here is an update of my nursery ficus.
[img]https://img829.imageshack.us/img829/6481/dsc03561n.jpg[/img]
[img]https://img691.imageshack.us/img691/1685/dsc03562a.jpg[/img]
here after a minimal pruning and repotting. plus I tried to encourage more roots with the sphagnum moss, decided to take this off.
[img]https://img685.imageshack.us/img685/5827/dsc03598q.jpg[/img]
here is the proposed front, due to the large scar on the other side.
[img]https://img854.imageshack.us/img854/508/dsc03601b.jpg[/img]
[img]https://img220.imageshack.us/img220/6748/dsc03602a.jpg[/img]
[img]https://img820.imageshack.us/img820/2073/dsc03603kb.jpg[/img]
[img]https://img807.imageshack.us/img807/6003/dsc03604y.jpg[/img]
[img]https://img804.imageshack.us/img804/1904/dsc03606v.jpg[/img]
after some growth its starting to fill in! I am leaving the foliage at the base of the tree as a sacrifice branch. any suggestion on the design of this tree. its trunk is so straight... maybe if I turn the tree into a slant stlye tree and reduce the trunk severely to improve the taper. I feel its kinda boring so straight.
Looks like you are got some good stock. Personally I see it as more of an informal upright than a broom because it has such well spaced and alternate main branches, but I'm sure you have your plans. If you are looking to encourage aerial roots, I suggest using a plastic pot with the bottom cut out to make a raised section of potting medium around the base of the trunk. IMO it's much less of a pain than sphagnum moss.
As for the straight trunk, I think that a little change in the potting angle and some imagination when those main branches grow out will solve that. Sturdy roots in the opposite direction of the slant would balance it as well. Good luck and happy growing!
As for the straight trunk, I think that a little change in the potting angle and some imagination when those main branches grow out will solve that. Sturdy roots in the opposite direction of the slant would balance it as well. Good luck and happy growing!