First PJ Defloition- Which View?

[Ryan1979b]

Hey All,

Well today I jumped into my first PJ fig defoliation, not as scary as I thought. The biggest decision was how I was going to defoliate it and after reading Hoy Leong Kwong's book (Which is a must have by the way)i decided to used the pull the leaf back method leaving no stem or petiole. I found this to work well, just had to be careful not to tear the bark off with it. Anyway the tree was in good health, i re-potted it about 6 weeks ago and it has come back with vigor.

Here are the 4 views, I am thinking that I might take view 3 as the main elevation but not a 100% sure yet, any opinions. The tree is still very young and has a way to go yet. It is about 4 years old from a small 100mm nursery stock, but think it is slowly progressing I want to swap the tree to a round shallower pot which i will do next summer.

Cheers All

[rch003]

Number 3 looks pretty good mate, yeah a video of him defoliating a fig this morning with that technique

[Ryan1979b]

Cheers,

I agree with view 3 as well although I like that the trunk has a bit more movement in View 2. The tree is currently throwing out about 5 more aerial roots just below about half way up the main trunk. I can use these to introduce some more interest to the main trunk. It has been a brilliant tree for Aerial roots that's for sure

[Fish]

2 is good, but 3 just appeals to me a bit more

Fish

[Aussie_Bonsai]

i reckon 1 or 3 are the best, you can see the roots more clearly and the shape of the tree is more triangular.

Ben

[Tony Bebb]

Definitly 3 Ryan.

Root spread much better from that angle. Looks like another 10 - 15 degrees to the right will be even better as it will pick up the strong roots on both sides. Branches can be adjusted easily.

Tony

[Ryan1979b]

Hi All,

Just a little update, My fig has bounced back in excellent form, now I have to start developing more branch structure towards the crown. I have a lot more choices now though as the back budding was pretty intense. Anyway here is an updated pic, sorry the image isn't the best tho.

[parabola]

Lookin good

[NathanM]

Looks nice and healthy!! Also has good movement and taper. Just need to sort out some branches now
I like it!

[lennard]

I like the tree. What are your plans for the thinner roots around the base?

Lennard

[Ryan1979b]

Cheers, I have a bit of wiring to do, the ends of the branches need to be wired done as they are starting to grow up, but all this is minor stuff. I definitely need to sort out a few more main branches from the crown down but that will come with time. As for the roots I have wired them back to the trunk and overtime they will hopefully they will keep grwing and fuse to create more base flair.

Here is a quick sketch of the direction I am thinking of, Still need to think about it as it looks a little unbalanced?

Fig.jpg

[lennard]

Love the virt!

Yes, letting the roots fuse will add character to the base and nice flare.

Lennard

[tex048]

Hi

Looking good and healthy
I like veiw three from above
Have been working on and defoiling my figs its a rewarding process

Tex