AusBonsai

Hey All,

Well today I jumped into my first PJ fig defoliation, not as scary as I thought. The biggest decision was how I was going to defoliate it and after reading Hoy Leong Kwong's book (Which is a must have by the way)i decided to used the pull the leaf back method leaving no stem or petiole. I found this to work well, just had to be careful not to tear the bark off with it. Anyway the tree was in good health, i re-potted it about 6 weeks ago and it has come back with vigor.

Here are the 4 views, I am thinking that I might take view 3 as the main elevation but not a 100% sure yet, any opinions. The tree is still very young and has a way to go yet. It is about 4 years old from a small 100mm nursery stock, but think it is slowly progressing I want to swap the tree to a round shallower pot which i will do next summer.

Cheers All

Number 3 looks pretty good mate, yeah a video of him defoliating a fig this morning with that technique

Cheers,

I agree with view 3 as well although I like that the trunk has a bit more movement in View 2. The tree is currently throwing out about 5 more aerial roots just below about half way up the main trunk. I can use these to introduce some more interest to the main trunk. It has been a brilliant tree for Aerial roots that's for sure

2 is good, but 3 just appeals to me a bit more

Fish

i reckon 1 or 3 are the best, you can see the roots more clearly and the shape of the tree is more triangular.

Ben

Definitly 3 Ryan.

Root spread much better from that angle. Looks like another 10 - 15 degrees to the right will be even better as it will pick up the strong roots on both sides. Branches can be adjusted easily.

Tony

Hi All,

Just a little update, My fig has bounced back in excellent form, now I have to start developing more branch structure towards the crown. I have a lot more choices now though as the back budding was pretty intense. Anyway here is an updated pic, sorry the image isn't the best tho.

Lookin good

Looks nice and healthy!! Also has good movement and taper. Just need to sort out some branches now
I like it!

I like the tree. What are your plans for the thinner roots around the base?

Lennard

Cheers, I have a bit of wiring to do, the ends of the branches need to be wired done as they are starting to grow up, but all this is minor stuff. I definitely need to sort out a few more main branches from the crown down but that will come with time. As for the roots I have wired them back to the trunk and overtime they will hopefully they will keep grwing and fuse to create more base flair.

Here is a quick sketch of the direction I am thinking of, Still need to think about it as it looks a little unbalanced?

Love the virt!

Yes, letting the roots fuse will add character to the base and nice flare.

Lennard

Hi

Looking good and healthy
I like veiw three from above
Have been working on and defoiling my figs its a rewarding process

Tex