AusBonsai

Fig growing well so I went ahead with the airlayering. Did the two branches normal and used the wedges on the main trunk.

Hi whitey,
Don't forget to cover the layers with Alfoil. This will prevent the roots from getting burnt. Looks like you have done a good job with the layers. The ring barking looks very clean and you have used a good quantity of Sphagnum. Well done.
Regards Ray

Thanks Ray, Will put the foil on first thing tomorrow. I used a brand new Mora knife so the ring barking was easy.

Hi whitey,
Just had another look at your photos. The tree looks so much healthier now that it is in a bigger pot.

Regards Ray

I notice that all your layering ringbark cuts are straight around the trunk/ branch ie 90 degrees to the trunk direction. When roots grow this will mean the new trunk will be vertical in the pot. unless you are trying for a broom or formal upright tree a trunk that emerges from the ground at an angle is much better and easier to style a good tree on. I try to imagine the shape of the future trunkline and make the upper cut (where roots will grow) at an angle so I will get roots that allow me to plant the trunk so it leans a little at ground level (hard to explain without pictures )

Maybe this is not such an issue with figs because they look better than most with vertical trunks.

shibui wrote:I notice that all your layering ringbark cuts are straight around the trunk/ branch ie 90 degrees to the trunk direction. When roots grow this will mean the new trunk will be vertical in the pot.

I never even thought about that... the things you learn reading other peoples threads... kewl.

Wayne

Hi whitey,
This photo will show what shibui is referring to. Notice the angle of the top cut. The roots will grow out parallel to the ground allowing the trunk to come out of the ground at an angle.
Regards Ray

Ray M wrote:Hi whitey,
Just had another look at your photos. The tree looks so much healthier now that it is in a bigger pot.

Regards Ray

I think the combination of the bigger pot/free flowing medium and the warmer weather have helped it along.

shibui wrote:I notice that all your layering ringbark cuts are straight around the trunk/ branch ie 90 degrees to the trunk direction. When roots grow this will mean the new trunk will be vertical in the pot. unless you are trying for a broom or formal upright tree a trunk that emerges from the ground at an angle is much better and easier to style a good tree on. I try to imagine the shape of the future trunkline and make the upper cut (where roots will grow) at an angle so I will get roots that allow me to plant the trunk so it leans a little at ground level (hard to explain without pictures )

Maybe this is not such an issue with figs because they look better than most with vertical trunks.

Good point, will consider it on future layering.

Every time I come on here I learn something new. Thanks people

Whitey, the only thing not to miss is the bonsai show in your local area on this weekend.
Get a look at some trees and take that inspiration home to yours