New ficus too big for window, can i prune now?

[Squeaker]

Just bought a multi trunk ficus benjamina for my bay window off craigslist for $20. I think ill bonsai it in the future. It was just too good of a deal to pass up (considering i just bought a small one at the hardware store for $25 ). Problem is, i planned to put it in my bay window, but after getting it home, i realized its too tall and some of the branches touch the top, some even bending quite a bit. Is it okay to shorten it up now or should i wait for it to adjust before i fiddle with it?

 

[jk_lewis]

Boy! First time I've heard THAT reason for pruning.

No reason at all why you can't prune now.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

You can trim it, but since you just got it and it's going to drop leaves, I wouldn't trim back any branches to the point of where they won't have any leaves.

 

[Squeaker]

You can trim it, but since you just got it and it's going to drop leaves, I wouldn't trim back any branches to the point of where they won't have any leaves.

Yeah, i read they like to drop leaves when moved, which sssuuuccckkkkssss lol. I think at most, ill have to cut back maybe 8" of the tree, so plenty of branch legnth with leaves. Just wanted to make sure i wouldnt shock it. How long does it take leaves to start dropping? Ive had my little ficus for like 5 days now and it still has all of its leaves.

P.S. thanks for answering my questions redwood... if you cant tell, ive been on a plant buying spree for a few days now lol. 2 ficus benjamina and a boxwood

 

[Squeaker]

Boy! First time I've heard THAT reason for pruning.

No reason at all why you can't prune now.

Lol, well its definately a big, healthy tree. The tree, minus the pot is about 4' or more, then you add the pot and its pretty tall. The previous owners took wonderful care of it. Cant immagine why they wouldnt want it any more ???

 

[Poink88]

Boy! First time I've heard THAT reason for pruning.

I do that whenever I move my tropical trees indoors...so they will fit in their winter home/storage .

 

[Squeaker]

Wait a second.... is it really a bad thing if the branches sorta bend at the top and touch the ceiling? It doesnt bother me, i just didnt want the tree to get pissed off about it lol. If it doesnt mind having a ceiling in the way, then i dont mind it. Id rather it adjust, drop its leaves and start growing new ones before i crop it, just so i know its well acclimated before i fiddle with it.

 

[Poink88]

... if you cant tell, ive been on a plant buying spree for a few days now lol.

Slow down for now...you might find later that what you are buying is not what you want after you learn about bonsai a bit more.

Some do not drop leaves...so do not wait for it but do not panic if they do.

 

[Squeaker]

Slow down for now...you might find later that what you are buying is not what you want after you learn about bonsai a bit more.

Some do not drop leaves...so do not wait for it but do not panic if they do.

Lol, im done for now. I just needed some quick life in the house, so i got the little ficus..... but this one was just too good of a price to pass up the pot its in probably cost at least $15, so essentially the tree was like $5. So i wont feel too bad if it croaks if i do decide to bonsai it