New ficus clump

[Jeremy]

I would like to see this as a small banyan. Wiring the outer most branches down closer to the trunk, and maybe using one or two main trunks which will need thickening. The rest can be cut out.

Which way you take it is up to you, and it can work as a clump or even a single trunk tree.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

A nice bayan.

 

[Jeremy]

A nice bayan.

I would actually refer to this as a clump.

I attached a crude paint drawing for your tree. I like the idea of a clump but I don't see it being done convincingly on your tree. The trunk has enough character to create a small banyan, but i think a clump would result in trunks that are too tall and thin and give it a young feeling.
If you were to cut back all branches and completely remove a few, you could strike the cuttings and plant them fairly close together to make a fused forest setting...

 

[KayaMooney]

Technically It's not a banyan tree unless there are aerial roots in the scene.

 

[Jeremy]

Exactly. Not that a lack of aerials roots on a tree styled as a banyan means it would be less of a tree.
Of all my Figs, the Willow Leafs seem most reluctant to push out aerials. Which is strange given my high humidity and long growing season.

I think Ficus can take nearly any style you wish and make a convincing tree.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

The description on this website said bayan style.

 

[Jeremy]

It also says grove. I think in this case the word banyan is being used for the style of the overall wide canopy.

I don't have any examples of my own trees but this is one I have in training. Its had a bit of work since the photo and is almost due for a re-work. Alternatively, google banyan fig bonsai and there will be plenty of good searches.

 

[KayaMooney]

To sum things up, in nature a banyan tree is a ficus tree that has a very thick lush spreading canopy that shades out everything below it. This extreme amount of shade from the canopy gives aerial roots the chance to grow from the spreading branches and reach the ground without being burned away by the sun. Over time these aerial roots will thicken up and give the appearance of multiple trunks. I attached a few examples of banyan trees; in nature, a drawing and a very nice bonsai.

 

[KayaMooney]

The description on this website said bayan style.

WOW! The price tag on that thing is outrageous, those little Ficus could be bought at a nursery for less than 5 bucks each and the pot probably isn't worth any more than 30-40 dollars if that.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

Please keep in mind that I am in iowa and ficus are not a natural part of our landscape. Also the pot is probably handmade by the dasu bonsai owner.
Look at the website if you like.
Dasu bonsai

I have known my whole life that i should live in florida. Lol

A recent dasu pot sold by NE bonsai.

Also if anyone has developed willow leaf ficus I am always looking to invest. PM me.
My favs are semi cascades.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

Update
I haven't done anything to this tree except chop it back hard and let it grow. I haven't wired or removed any trunks/ branches. Still not inspired to make a move. Maybe this summer.