[Neli] Ficus Kachele

[Neli]

• Species nameFicus Kachele (suspected sub species of Burkei)
• Original height of stock 60cm
• Where you obtained it from A cutting from a tree on our ranch.
• Cost of stock: free
I stuck the cutting in the ground last month, and removed it today in order to plant it in a training pot for the competition. It has very little roots, so the priority for now will be to establish the plant.

DSC04747 (622x1024) (486x800).jpg

DSC04756 (655x1024) (512x800).jpg

[Neli]

I have chopped it down, hopping it will get some more buds. It has grown very well. Maybe because it is indigenous? I also planted it much shallower in proper medium and did some root work.

2013-06-28 001 005 (600x800).jpg

[Neli]

I know I know! Terrible material. Lets see if it will even resemble a bonsai.

005 (550x413).jpg

004 (550x486).jpg

[Neli]

I was hopping it will get some suitable shoots but it seems the internodes are just too large. Decided to air layer it .

DSC08405 (413x550).jpg

DSC08462 (542x550).jpg

[Neli]

11 03 2014 043 (527x550).jpg

11 03 2014 041 (550x542).jpg

Vey much behind development but at least air layer removed...will carve it this month.

[Neli]

Carved defoliated and trimmed...Not too sure the carving is OK

[Neli]

The trunk was too long and because more branches were at the top I layered it.
Leaves have dramatically reduced after one only defoliation. Still a long way to go.
I left one extra branch because in future I might decide to change the front. There is also a sacrifice branch at the base behind to fatten the trunk.
the tree is around 16cm high
I would like to make a tree from it in future around 25cm high.
Future:
Trunk needs more taper.
Nebari work.
leader and branch fattening and ramification.