I have a ficus that I bought as a half-baked bonsai at Lowe's. It's grown quite a bit and I want to start pruning it to give it a more unusual look. it had been topped and there was some of that green pruning tape tied tight around it, and below that the base had swollen, like a big caudex. How does one repeat that effect? I'm not much of a disciplinarian, but with a ficus maybe I can summon my inner sergeant. ;-)
I forget the variety, but it isn't a benjamina or elastica or pumila.m Or edulis.
Bonsai how-tos- any FAQ area?
Eileen;
Sounds maybe like someone took an airlayering off the top. Typical of growers, and maybe an enterprising one at that, to sell it as a Bonsai. Without a picture, I'm just guessing, but sounds like you need to train a new apex. Select a new growing tip below the swell, and wire it in an upward direction. You want the trunk to taper as it goes up, not get larger. After the new apex has taken hold, you can go in with a concave cutter, and do a diagonal cut just above where the new apex attaches to the trunk, and remove that swelling.
What kind of surface treatment is present around the base of the tree? I'll bet its gravel, probably shellac coated to hold them in place. If it is, get rid of it, and replace it with wet (rung out) sphagnum moss (a thin layer) to minimize erosion.
Make sure the pot is free draining and don't let it stand in water. Keep it moist, but not wet.
I would still like to see a pic. Good luck.!
I have a ficus seedling that is just less than a foot tall. I have a tiny yard & definitely don't have room to put it in the ground. So today I got a wild idea to try to bonsai it. I have been searching the old threads hoping to be able to lurk rather than have to ask my own questions & display my ignorance. :) I didn't really see what I was looking for so I am hoping someone will help. My seedling does not have any branches. Do I snip the top off to make it branch or do I just wait? I understand the concept of shaping it with wires & will attempt that. Thanks everyone.
Depending on how low the cut was made, that swollen area may be exposed roots. Some ficus have large, thickened roots and the growers raise them to create a more 'exotic' plant. It might be worth trying to ID the plants before cutting into a root mass.
Does your plant look like a smaller version of this one? http://www.bonsaitreessouthampton.co.uk/24%20Retusa.JPG
That one is listed as Ficus retusa and sometime Ficus microcarpa. There may be some confusion with the name due to taxonomists and nurserymen using different names for the same plant and some times the same name for different plants.
Beth
Yes, it's definitely a ficus retusa/microcarpa. And it's growing like a weed right now, so it's time for a little training- on both our parts. Thanks for the info!