AusBonsai

Hi All,

I thought i would start posting up the progression of my first Ficus Microcarpa.

I put this one in a large pot to try the fast grow method:
viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3173

Since i have put it in the pot it has taken off and produced a lot of new growth (especially with all the rain we have been getting lately )

Here are a couple of pics:
Would anyone have any ideas / comments on what the best thing for the tree would be at this stage?
(sorry still fairly new to bonsai)

Is it worth giving it a good prune or just letting it go nuts to get some thickness in the trunk?

Cheers
Adan

Hi Adan,

This is Ficus microcarpa or small-fruited-fig rather than Ficus obliqua the small-leaf-fig (although both have small leaves and small fruit). I think that the best thing to do is enjoy its rapid growth and let the stem base develop. It will start to present options of its own to you when you have had it for a while and when it begins to thicken. It is a vigorous type of fig and this may happen sooner than you think!

Ash

Thanks for the info Ash!

I guess i will just keep feeding it lots of DL and see how it goes

Update 18/07/2012
I think this one really loves living in DL with plenty of water and sunlight
Not bad growth in 4 months Also, does anything think i should be removing any of the lower branches? Eg. the very large one on the left

Leaving the lower branches to grow will help fatten up the base of the trunk. You can chop these off later and the ficus will heal rather quickly compared to other species of tree. The only thing to watch is that it seems you have lower branches that are opposit eachother. If you let both of these fatten up then what can often happen is you will get reverse taper at that point. Others with more experience may want to comment on what i am about to say as i am a beginner myself who has a few figs, but i would probably chop one side of the branches at that point so this does not happen. But please don't do it befoer wiser heads add comments

Update 19/10/12

OK this thing is a monster! Its as big as me now....
I think it likes DL

OIh my Gawd!
Amazin what tropical north and ferts will do
suspect you are going to want to do a trunk chop or 10 soon

Ken

Yep, so i went a little nuts yesterday with the pruning.... hopefully for the better

This thing had a silly amount of growth, and roots had pretty much taken over the whole of the pot... And this is the end result The base has thickened up nicely

Any criticism or comments welcome