AusBonsai

hey dudes,

I'm very new to bonsai, i recently bought one of those basic grafted ginseng ficus trees just to get into the swing of things, i've managed to keep it alive with regular watering and fertilising/repotting at the right time. however, i wanted to know what the deal was with styling these trees? I've done minimal pruning to encourage canopy growth (cutting 3 leaves for every six new ones that grow), but i'm not sure how to create an aesthetically pleasing tree.

moreover, i read a few articles saying that these type of trees were rubbish and too un treelike to be made into full fledged bonsai. I just wanted to know what everyone thought and if I could have a bit of general advice as how to take care/style my tree? As i said i'm very new but would very much like to properly get into working with bonsai.

I'm also located in melbourne if that makes any difference

Cheers everyone!

Please don't take offence, but I came across this video a few days ago and it seems to fit your post well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sVjEgETgr8&sns=em

It's linked off the following article about Ginseng Ficus, which may give you some ideas.

http://adamaskwhy.wordpress.com/2013/04 ... eng-ficus/

Cheers,
Nigel

NAHamilton wrote:Please don't take offence, but I came across this video a few days ago and it seems to fit your post well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8sVjEgETgr8&sns=em

It's linked off the following article about Ginseng Ficus, which may give you some ideas.

http://adamaskwhy.wordpress.com/2013/04 ... eng-ficus/

Cheers,
Nigel

None taken of course! So what I got from that was cut out the dieback and then let it grow for five years or so? And then once I have a tree-ish form it's time to begin training etc?

also in the meantime, if i wanted something a bit more bonsai-esque what kind of plant would you recommend for a complete beginner at bonsai (i know the basics of gardening, but just got started on bonsai)

Thanks NAHamilton, now I'm going to be singing that song all night!

T-D, for a beginner, can't go wrong with a Trident maple or a Chinese elm. I can't seem to kill them.

Ive had one of these for a few years now and im predominantly using the clip and grow technique because it takes a few wirings to get a branch to set. Mind you, mine doesnt look like a "traditional tree" but i have been lifting the trunk every repot so as of late its been looking a lot like a Baobab tree. using the aerial roots is a great way to help thicken the trunk, as well as add some character, plus you can use it to fill some voids to reduce that bloated look.