I have a few ficuses that I think need som pruning/shaping. I would like to try the clip and grow method on at least some, but the biggest issue with letting branches grow unwired is that they inevitable grow 'up'.
I assume using this method entails selecting clip-points where you can be reasonably sure the buds to open next will be horizontal/downward, but does anyone have any good photos of ficuses trained this way, with any tips or advice?
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artisanoo,
Norm
You have pretty much described it. I don't have any earth shattering advice but with Ficus, at least the ones I have, it seems better to utilize an existing shoot if one is available. I do have a couple Ficus that need some pruning, I'll try to get some photos for you soon.I assume using this method entails selecting clip-points where you can be reasonably sure the buds to open next will be horizontal/downward, but does anyone have any good photos of ficuses trained this way, with any tips or advice?
Norm
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Gnome
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artisanoo,
I meant that with Ficus I would rather use an existing shoot than hope for a bud to break at a good location. Remember the old saying, 'A bird in the hand...' Other species, like Elms, will break new buds very easily so I am braver with them. I am only familiar with one variety of Ficus though, perhaps others are easier to work with or perhaps I am lacking in my technique.
Norm
I meant that with Ficus I would rather use an existing shoot than hope for a bud to break at a good location. Remember the old saying, 'A bird in the hand...' Other species, like Elms, will break new buds very easily so I am braver with them. I am only familiar with one variety of Ficus though, perhaps others are easier to work with or perhaps I am lacking in my technique.
Norm
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Gnome
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artisanoo,
Here are some pictures.
Before:
[url=https://img48.imageshack.us/I/beforeq.jpg/][img]https://img48.imageshack.us/img48/9908/beforeq.th.jpg[/img][/url]
After:
[url=https://img48.imageshack.us/I/aftero.jpg/][img]https://img48.imageshack.us/img48/3738/aftero.th.jpg[/img][/url]
If you look closely you should be able to locate several points where I pruned to an outside leaf. After I took this picture I removed any remaining leaves. I'm not at all sure that I will be able to use the lowest branch, but for now I'll leave it.
Here is a picture of one that underwent a similar treatment earlier this year. It was pruned heavily and defoliated, just as the one above.
[url=https://img48.imageshack.us/I/ficus.jpg/][img]https://img48.imageshack.us/img48/8325/ficus.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Norm
Here are some pictures.
Before:
[url=https://img48.imageshack.us/I/beforeq.jpg/][img]https://img48.imageshack.us/img48/9908/beforeq.th.jpg[/img][/url]
After:
[url=https://img48.imageshack.us/I/aftero.jpg/][img]https://img48.imageshack.us/img48/3738/aftero.th.jpg[/img][/url]
If you look closely you should be able to locate several points where I pruned to an outside leaf. After I took this picture I removed any remaining leaves. I'm not at all sure that I will be able to use the lowest branch, but for now I'll leave it.
Here is a picture of one that underwent a similar treatment earlier this year. It was pruned heavily and defoliated, just as the one above.
[url=https://img48.imageshack.us/I/ficus.jpg/][img]https://img48.imageshack.us/img48/8325/ficus.th.jpg[/img][/url]
Norm