Fusing Figs?

[Hornet]

I have a pot of 3 figs that were given to me a month or 2 back. The bases are fused but the trunks are still separate. The top is nothing worth keeping, reverse taper and a huge cluster of growths from a trunk chop. I want to fuse the trunks then air layer the top off to use as insect food. How should i go about fusing the trunks?

[Jamie]

hi mate,

just tie them up together, use something that has a little stretch in it, graft tape, rubber tube etc. as to not cause scarring (not that it doesnt grow out really quick). then feed and water the hell out of it for the next few months, check it, once it has started fusing you can put the layer on. if you do a search of my posts (go into my profile) and search my posts for this - fusing a ficus benji from clump to banyan.

that search should come up with one that I did and give you an idea of how long it took. check the dates. its a great little way to make a thicker tree in a shrter time and it can add some good interest as it gives the trunk some fissures and interest.

[Hornet]

i did have grafting tape somewhere but cant find it. Would electrical tape work? That has a bit of stretch in it.

[Luke308]

hi mate,

just tie them up together, use something that has a little stretch in it, graft tape, rubber tube etc. as to not cause scarring (not that it doesnt grow out really quick). then feed and water the hell out of it for the next few months, check it, once it has started fusing you can put the layer on. if you do a search of my posts (go into my profile) and search my posts for this - fusing a ficus benji from clump to banyan.

that search should come up with one that I did and give you an idea of how long it took. check the dates. its a great little way to make a thicker tree in a shrter time and it can add some good interest as it gives the trunk some fissures and interest.

I think this is the link you were referring too? viewtopic.php?f=133&t=5140&hilit=fusing+a+ficus

[Jamie]

yep, sparky's tape will be fine.

luke, cheers, thats the one!