Ficus stump

[leamos]

A family member was getting rid of a 4 foot potted standardised ficus (think its a benji) and I asked if I can keep the stump, well yesterday arvo I recieved a fairly hacked up stump and now am at a lose as to what to do now, thinking I need to re-cut it but not sure where to cut and what side should be the front. This will be my first bonsai from a stump and any advice and help would be appreicated

[Kyushu Danji]

I would recommend removing it from the bonsai pot for now. In order to stimulate growth most effectively, try planting it in a grow box. For more information on those, search Ausbonsai, there are I am sure countless threads about them. You may also want to introduce yourself as a new member in the bonsai cafe.

Welcome to the forum

James

[Ash]

Hi,

The main problem I have observed with cut down figs is that growers try to arrest the growth and style them before they have had a chance to heal cuts and grow new stem tissue. If the growth is slowed down too early then old stem can die- particularly in a plant with some aerial roots. So when it shoots grow and grow and grow it like made without trimming etc. until it is well established a new root system and new stem tissue.

regards
Ash

[dragon]

hi leamos
i would do as james has said and remove it from the bonsai pot and put it in a large grow pot and let it go from there
because with it in the pot it might make it a very slow job and in a grow pot it has got room for root spread
cheers dean
and welcome to the forum

[leamos]

Thanks guys, i've just repotted it into a large plastic pot and hopefuly this time next year i'll be able to start working on it. Can't wait, think its got great potential

[Kyushu Danji]

Thanks guys, i've just repotted it into a large plastic pot and hopefuly this time next year i'll be able to start working on it. Can't wait, think its got great potential

Good job I know its not satisfying having it in a grow box, but it is well worth it. Don't forget to come back and show us photos after the tree has developed a bit.

James

[dragon]

leamos all i got to say is well done
cheers dean

[Tony Bebb]

Got my fingers crossed for you leamos.

Weeping figs don't like the hard cut back (especially that low) as a lot of other Fig species. I hope there are some nodes in there to develop shoots as the standardised figs are grown pretty fast in nurseries.

Once again and good luck mate. Hope to see a happy outcome.

Tony