this technique posted somewhere before-not sure if it was here but I'm sure someone will find it if it was!
Will be following the results with keen interest.


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[Ray M]

Great tutorial Ray.
I've seen this technique posted somewhere before-not sure if it was here but I'm sure someone will find it if it was!
Will be following the results with keen interest.

Hi Isitangus,
Yes, it's very similar to what others have done. I don't think I have ever seen a solid wire ring and the cavity filled with muck. It will be interesting to see if it makes any difference.

Regards Ray

[Mount Nasura]

doesn't it need some oxygen in there?

[Ray M]

doesn't it need some oxygen in there?

Hi Mount Nasura,
I don't believe so. It is a large cavity, and when you think of any root system, there would never be that much space around roots. The Muck/Sphagnum mix I have used for doing Ground Layers has worked very well. This mix, even though it is fairly dense, has allowed roots to grow very well.

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Time will give us the final answer. This just an experiment at this time.

Regards Ray

[Ray M]

Hi folks,
I took this tree to the School of Bonsai today and opened it up. It's look quite promising.

Once I see new roots appearing out of the colander I will start reducing the hight and try to develop a bonsai.

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Regards Ray

[Elmar]

Gray Ray,
Did the split bark and wire ring have he desired effect (not only new radial roots but also a nebarie flare)?
Or is it too early to tell yet?

Looking forward to the outcome of this one!


Cheers
Elmar

[Ray M]

Gray Ray,
Did the split bark and wire ring have he desired effect (not only new radial roots but also a nebarie flare)?
Or is it too early to tell yet?
Looking forward to the outcome of this one!
Cheers
Elmar

Hi Elmar,
There is some flare. Having a good number of roots will help also. I am going to try and fuse the top of the roots to create a more dramatic flare. As they progress I will expose them so that they harden and become part of the flare.
I have another one developing that I used chocks instead of the wire ring. It will be good to see what difference there is.
Regards Ray

[Rintar]

Interesting thread. Cheers

[Elmar]

Hi Elmar,
There is some flare. Having a good number of roots will help also. I am going to try and fuse the top of the roots to create a more dramatic flare. As they progress I will expose them so that they harden and become part of the flare.
I have another one developing that I used chocks instead of the wire ring. It will be good to see what difference there is.
Regards Ray

Good to have you back, Sir. Your patience and skills have been missed!


Cheers
Elmar

[Ray M]

Good to have you back, Sir. Your patience and skills have been missed!

Cheers
Elmar

Hi Elmar,
Thanks mate that is very kind of you.

Regards Ray

[Elmar]

Ok, no time to relax, straight back in to it!
A recent layer I've done has formed a tight 'small' ball of roots... I'm soaking them in Seasol but they are being very difficult to loosen up. I now realize that the bundle I put around the layer was way too small, so my thoughts now turn to the greenery!

What would be your recommendation for training off the top?

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Not the best pictures, but I think you'll see what I mean. I am Loki g to turn this into a broom-style but I don't know if I'll keep it as a twin trunk... it's just looking interesting like that at the moment...

Advise and opinions welcomed, be gentle, I am a mere male after all!


Cheers
Elmar

[Ray M]

Ok, no time to relax, straight back in to it!
A recent layer I've done has formed a tight 'small' ball of roots... I'm soaking them in Seasol but they are being very difficult to loosen up. In a situation like this, don't interfere with the roots to much as they are very fragile. If the moss doesn't want to come away easily, just plant it as is. When it's time to repot you will find that you will eventually get rid of all the moss. I now realize that the bundle I put around the layer was way too small, so my thoughts now turn to the greenery! Give the new tree time to develop a good root system before attacking the foliage to severely.
Cheers
Elmar

Regards Ray

[Elmar]

Thank you Ray,
just worried it had too much foliage for the roots...

[shibui]

You'll be surprised how few roots you need to support a whole tree. Remember that the new roots are still growing and in a few more days there will be lots more. I would pot it up as is.
Just tie it in securely so the wind won't wobble it about and damage new roots as they grow.
Also cause it gets a bit hotter up there than I get here.

If you really are worried it should not hurt to take a few leaves off. Might slow down root development but might also save the new layer.