AusBonsai

hey everybody i got this fig off a mate not to long ago and i decided to take a look at the roots low and behold not much there i thought that before i put it back in i would post up some pics for some advice from everyone here to see what to do about the huge tap root situation so heres some pics for any help and suggestions that anyone can offer thanks

Hi Greenhorn ,mate i would remove that tap root and follow the advice Steven posted on Dynamic figs . He shows pics how to cut the tabs/flaps in the base to improve root production . Worth a look at the topic .

Cheers Alpineart

thanks alpine i've read that a few times now but wasnt sure if now would be a good time to do it or if i should wait? how much of the roots should i cut? below the red line be fine? will i then have to reduce the folage as well? how would be the best way to get some new roots to shoot, the toothpick method or just rubbing some hormone on it? i was thinking of planting into straight sphagnum moss or would that keep it to moist? sorry for all the questions but i just dont wanna kill it.

Hi Greenhorn , i'm no Fig expert but i would cut it off at a desired position , {keeping the base as big as possible } as i'm in Victoria . Up there you should be able to go hammer and tongs at it .Pre style the canopy or defoliate, however you need foliage to aid the new roots so better to err on the side of caution and just remove the thick root .I root pruned a couple of P.J'S 2 months ago and killed them , so best wait for some advice from a member up your way . No doubt in your climate it will throw roots every where so i would just rub some hormone powder on the cut and plant it back into an open mix .

Cheers Alpine

?????

so i know its a bit late to be doing root pruning but it had to be done since it has been sitting in a bucket of water for a month. so there weren't any feeders really the whole thine was just about 3 massive roots fused togeather. so i ened up just going for it and cutting it flat leaving 1 root with a couple of small feeders on it. i then employed the toothpick meathod with some hormone powder (i usually mix it with some honey but didn't have any so used maple syrup instead ) so hopefully all will go well an the tree doesn't die. also just wondering for the amout of roots that i have taken off how much shoul i defoliate it? thanks for reading