AusBonsai

I also just tried this technique on a Willow Leaf Ficus that already had roots. Seems to have worked.

The Ficus Guy wrote: I think I messed up when I first tried this a while back. I didn't know that you were supposed to keep even the roots that grow in between the wedges; I just thought you kept the roots that grew from the wedges themselves (if that makes sense).

Hi The Fiscus Guy, When I first did this I too was unsure about it as well, so it is all just part of learning and gaining experience, and we will get better at different techniques the more we have a go at them
My understanding is that as long as you have plenty of roots coming off the individual flaps (on all parts of the flaps), then they will continue to grow, merge together and thicken...but the roots need to be there to help this to happen.
Also letting the tree grow freely with plenty of room to grow into will speed this process up, as will burying the flaps deeper under the soil surface...once they are exposed to light they will still do this but at a much slower rate.
Not sure on a horticultural explanation for why re the light and growing slower, but in nature roots tend to grow underground (excluding aerials of course). Perhaps it also has to do with being covered in soil too (like being tucked up in a warm bed at night)?
Nice work with the willow leaf mate!
I would bury the flaps deeper so that the soil covers them by a good inch.,,cover from where the start of the cut flap joins the existing trunk by at least an inch, so that the start of the uncut trunk is also under the soil.
Once the roots have colonised that small pot, be sure to slip pot it into something much bigger to give it room to go nuts.
PS this is my opinion of my understanding of the process (and a little experience). So if more experienced members wish to chime in, please do.
Cheers, Dario

Dario wrote:

The Ficus Guy wrote: I think I messed up when I first tried this a while back. I didn't know that you were supposed to keep even the roots that grow in between the wedges; I just thought you kept the roots that grew from the wedges themselves (if that makes sense).

Hi The Fiscus Guy, When I first did this I too was unsure about it as well, so it is all just part of learning and gaining experience, and we will get better at different techniques the more we have a go at them
My understanding is that as long as you have plenty of roots coming off the individual flaps (on all parts of the flaps), then they will continue to grow, merge together and thicken...but the roots need to be there to help this to happen.
Also letting the tree grow freely with plenty of room to grow into will speed this process up, as will burying the flaps deeper under the soil surface...once they are exposed to light they will still do this but at a much slower rate.
Not sure on a horticultural explanation for why re the light and growing slower, but in nature roots tend to grow underground (excluding aerials of course). Perhaps it also has to do with being covered in soil too (like being tucked up in a warm bed at night)?
Nice work with the willow leaf mate!
I would bury the flaps deeper so that the soil covers them by a good inch.,,cover from where the start of the cut flap joins the existing trunk by at least an inch, so that the start of the uncut trunk is also under the soil.
Once the roots have colonised that small pot, be sure to slip pot it into something much bigger to give it room to go nuts.
PS this is my opinion of my understanding of the process (and a little experience). So if more experienced members wish to chime in, please do.
Cheers, Dario

Great Dario, thanks so much. Wonderful information. I'll go ahead and bury that Willow Leaf a bit deeper as well.


I did this to another natalensis cutting today, and given how small the cutting was, I was able to get some nice flare from it...

Looking good mate all the best with the latest cutting!
Cheers, Dario.

Thanks Dario.


I just did this to another Willow Leaf Ficus cutting. I'm surprised by how well I can split the tiny trunk. Worked out pretty nicely though. It should be started on the path to becoming a sumo shohin one day....

And last one I just did.

One of the natalensis cuttings has already thrown roots, these guys are very vigorous!

I know it hasn't quite been a month, but check out these roots. So, uh, should I repot??

Plenty of vigour there, do you have them cuttings in your humidified tank setup?

golgotha wrote:Plenty of vigour there, do you have them cuttings in your humidified tank setup?

You betcha!

Hmmmmmm old fish tank plus cuttings equals fun this October

That is an impressive ammount of roots, great job.

VelvetSicklid wrote:Hmmmmmm old fish tank plus cuttings equals fun this October

That is an impressive ammount of roots, great job.

Yep, works great!
I'm thinking I could probably get away with repotting this guy now. That's a lot of roots

Actually, I'll give it a few more days, then I'll repot it. Unless of course you all think I could get away with it now

VelvetSicklid wrote:Hmmmmmm old fish tank plus cuttings equals fun this October

That is an impressive ammount of roots, great job.

Velvet If your looking for aquariums I would check out gumtee, in the freebies section people are always giving em away, often with lights and heaters, that way money saved = more on plants!!!

Isitangus wrote:

VelvetSicklid wrote:Hmmmmmm old fish tank plus cuttings equals fun this October

That is an impressive ammount of roots, great job.

Velvet If your looking for aquariums I would check out gumtee, in the freebies section people are always giving em away, often with lights and heaters, that way money saved = more on plants!!!

Hi thanks for the tip, but ive got excess tanks in storage left over from when i was breeding tropicals. Much appreciated though