AusBonsai

So my day today started very ordinarily till about 2pm when i saw someone selling these 2 plants online. Photo quality wasn't too good and lighting also. I thought what the hack, let's get it to practice on. Went to get the plants and was shocked. The bigger one is a beauty. One that would take me forever to create. I nearly collapsed with shock seeing the size of this thing. It is magnificent. Amazing. Even the non believer partner was astounded by it. Currently it sits on the dining table but will be moved outside tomorrow.

I can't get myself to touch this plant at all. I don't think i am worthy to be it's owner. Will be joining the local club and get expert advise on where to now. The little one, i have reserved to practice on. ANY and ALL advise is welcome. Virtuals will be very much appreciated. PLEASE STOP ME FROM KILLING THEM.

Measurements of Ficus #1: Base 30cm , Circumference 50cm, Height including pot 70cm, Plant height 58cm.



Showing size in comparison to can.









My favourite side but i don't think this is the front.

Pot isn't anything fancy. No writing at all anywhere.



Can people suggest the front for me. Also any guestimates on age, ficus ? and monetary value.

Ficus #2











The crossed over root doesn't look really good to me.






Once again any advise, guestimate of age, ficus ? and monetary value.

Thanks for looking.

Very nice mate. Good find.

Get the book. Figs in a temprate climate.

How many trees did you get? It's hard to gauge sizes with nothing to compare them to.
I will have a guess and say at a nusery you could pay up to 500 for the best one and maybe 300for the other.
They have good structures. I think they all need a good cutting back especially the straight taper less top sections of trunk. Now is a perfect time to work with them regarding repotting and prunning . I can understand you being hesitant doing any work until you get a better idea what to do. Feel free to ask plenty of questions.

I noticed one didn't have many leaves are they healthy?

Paulneill wrote:Very nice mate. Good find.

Get the book. Figs in a temprate climate.

How many trees did you get? It's hard to gauge sizes with nothing to compare them to.
I will have a guess and say at a nusery you could pay up to 500 for the best one and maybe 300for the other.
They have good structures. I think they all need a good cutting back especially the straight taper less top sections of trunk. Now is a perfect time to work with them regarding repotting and prunning . I can understand you being hesitant doing any work until you get a better idea what to do. Feel free to ask plenty of questions.

I noticed one didn't have many leaves are they healthy?

I got 2 trees.

Howdy,
Join a bonsai club. Don't be afraid to join 2 or 3.
Ask advice.
Thin out the leaves on tree 1. Take the wire off it's not doing anything.
Style both trees as figs, not pines.
Tree 2 has several roots wrapping around the trunk, they will be problems in the near future.
Tree 2 has reverse taper at apex, cut off soon.
Do not cut any low branches.
Both trees have branches pointing up, vertical branches need to be horizontal.
Don't worry about where the front is until you repot.
Feed hard.
See you on the Gold Coast for the August BCI convention.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce.

No1 looks like a nice score.
I've heard the saying that goes something like.
"Find the back. Spin 180 there's your front".
I think it's applicable to this tree.

As far as cash goes.
100 - 200 in this condition if you ask me.
Age is a tough one but I'll throw a figure of minimum 5 but likely 10 plus years old.

The 2nd is not much chop.
I'd definitely remove that cross root.
Having said this you might just look to layer above this root and start again.

Nice score.

ficus 2, remove the first branch.

both have good potential
#2---move or remove any crossing or wrapping roots--think about trunk chopping above 4th branch---needs to be lower in the pot so at next repot try to spread roots shallower----
#1---try keeping the width of canopy but reducing the height by 1 third----
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