Ficus from a relative

[jesseb05]

I got this tree about a month back from my Aunty. She had it for a year or so and neglected it, kept it inside, minimal water etc.
It's a Ficus of some variety yet I'm unsure on the specifics.
Here's a photo I took when I rescued it



And here's one from today (approx 1 month later)



I cut a branch of here and there and I've wired majority of the branches into a downward position to try and add age to the tree.
I'd appreciate some guidance/suggestions on what may be done for the future progression of this tree?

[bonsaibruce]

Greetings,
Looks like a tiger bark fig.
Rather than make it look like a pine tree, grow it on so it looks like the figs in the local parks.
Check the roots, the pot may be full.
Take it to Tess, she will help.
Happy bonsai,
Bruce

[Bougy Fan]

Hi Jesse
Welcome to the site ! It looks a lot better than when you rescued it If it were mine I would put it in a good mix in a styro box and grow it on a bit. I would chop the trunk at the second branch on the left and wire that branch up for a new leader. That top section of the trunk has no taper and doing that chop will help increase the taper over the length of the trunk. And feed it with heaps of pelletised chook poo.

Tony

[kcpoole]

Like bougy, I reckon chop at the second branch and you will get nice taper then too. Bend that one up and to the left as a new leader and you will get movement too in the trunk

Ken

[Hornet]

the new growth looks more like obliqua than a microcarpa. Regardless of species care is pretty much the same. Like the others suggestested, cut down at the 2nd branch and get rid of that straight bit of trunk with no taper, wire the new leader up, put it in a large pot, styro box or in the ground, give it plenty of food and water and let it grow for a while

[jesseb05]

Thanks for all the helpful replies. I'll put it in a styro box with some dynamic lifter this weekend.
I'd just like to clarify where I should cut the trunk. When the second branch on the left is mentioned are we speaking about the branch closest to the ground?
Or second as in 2 branches up from the ground?

[Bougy Fan]

2 branches up. If you wire it slightly to the left you will also get the movement Ken was talking about. Down the track the result will be taper from the base to the top of the tree.


Tony

[matlea]

reminds me of mine when it started out (less the thicker branch)

viewtopic.php?f=6&t=10000

agree with the others to chop to second branch and start a new leader.

[jesseb05]

Ok, great. I'll keep this thread updated with my progress. Once again thanks to all, I really appreciate the help.

[jesseb05]

I've planted the ficus in a styro grow box with potting mix, diatomite and dynamic lifter sprinkled on top.
I cut off majority of the upper trunk that was lacking taper, I've wired the new leader up and bent a little to the left (I hope I've done it correctly)
Here's a pic:



Hopefully I'll be able to make something of this tree

[Bougy Fan]

Looks good - I would have chopped a bit lower at an angle from the back so scar can't be seen from the front. If you chop a bit closer to the leader you can usually bend it upright a bit more - CAREFULLY. Keep an eye on the wire here in Brissy - it may need to come off in as little as 3 weeks - especially with all the fert.