Ficus Microcarpa "Golden Gate" in training

[KennedyMarx]

It's not much more than a stick in a pot, but with the lack of activity around here lately I figured I'd post it. I brought this tree home from a local nursery a couple of weeks ago and proceeded to repot it in this larger azalea pot with a bonsai mix I made (2/3 calcined clay with 1/3 granite grit). It was my first time wiring. I realize it's not the best wiring job, but I think it will do for now. The crossing wiring on the trunk is a big no no, but hopefully it won't mess anything up. The last picture shows the stump of a back branch that I left to anchor the top wires. Any suggestions or comments are welcome.

 

[JudyB]

My first wiring job was worse than this...
This guy just needs time and growing. Make sure you check the wire regularly so it doesn't cut in. Remember that health is number one on the priority list...

 

[KennedyMarx]

Thank you, Judy. My current plan is to get a nice root system establish during the winter, as much as possible. In the spring I can put it outside and start working on the top a little bit once it really gets going.

 

[mat]

Thank you, Judy. My current plan is to get a nice root system establish during the winter, as much as possible. In the spring I can put it outside and start working on the top a little bit once it really gets going.

I wouldn't work on the top for a while. For now, you want this to grow. More leaves up top means the trunk will thicken quicker. I'd give it lots of sun, plenty of fertilizer, water when needed and try not to prune much at all next year. And, as said above - watch those wires as they will dig in quickly once this thing really starts going.

 

[KennedyMarx]

Thanks, Mat. I figured I'd let the top grow out, like you said to thicken the trunk, but I also want to thicken the side branches near the base of the trunk. I was thinking I'd let them grow without any pruning, but I could pinch the top after it puts out a few sets of leaves. Is that a bad idea? Maybe I will just let it all grow without pruning.

 

[JudyB]

Maybe I will just let it all grow without pruning.

Now you've got it!

 

[edprocoat]

When actively growing the wire will need to be replaced monthly, maybe even a bit sooner as it will cut into the branch. If it gets in deep you can actually just let the branch encase the wire, it will grow right over it covering it.

ed

 

[edprocoat]

This is my Taiwan Ficus which started out much like your plant. http://bonsainut.com/forums/showthread.php?6801-Taiwan-Ficus-in-its-old-blue-pot Its posted here.

I wired the branches to the trunk to thicken the trunk. I did this several times if you click on the picture in the post it will open a window on Flickr where you can choose to view the largest size, you can see where the various shoots joined to make the trunk over the years, there is several pieces of wire that I left on too long that is buried in the trunk. It actually went from a stick to almost an inch trunk in the first summer. I defoliate this tree several 3-4 times a year too.

ed

 

[nathanbs]

When actively growing the wire will need to be replaced monthly, maybe even a bit sooner as it will cut into the branch. If it gets in deep you can actually just let the branch encase the wire, it will grow right over it covering it.

ed

I don't think that practicing the technique of allowing the wire to get buried into the tree permanently is a good idea. Not by design anyways. But if it works for you than who knows. I know that allowing it to cut in and scar will help thicken the branches but remove the wire and let heal

 

[stacy allen muse]

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