Stumpy Fig

[Jon Chown]

This Fig (unknown species) is only 20cm high and the trunk is 8cm wide. It has survived on my growing bench almost by accident and mostly with neglect due to its overly large leaves (not sure if they can be reduced).

I decided to experiment using scoria as a growing medium and it seems to be surviving quite well - I may even keep this one.

Fig - white background.jpg

Yours in Bonsai
Jon

[anttal63]

cool stump john. once you find the form you want, leaf reduction and ramifying is done by defoliaion. in your climate it would almost be possible all year round.
as lond as after each defoliation let the tree enjoy its foliage and find its vigour. if feeding well and watering well thats only a matter of weeks for a fig.
in melbourne i defoliate up to 3 times in a year.

[Asus101]

cool stump john. once you find the form you want, leaf reduction and ramifying is done by defoliaion. in your climate it would almost be possible all year round.
as lond as after each defoliation let the tree enjoy its foliage and find its vigour. if feeding well and watering well thats only a matter of weeks for a fig.
in melbourne i defoliate up to 3 times in a year.

From much reading on ficus it seems to root better when staved of water. When watered well, it doesn't send out roots to find water, instead it sits content.
Dave bogan posted a nice article on them at BonsaiVault.
http://www.shadysidebonsai.com/bonsaiva ... e/id9.html

And your fig looks like a port jackson

[anttal63]

my ficus dont look healthy when starved. depends how open your mix is and how much humidity your enviroment offers. i have read that aricle and makes some great points. but growing is not the same for every one.

[PeterW]

This Fig (unknown species) is only 20cm high and the trunk is 8cm wide. It has survived on my growing bench almost by accident and mostly with neglect due to its overly large leaves (not sure if they can be reduced).

I decided to experiment using scoria as a growing medium and it seems to be surviving quite well - I may even keep this one.

Fig - white background.jpg

Yours in Bonsai
Jon

Hi Jon.
Nice little fig you have there. Unsure of your expieriance with them but i really wouldnt suggest you defoliate 3 times in any year (sorry ant, but i really must disagree with that). If you are happy with the main trunk line, start to work on branches and roots. Worry about leaf size later. Plant in a pond basket with a very free draining mix and feed feed feed. You will be amazed at the growth you can get out of them in our climate in one season.
Have you got Leong's ficus book? If not, its worth getting, he knows his stuff.
Kind regards
Peter.

[Steven]

And your fig looks like a port jackson

I too think it is a PJF. Can anyone else confirm/deny this so I can move this post to the Aussie native section.

[anttal63]

peter its ok to dissagree no prob. defoliating to that extent is definately for finished bonsai. yes i assumed we were talking about leaf size. ficus's in developement i only defoliate if i am looking for new lines to clip back to b4 things get too thick.

steven i think it is pjf too.

[Jon Chown]

He Steven,

It's ok by me to shift it to the Native section - to be honest I was not sure where to post it as the Native section only had Ficus Benjamina as a heading. Might I suggest that we have a main heading as Ficus and then sub headings as cultivas. Port Jackson, Qld Small leaf, Willor Leaf, Tiger bark etc.

Yours in Bonsai
Jon

[Pup]

Jon I too think it is a PJF the leaf at petiole is not v or as some say heart at that point. Peter Anthony and I do not agree on much but I defoliate my figs up to three times a season. No problems water well feed well. I have just done them well two weeks ago for the first time this one. Will post some pic of course. Pup

[Hector Johnson]

Message Deleted

[Russ]

Have you got Leong's ficus book? If not, its worth getting, he knows his stuff.

I will second that. This is a quote from his website (http://bonsaisouth.com.au) -

Ficus Bonsai in the Temperate Climate is a complete manual and guide by bonsai artist Hoy Leong Kwong, detailing all aspects of the cultivation and care of the beautiful and majestic ficus bonsai. This is an essential guide to ficus for the casual or serious bonsai collector or enthusiast.

Definitely worth owning if at all serious about figs.

[MelaQuin]

I just get a feeling with this tree that I would like to see what's under the soil.... more flare, interesting roots? I'd be having a dekko - unless, of course, you have just repotted it and what you see is what you get. And I will go along with the PJF crowd. Trunk and leaves look PJ.

[Jon Chown]

more flare, interesting roots? I'd be having a dekko - unless, of course, you have just repotted it

Yes Lee it was only recently repotted and from memory there is one big root growing out to the left which is why it is placed so poorly in the pot. The reason behind growing in almost pure scoria was to encourage better rootage. Time will tell.

Jon

[EdwardH]

Hi Jon,

This looks like a Ficus retusa as the underside of the leaves look to be smooth. The Port Jackson fig (Ficus rubiginosa) is also known as the rusty fig as it has rust coloured hairs growing on the underside of the leaves.

Regards Edward

[Jerry Meislik]

Jon,
I like your stumpy fig.
Just a bit more growth and its there.
Jerry Meislik
Not quite in Australia