Natal fig #3

[NathanM]

SO this is the third of four Natal figs purchased on the same day. It received much the same treatment to begin with. Severe root pruning, put into a large grow pot, fed heavily, pruned occasionally. This one developed some reverse taper due to a bar branch.
So it go some harsher styling and a bit of angle
I removed wire and defoliated a couple of weeks ago. pruned off some branches i knew I'd never use, but didn't put anymore wire on. Letting it go nuts for a bit to see what it gives me.
Before:



After defoliation:


After pruning:


This one will take a it more time, but hopefully it should have some more dramatic results

[Stewart_Toowoomba]

Hi Nathan

Thanks for the updates and progressions. Good to see how three similar plants are being developed along slightly different lines. I'm off to Tess's next week and i can't remember if they had any of these figs on my last visit 6 mths ago....

How hardy are they? Would they cope with a Toowoomba cold winter (with frost protection?)

Cheers

Stew

[Hornet]

Love Natalensis, have 4 of these so far with a couple of air layers to be removed in a few weeks. Havent seen these at Tess's, doesnt mean she doesnt have them though. Really need to get back there, she has some great stock

[NathanM]

Hi Stew, Yes, I think the natalensis would be fine in the Toowoomba winter with some protection. They are a very hardy tree and always show alot of strong growth. Very rampant root growth too, so keep them well overpotted while developing for alot o fastgrowth. The leaves reduce well too.
Thanks for the positive comments man, I will be keeping these threads updated now thatI have finally started them
And Tess might have some, Sometimes she seems to, sometimes shedoesn't. 5 out of my 6 have come from her nursery Albeit at least 2years ago. I might head out thsi weekend and have a look

Hey Hornet,
I am glad I am not alone in my love of natalensis They are a great species for bonsai cultivation!! I imagine they wouldlayer very easily?
Tess may or may not ahve them at the moment, she has in the past, and hopefully she will again soon. She does have a great range of stock generally speaking.

[Hornet]

I've only done 1 air layer so far and it rooted within about 3 weeks, i removed it a little early though, did lost a bit of foliage but came back quick. Hopefully the 2 on the go now will have a bit more root growth when i remove them