AusBonsai

I've had a PJF for 15 years. Trunk girth is amazing. But still can't reduce leaf size down to optimal size. I have tried defoliating on hot days and removing larger leaves throughout the year. To no avail. I live in South West Australia. Any new ideas?

Cut back on the Nitrogen Fertiliser, put the tree out into full sun, although not straight away if it is in a fairly shaded spot now, defoliate around Boxing Day, prune back to the second leaf after the branch grows 4 to 6 leaves and finally twist the sheath of the new leaf when it has formed to around quarter to half an inch in length.
If that doesn't work, give up and allow the tree to grow to a larger size, where the leaves wont look so large. Funny enough I have seen Figs that refused to reduce their leaf size no matter how hard the grower tried.
Good luck with it.

Graeme wrote:Cut back on the Nitrogen Fertiliser, put the tree out into full sun, although not straight away if it is in a fairly shaded spot now, defoliate around Boxing Day, prune back to the second leaf after the branch grows 4 to 6 leaves and finally twist the sheath of the new leaf when it has formed to around quarter to half an inch in length.
If that doesn't work, give up and allow the tree to grow to a larger size, where the leaves wont look so large. Funny enough I have seen Figs that refused to reduce their leaf size no matter how hard the grower tried.
Good luck with it.

Many Thanks Graeme. I'll give it a go.