ynot
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Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Mother Daughter Ficus b has a quick trim.

A twin-trunk Ficus I have had for some time. [Initial cost 7$ for 8 trunks about this size 22" high in a 1G pot, Drum pot 4$] The apex on both sides has been completely [Well ok, It is still in developement] regrown from a trunk chop to reduce the height. I do wish I had gone lower, I still will I think.

Just gave it a haircut today as it is coming back inside under the lights fulltime here fairly soon. I often think of chopping these down to about 3 or 4" or so to make a decent shohin. [I have another twin-trunk that is very similar. I feel being shorter would impart more realism, Especially wrt taper.]

Current height from soil is nearly 12" [30cm]

Before:My apologies for the glare.
[url=https://img83.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ficusslant10001lt6.jpg][img]https://img83.imageshack.us/img83/1069/ficusslant10001lt6.th.jpg[/img][/url]
I noticed a slight difference between the angles of these first two pics after I hosted them.
[Sorry but I am too lazy to go through the entire photo ordeal again..lol.]
The picture before it was pruned is the proper front angle, It shows off the curve of the smaller trunk better IMO.
After:
[url=https://img138.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ficusslant10004vk5.jpg][img]https://img138.imageshack.us/img138/5651/ficusslant10004vk5.th.jpg[/img][/url]

A shot of the nebari [Which I unburied to photograph]: Amazing focus on the background there, can't say the same for the tree... Sorry about that.
[url=https://img174.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ficusslant10002zl4.jpg][img]https://img174.imageshack.us/img174/5630/ficusslant10002zl4.th.jpg[/img][/url]

Comment, Ideas, Perspectives....Anyone?

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Gnome
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Posts: 5122
Joined: Wed Jul 05, 2006 12:17 am
Location: Western PA USDA Zone 6A

Ynot,

They look pretty good if a bit tall, as you said. Since you have two similar groupings why not cut one of them back? Do you have good luck with Ficus cuttings.

What kind of lighting are you using indoors? I am stuck with fluorescents and have found that I probably shouldn't chop these over the winter.

To others,

If any of you are in doubt about the texture of your soil(les) mix take a close look at the 3rd pic of this series.

Norm

ynot
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Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

Norm,
The reply is appreciated!
They look pretty good if a bit tall, as you said. Since you have two similar groupings why not cut one of them back? Do you have good luck with Ficus cuttings.
Oh I know I will :lol: I am just developing the tops so that when I chop them off I will have a nice shohin foursome ready to root.
What I will do actually is chop about 3 or 4" from the soil [When I have an appropriate bud sprouting below that to be a new leader] Then I will also shorten the trunk that is attached to the top to about the same length. Leaving a middle chunk of trunk....
Maybe I will try to raft it? [I had a raft root in 9 days outside last year-from having 0 roots. That is the power of proper soil and NC heat and humdity!]
Well, In my experience ficus will root in a glass of water. Even though they're easy I have better luck outside than in, But yeah it usually works. [Cuttings. ya allways lose some:shrug:]
What kind of lighting are you using indoors? I am stuck with fluorescents and have found that I probably shouldn't chop these over the winter.
I also use Fluoros [3 w/reflectors] 4800 lumens in total+ another 1200 lumen flouro. All of which sit no higher than 2" off of my trees, Some touch at times in fact. On from 6 to 6. My ficus and serissa won't be inside fulltime for another month, We are getting in the 50s on occasion at night though... pretty soon they will be sleeping inside.

If any of you are in doubt about the texture of your soil(les) mix take a close look at the 3rd pic of this series.
Thank you for noticing! 8). In case no one has noticed I tend to harp constantly about soil particle size. [NO fines people- Remember that.]
But I do walk the walk.
Perhaps I will post a pic of the other as well, To bad I didn't go get the camera until after I trimmed it...lol
So will be shocked by how far I prune. Keep in mind that is because I am directing the new growth to fill my plan. You can only do that if you grow it that way:smile:

ynot
Greener Thumb
Posts: 1219
Joined: Tue Sep 19, 2006 8:49 am
Location: USDA Z:5a Sunset Z. 41 IL

A quick shot of the pair of them, Not the best angle on the smaller one.
I will post more pictures of it later if anyone is interested.
[url=https://img96.imageshack.us/my.php?image=ficusraftoct060001op2.jpg][img]https://img96.imageshack.us/img96/3366/ficusraftoct060001op2.th.jpg[/img][/url]



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