AusBonsai

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

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

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

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.

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