Twisted Fig airlayered

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » January 19th, 2010, 3:55 pm

I purchased this tree late 2009, it was twisted into a spiral which was quite pleasing at the base but became monotonos near the apex.

spiral fig 005.jpg

So in mid November I decided to air layer

spiral fig 003.jpg

spiral fig 004.jpg

After only 8 weeks the root spread was very pleasing

spiral fig 007.jpg

After potting the layer needs to recover

spiral fig 009.jpg

The original tree was defoliated, repotted and wired. I felt it was important to mimic the twisted trunk when I wired the branches.

spiral fig 008.jpg

regards Gerard

Jamie · Post by **Jamie** » January 19th, 2010, 4:08 pm

brlliant gerard! well done

you have made the coerrect choice with the air layer it has created taper beautifully!

and yes the wiring you have done mimicing the bending in the trunk is perfect

i cant wait to see this one fill out and a bit more ramification

gotta LOVE FIG!!!

the airial layer is gonna have a great nebari spread aswell!

jamie

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » December 26th, 2011, 12:05 pm

Here is an update after a rewire and repot today.

007.jpg

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » February 5th, 2012, 10:55 am

An update after the canopy has filled out

Jerry Meislik · Post by **Jerry Meislik** » February 5th, 2012, 11:06 am

Gerard,
The tree is looking great.
Jerry

bodhidharma · Post by **bodhidharma** » February 5th, 2012, 1:09 pm

Bloody nice little tree Gerard. Well done, how about some tree dimensions please

What would you think of a branch on the first right hand curve

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » February 5th, 2012, 2:29 pm

bodhidharma wrote:Bloody nice little tree Gerard. Well done, how about some tree dimensions please What would you think of a branch on the first right hand curve

Thanks Bodhi,
Trunk is 11cm at the base, height is 40cm and width of canopy is also 40cm.
A lower branch from the left would work but perhaps detract from the twisted character of the trunk. The plan is to grow the higher branch longer and bring it down to fill this space, it has come a long way in a short time.

Sometimes we know that growing a new branch from scratch will take some time, this wwould not look good for a couple of years.
Perhaps I have convinced myself that it is better without a lower branch!
What do people think?

ficus rubignosa 001.jpg

witchstreet · Post by **witchstreet** » February 5th, 2012, 4:10 pm

What a beaut little tree, Gerard! Yes, I would remove the lower branch. The twisting of the branches to match the trunk looks natural. Well done!

anttal63 · Post by **anttal63** » February 5th, 2012, 7:20 pm

Nice job Gezz !!!

No it doesnt need a lower branch, will only take away from it. The first on the left already corresponds with the basal movement and sets up the dance of this tree...

Dario · Post by **Dario** » May 28th, 2012, 9:54 pm

Hi Gerard, nice work with this fig!
I was wondering if you have thought about tilting the tree to the left? Obviously it would need some adjustment up top to balance the tree so it isn't falling over etc... what do you think?
Cheers, Dario.

Tony Bebb · Post by **Tony Bebb** » May 28th, 2012, 10:20 pm

Nice little Fig Gerard.

I agree with Dario in a little tilt to the left. I think it would improve the direction and balance. Not much, only 10 - 15 degrees maybe. You would be able to use a branch on the right then if you wish, as the change in angle would bring the branches closer together visually.

Love how compact the growth is getting. Keep it going mate.

Tony

Gerard · Post by **Gerard** » November 25th, 2012, 12:36 pm

002.jpg

I partially defoliated this tree, I have decided to make the second branch (first on the right) the primary branch because that is the direction of the movement at the top of the tree.
Leaving foliage on this branch should promote faster growth and allow this to lengthen faster than the others.

004.jpg

037.jpg

jayde01 · Post by **jayde01** » November 25th, 2012, 1:34 pm

very nice! you have brought this tree a long way

classic example of bonsai

mugen · Post by **mugen** » November 25th, 2012, 3:54 pm

Looks very nice !

NathanM · Post by **NathanM** » November 25th, 2012, 8:37 pm

Gerard wrote:I partially defoliated this tree, I have decided to make the second branch (first on the right) the primary branch because that is the direction of the movement at the top of the tree.
Leaving foliage on this branch should promote faster growth and allow this to lengthen faster than the others.]

Glad you said this

I was thinking that right from the start!!

AusBonsai