AusBonsai

My first attempt at a slab planting... forgot to get a before photo in the old pot..

I like this tree but hated the pot. Because of that it has just been left to do its thing for a year or so. Once it settles on this slab I’ll work on the style and leaf reduction a bit more ..

The photo angles are not ideal. Might post another tomorrow..

Might try for a small companion on the front left section of the slab.

Wha’d’ya reckon?

DD

I really like your vision for this one. Will be following updates with interest. Just one thing, what is your plan for that straight edge on the slab?

Cheers
Kirky

DangerousDave wrote: ↑March 21st, 2020, 7:23 pm
Might try for a small companion on the front left section of the slab.

Wha’d’ya reckon?

DD

What do I reckon? Bl@@dy good! And yep ... to a companion plat in due course.

I was wondering how you were going to keep water up to it and then noticed the background and the location...seems you live in the middle of a rainforest!!

Looking forward to watching this progress.

One of the biggest problems with slab planting is keeping water up to it. Natural rock soaks water away from the roots and evaporates it to the air so slab plantings need way more water than any tree in a pot. Always be prepared to provide more water more often to plantings with rocks.
The good thing about this is that it is a ficus so way more tolerant of dry than most other species. Townsville climate won't hurt much either though you are in a bit of rain shadow there so it can get a bit dry for part of the year when you will need to monitor more closely.

Weight is always another factor in any rock planting. While it is new and you are enthusiastic about it it won't seem too bad but as time passes and your back becomes weary I think it will become more and more of a burden to rotate for equal light and to move for maintenance or showing. I'd be placing this one on a turntable and make sure there is easy access to all sides.

Excellent raft material. One of the most natural I have seen for a long time.

Love it, looks great Also agree with shibui on the watering aspect.

I used to sit all my slab/rock plantings in a shallow tray of water. As Neil mentioned natural rock draws water if sitting it a tray of water it draws water into itself the roots will source the wetter areas. Also never use a free draining mix for slab/rock plantings. As for the weight issue Neil is correct they get heavier and heavier as the years progress. So enjoy it while you can, I still like what you are planning, don’t forget to update date us
Cheers
Kirky

I thought those grey-coloured levels of rock at the front looked like sea shore. I wouldn't be all that keen to cover them with anything. It made a real scene for me.

I'm not sure about changing the straight line on the left side of the rock - I'm not sure that anything you do to modify it would be an improvement. Maybe you just live with it.

Thanks for posting,

Gavin

GavinG wrote: ↑March 23rd, 2020, 1:46 pm I thought those grey-coloured levels of rock at the front looked like sea shore. I wouldn't be all that keen to cover them with anything. It made a real scene for me.

Agreed, I wouldn't add anything else - the different levels step up nicely to the tree IMO.