I likus the Ficus, Part II

Mellow Mullet · Sep 3, 2017

Update:

This one has really responded well to the treatment I gave it this summer. It was time for another haircut.

Before:

After:

Mellow Mullet · Oct 11, 2017

Did a little tidying up on this one this evening. Here she is, what do you think?

markyscott · Nov 12, 2017

Very nice, MM.

S

Mellow Mullet · Nov 12, 2017

Thanks!

MrFancyPlants · Nov 17, 2017

Thanks for the new perspective and approach for me.
I have a smaller F. salicifolia that is sort of in the maintenance phase.. although some back budding is always appreciated. Generally, I'll periodically cut back to two leaves per branchlet to try and increase the ramification, but I wonder if I let some branches run and remove the older leaves if I might encourage some back budding? Your method is counter-intuitive for me, but intuition is not always the champion. I realize that we are in different phases of development, but I think something can be gained for my little guy.
Truth be told, I actually already incorporated your technique with mine last night. It was getting a bit congested in areas and showing slow new signs of growth since being repotted and brought in for the winter. So instead of chopping back the new growth back to a couple older leaves, I removed the older leaves and let the new growth grow with the exception of stronger interior nodes in which case I stuck to the old method figuring I'm likely to get a split there.

Here is a link to mine; I'll try to post an updated photo sometime this weekend: https://www.bonsainut.com/threads/maintenance-clip-and-grow-salicifolia.16660/

Mellow Mullet · Jul 19, 2018

Well, not as much time today, but I did manage to get one done. Plus it was 5000 degrees and 10000 percent humidity today, not fun to be outside, it took a lot of beer to make it through it...

One thing about the heat and humidity, ficus really love it! This group has been really growing, in spite of being really pot bound. I just gave it a trim, removed some wire, and added some more wire. Wash, rinse, repeat, such is the way of the ficus, lol.

Before:

After

Just trying to keep one shaped up and focusing on lengthening on side (you can see it in the last picture) and creating some negative space between the pads.

JoeR · Jul 20, 2018

Mellow Mullet said:
Well, not as much time today, but I did manage to get one done. Plus it was 5000 degrees and 10000 percent humidity today, not fun to be outside, it took a lot of beer to make it through it...

One thing about the heat and humidity, ficus really love it! This group has been really growing, in spite of being really pot bound. I just gave it a trim, removed some wire, and added some more wire. Wash, rinse, repeat, such is the way of the ficus, lol.

Before:

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After

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Just trying to keep one shaped up and focusing on lengthening on side (you can see it in the last picture) and creating some negative space between the pads.

Very nice composition. How do you feel about the pot it’s in though?

Mellow Mullet · Jul 20, 2018

JoeR said:
Very nice composition. How do you feel about the pot it’s in though?

I fell that it is very heavy! My back groans every time that I pick it up!

Aside from that, it could be a little shallower (not too much as I don't have time to water more that once a day), an inch or so larger around, and a different color. Either cream, a darker blue, or even unglazed. But it is all I have at the current time, this one was purchased at a club auction for $50, and new one would be at least triple that. I have been keeping my eye out for one though, and I am currently accepting donations! lol

Thanks! This is my favorite ficus to work on.

JoeR · Jul 20, 2018

Mellow Mullet said:
I fell that it is very heavy! My back groans every time that I pick it up!

Aside from that, it could be a little shallower (not too much as I don't have time to water more that once a day), an inch or so larger around, and a different color. Either cream, a darker blue, or even unglazed. But it is all I have at the current time, this one was purchased at a club auction for $50, and new one would be at least triple that. I have been keeping my eye out for one though, and I am currently accepting donations! lol

Thanks! This is my favorite ficus to work on.

I’m glad you said that, I was going to say I feel the pot makes you not take the tree seriously, if that makes sense. The color is almost like a toy or something to me. The composition looks old yet the pot is bran spankin new and a shiny blue. I completely understand the choice though considering the price difference!

Cadillactaste · Jul 27, 2018

Looks great Vin!

Mellow Mullet · May 6, 2019

Update:

I had a few hours this afternoon, so I gave this one a repotting. It had quit draining freely and was starting to come out some since the nights have warmed up here.

Before:

It took 45 minutes to liberate it from the pot, it was tightly wedged in. Here is the root mass:

Combed out:

Bottom side cleaned up:

Sides trimmed up and ready to go back into the pot:

Roots Removed:

Mellow Mullet · May 6, 2019

Can you say "nebari"?

Pot prepared, I like to use Hot Pink drainage screens. I have found that the trees really like them and tend to grow better as a result of using them.

It fits, ready to be tied in:

Ready for another couple of seasons:

Nanuk · May 7, 2019

Killer forest. Love that nebari.

Mellow Mullet · Aug 3, 2019

Update:

This group got repot this spring and it is time for a haircut.

Before:

After:

Mellow Mullet · Aug 19, 2020

Update:

A well over due haircut and wiring:

Before:

After:

JoeR · Aug 19, 2020

Mellow Mullet said:
Update:

A well over due haircut and wiring:

Before:

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After:

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Very nice, I believe some more up and down movement with the wiring might help