slanting ficus

[wattynine]

This was started only a matter of 18 months ago, still have a way to go but here we go so far
This tree was gifted to me and I chose it from a group of four, I think, that was gifted to the bloke who gifted it to me, are you still with me, in a nutshell it was free tree, always the best kind.
April 13

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and so it begins

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12 0413.JPG

[wattynine]

And then in December 2013

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and now in August 2014, defoliated

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So needs fine wiring now on the secondary branches, a hit of lime sulphur on the carving,
pretty happy with the 18 month achievement,
interested in your comments and perhaps pot choices
thanks for lookin'
Watty

[dansai]

Some great work there Watty.

How's the exposed wood holding up? Ficus aren't known for the longevity of their dead wood.

As for styling, I like the sweep down of the left branch and sweep up of the right. I would try and keep the secondary branches in harmony with this and wire them more in line with the sweeps.

Good luck.

Dan

[wattynine]

Just an update, more wire, a new pot.

as it was

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and as it is now;

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Watty

[Theodore]

Watty

The tree looks great and is coming along very nicely, the pot I'm not so sure about. The shape and particularly the colour don't excite me.

But the tree I seriously like and I'm no fan of figs!

Theo



Sent from somewhere on planet earth using an iPad!

[wattynine]

Thanks ST, you are right it is not the pot I intended for this but in NQ mate, you take what you can get.
This pot I have had laying around and I wanted a shallow pot for this tree so for now it will do. I like The idea of a rounder version so I will keep hunting.
I actually bought a pot for this but when I got it, thought it to be too big so I used it under the "Ficus Lantern" posted previously.
thanks for the interest.
Watty

[Theodore]

Cool Watty

Finding the right pot is harder than growing the tree sometimes!

I struggle with both however

Theo


Sent from somewhere on planet earth using an iPad!

[Matt S]

Nice tree Watty, especially in such a short space of time. I agree with the discussion about the pot, but as you say you sometimes have to do with what you can get.

Next time you repot I would reconsider the planting position. Even though the trunk slants to the right the strong branch movement and apex are to the left, so the whole tree movement is also to the left. Therefore the tree should be placed slightly to the right.

Lots of strong movement and energy in this tree. Good stuff.

Matt.

[wattynine]

OOOHH YEH, I am expecting to be shot down for this but here goes.
Was up in Townsville this week and went to visit my bonsai lady friend who had the big Ficus for sale.
She also dabbles in pots and I came across this so man I just had to do it, a quick consult to make sure I wouldn't hurt the tree having just potted it and I'm away.
Love it or hate it, it is now what it is.
Some things that have been said have stuck with me;
"As the artist you get to present as you wish"
"The pot is just a container"
All in all it was what my initial wish was but this may be a tad shallow, error or not, this time it stays,
Watty

DSC00134.1.jpg

[Pearcy001]

Don't worry Watty I won't shoot you down.

Both the pot size and colour make the base of this tree look amazing :IMO: (although I am already a fan of the odd cream pot). It will look great in leaf too. I sure hope the pots not too shallow!

Are you able to put a bit more movement in that bottom branch at all by chance?

Cheers,
Pearcy.

[Brian]

agree, the cream coloured pot looks very good for this tree.

[Kevin]

Hello Watty,

Well done. I have enjoyed reading the pictorial history.

Hopefully not a rude question - what is the Figs height?

Thanks,

Kevin

[melbrackstone]

Reckon that looks pretty amazing!

[kvan64]

I like how the tree is deading. I would prefer a larger pot though

[Ryceman3]

I like how the tree is deading. I would prefer a larger pot though

I'm tipping you mean "heading" ... Otherwise it's a bit ominous ....
Love the pot, it's pretty small but the colour is great and it is very dramatic. Good luck with it!