Ficus benjamina #58 fusion trunk progression

[DonielDoom]

Starting a progression thread for one of my fusion projects. This project was started ~1.5 years ago from a handful of rooted F. benjamina cuttings.

At ~0.5 years in, I transitioned the individual rooted cuttings into a clump and wrapped them with grafting tape (Buddy Tape, to be specific). I've let them grow freely from that point on. They spent the summer of 2024 in my backyard with full sun and a raised bed (for the roots to escape). Mid-October the foliage was chopped back and escaped roots cut to overwinter inside. Sadly, I can't find much of my photo evidence of these actions.

This is a photo of a near-identical, but different, benjamina project to show the general idea. It's in a 6" nursery pot. This one's relatively the same in terms of timing and actions taken.



This is the earliest photo I can find of the originally-described project. November 2024.

 

[DonielDoom]

Late March 2025 I pruned the majority of growth and did some wiring. I also wrapped a couple small branches together, trying for more fusion but with intentional gaps. It has spent the winter under grow lights and enduring my neglect. I've also had some pest/bug issues. I'm eager to get this outside.

The rough plan is to pull the wire off as it transitions outdoors, or as it starts to bite/become problematic, and let the roots escape into a raised bed to grow freely for the summer. I am a bit conflicted on whether I want to sort the roots this year or allow at least one more year of growth. I am leaning more towards postponing rootwork to late this season or next year.

I welcome comments and criticism. I'm learning a lot through these Ficus projects and value feedback.


Close up of (two) wrapped branches


Pre trim and wire



Post trim and wire

 

[DonielDoom]

Forgot to add - the grafting tape simply ripped at some point from the trunk growth. Picture the hulk ripping his shirt, but much less action-packed