Ficus Natalensis

[Jamie]

hi guys

I feel a little bad now bringin up a personal thought on the tree re the bar branches, is was never ment to get blown out of porportion. having another look at it this morning after a few comments have been made on some other things I actually agree on some, firstly being bias to small trees the top would make a very nice shohin, second it would lower the height some spreading the canopy out a little and wouldnt need much growing to get the apex sorted if taken off for shohin. third, the rear veiw shows what I didnt see in the frint view of branching not being bars but above like others have stated ( I can get lazy veiwing pictures sometimes only looking at those that are labelled "front" or similar ).

root work will definately make the tree a lot different, Craig, I have seen some of your other trees and you have the skill and knowledge to get this one sorted and how you want it, which is most important, Look forward to seeing it in 6 months

[Craig]

I feel a little bad now bringin up a personal thought on the tree re the bar branches, is was never ment to get blown out of porportion

Hi Jamie, no problem, all input is welcome, no need to feel bad it's just a discussion after all,

Craig, I have seen some of your other trees and you have the skill and knowledge to get this one sorted and how you want it, which is most important, Look forward to seeing it in 6 months

Thanks Jamie, much appreciated keep you posted,, Craig

[Craig]

Hi all, this tree is going great guns so i think it's time to defoliate and repot .Most of the guy wires and branch wires have been taken off as the branches have set position now.The attempt to grow roots is working and theres many roots forming. This is the pic of the new growth since last defol and wire, more to come soon Craig

[nealweb]

Awesome, a money tree!!! Could I have a cutting please

[Craig]

Defoliated

[Craig]

A couple more pics of the developing roots and after repotting, Cheers Craig

[Craig]

Back on the bench, , Craig

[Ash]

Looking good Craig,

Your technique appears to be working well. How will you encourage these roots to thicken? I am doing similar things on native Ficus microcarpa var. latifolia but was wondering how to get those roots to catch up to the others in size without repotting.

I was having a look at the method Robert Steven uses to selectively thiken roots by channelling them over the side of the bonsai pot and into a large grow container. I think he shows it in a Bonsai Focus article on Casuarina but it would work doubly well for your Ficus natalensis and my latifolia.

This is going to be a real nice tree Craig your doing a good job.

regards
Ash

[Craig]

Thanks Ash, i ended up with quite a few roots to play with, so i'll let it grow till spring, when i'll tease out the new roots and position them a little better. Then as you mentioned about channelling roots over the edge of the pot, i will take that approach using a section of pvc pipe for them to grow down thru into the ground. Thanks for asking Ash,,Craig

[Pup]

To thicken roots bury them, when they get sunlight on them they just form bark.

Cheers Pup

[Craig]

To thicken roots bury them, when they get sunlight on them they just form bark.

Cheers Pup

[NBPCA]

When you repot you cut back the thick ones very hard and let the thin ones run free and don't trim.

Grant

[Craig]

Just a little update, , not great pics but if u want more just ask,,,,,,,,,,,,Cheers Craig

natalensis-jan-20101%.jpg

natalensis-jan-201001.jpg

[Taffy]

Just one more photo if you can Craig. Can you take one from the normal viewing angle as per your 24Dec one? Your tree looks a lot more balanced in that defoliated view.
Sure is a good looking tree though.

[Craig]

Thanks Taffy, your right it wasn't a good angle, get some good pics up tomorrow arvo for you. Craig