Ficus Burtt Davyi Experiments 1 & 2

[John P.]

I’ve taken a lot of cuttings this year from a mame / shohin (TBD) Burtt Davyi tree that I’ve been growing out, and wanted to try some experiments …

Ficus Burtt Davyi Experiment 1

Wanting to create something like this:


I decided to create a hollow, tree-shaped “shell” filled with pumice. I used aluminum foil and aluminum foil tape to create the shape. It’s surprisingly rigid, which will be good as the roots grow:

 

[John P.]

In early May 2021 I placed 3 rooted cuttings:








The plan is to keep it off any growing medium where the roots would extend past the screen, in the hopes that the roots will fill the shape over the next couple of years. Once that happens, I plan to remove the screen and place it on some bonsai soil so the roots can escape and grow horizontally.

 

[John P.]

As of early November 2021 … not a ton of growth, but I’m guessing it’ll grow like mad next spring (as these do):

 

[John P.]

I’ve yet to see a ficus bonsai with the buttressed roots that you see in nature (or Santa Monica, CA at the Fairmont):




So here goes …

Ficus Burtt Davyi Experiment 2:

 

[John P.]

Decided to make some additions / changes:

 

[John P.]

 

[SWfloirda]

Intriguing.

 

[John P.]

Intriguing.

Thanks. Part 3-D Ebihara control freak approach, part … me? We’ll see!

 

[penumbra]

I think this is fascinating. Please keep us apprised.

 

[Michael P]

The trees that inspire #2 have always fascinated me. I hope it works!

 

[Carol 83]

The trees that inspire #2 have always fascinated me. I hope it works!

 

[hemmy]

I’ve taken a lot of cuttings this year from a mame / shohin (TBD) Burtt Davyi tree that I’ve been growing out, and wanted to try some experiments …

I love seeing something different than just Mame and Shohin fat trunk trees of this species! They look like they grow such interesting forms in their native habitat, from epiphytic stranglers to crawling brambles over rugged rock outcrops.

 

[Stella]

this will be so interesting to follow.
looking forward to your updates

 

[Milly]

I love seeing something different than just Mame and Shohin fat trunk trees of this species! They look like they grow such interesting forms in their native habitat, from epiphytic stranglers to crawling brambles over rugged rock outcrops.

I tried to copy the 'crawling over rock' thing. There's a photo of it in 'The Tree' thread about 2 weeks ago.

 

[John P.]

Trying some more for another project:


Obviously trying different substrate on this one.

Here’s the momma tree:

 

[macnut]

Update please. How's these going?

 

[19Mateo83]

You have peaked the interest of the mad scientist in me. I too would like to see how these are going as well

 

[geargarcon]

Burtt Davyi are my favorite species. Definitely watching this thread now

 

[berzerkules]

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Kind of reminds me of trees like this.

 

[John P.]

Hey guys—not much positive to report. I lost all of the plants in the disk planted with dirt. I probably should’ve waited to put them outside so I could have controlled things better while they became established.

Those in the pumice disk have done better, and with the warmer temps the ones that are left are growing, albeit slowly. I think I lost 2 or 3 there.

The “foil exoskeleton” has been okay, but for my blow-and-go gardeners who blow it off of its ledge regularly. A month ago or so this caused the top leader to snap, so we’ll see. It should be fine.