[360°] Ficus rubiginosa :: root over rock

[Steven]

I purchased this Port Jackson fig in 2007 from a guy who was down sizing his collection. It was pretty unhealthy however the awesome aerial roots were worth the gamble.
The following picture was taken in October 2008 and believe it or not, it's looking much healthier in this shot that it was before. The lizards (bearded Dragons) are free ranging in my office garden.

PJF October 08.jpg

I repotted and exposed more roots in December 2008 and will be starting to style shortly.

PJF March 09.jpg

Positive feedback, constructive criticism and suggestions are encouraged

Click here to view in 360°

Regards,
Steven

[Dave54]

Hi Steven,
Nice tree mate. Could I suggest that next year a couple of defoliations would reduce your leaf size dramatically and in the meantime just continually pinch out the new unopened shoots which will force back budding further down the branches.
It's fine to remove any large leaves from time to time without any ill effects.
If you are having trouble with large leaf size, cut out the high nitrogen ferts for a while and try something like "BloomBooster" by Manutec. It is low N and higher P.& K.
cheers and love the 360Deg
Dave
PS Just had another look and the top half of your tree is so much stronger due to Apical dominance and your left hand Primary branch is really weak. Try taking some of the growth out of the top of the tree to help those lower down. Should be OK to do now in your climate. I think the tree could be slightly shorter as well so this removal of top growth will be two fold

[Steven]

Thanks Dave,

I am aware of the short comings of this tree however my initial goal was to nurture it back to health. Now that it is healthy, the work (including leaf size reduction) will begin.
I am more interested in peoples ideas for styling. One question is - there are two main trunks that start above the root mass. I'm not sure if I will keep them both or remove the one on the right.

Regards,
Steven

[kcpoole]

I would be lowering the top of the tree Somwhat and concentrate on building the canopy wider than it is now.

the trunk anb Base need nothing else to be done to them

Very niice Steven and this looks even better in 360 than the original tree
Ken

[Dave54]

Hi Steven,
Sorry I pointed out about the leaf size but that was the first thing I noticed when I viewed the tree. If you are genuinly after critique on this tree I feel you have to make a decision on what style you are interested in.
If I could tell you what I'd do if it was mine, please don't take offence because I am pretty ruthless and don't mind cutting back hard.
At the moment it is neither a Canopy Style nor structured tree so I would cut everything off the trunk and start a structured tree from that lovely base. I would use only the thick trunk and would wait till late next Spring to do it.
I would envisage the tree a couple of inches shorter than it is now.
As I say, I am pretty ruthless and that is what I would do if I owned it.
cheers mate
Dave

[aaron_tas]

well, i like the bits of the tree that you cant change

the root over rock bit ROCKS in 360...

i like the way the rock "pushes" the tree over to the right, so instead of cutting that smaller trunk out, i would try and move it to the right (i love heavy bending)

and in a couple of years...

stevesfigedited.jpg

well you get my idea

[daiviet_nguyen]

Hi Steven,

I like root over rock. And I think this is a nice tree.

I feel that the strong root-base somewhat lessens the rock.

If it were mine, I would try to make the rock a bit more
visible.

Regards.

[Pup]

Steven I see this tree as a Penjing not a Bonsai ( here we go another dicussion ) It does not have a good nebari tight to the rock it has a lot of air spaces though the root system. Not good Bonsai practice. Also the roots are not ordered they are just put over the rock. As you say it was not healthy when you got it,the health is there now. The work starts all the crossing roots need sorting out. Then you have an idea what you wish for the canopy. I agree with Dave on drastic pruning. My philophosy is look for the smallest tree within the tree. That way you get a much more dynamic tree. Love this 360 also JMHO Pup.
The powers that be have put me off the air for two days. A suprise Anniversery get away. Wheres the bloody Viagra

[Steven]

Thanks guy's!

Aaron... sweet virtual mate! Thanks for taking the time to put it together!
Daviet... The rock was almost covered when I first got this tree. I have been considering removing more roots from the left side to expose it more.
Dave... I agree that it needs to be lower but I don't think I will be able to bring myself to chopping it all off and regrowing
Ken... Thanks mate, it was a bit of a gamble (if it would live or die) but the base impressed me so much that it was worth a try.
Pup... There are juniors here - no talk about the big V please! Oh, JayC turned 18 today so it's okay

S.

[Bretts]

I agree with the Penjin style here go with the flow of the roots. I like how the rock is but hey maybe you can make it better. I think Arron made a good piont of how the rock seems to push the tree over.
I can only add that the two trunks that you wonder about I would bend one hard and turn into a branch but I can't decide wich one. One almost seems like a little hitchhiker. That is the only reason I may not use that as the leader?
I would catch all the sun left in the season while removing the largest leaf every other day.

[Dave54]

Hi Pup,
You are an absolute legend !!!
That quote " Look for the smallest tree within the tree" should be carved in stone.
It is exactly what I have been practicing for years without having the "Quote" to go with it.
Designing this way certainly does accentuate all the good features of any tree.

And Steven, if you look at some of the postings of my Figs, Cut them back hard and within 2 growing seasons you will have it on the show bench. You will eliminate all the tree's weak branches and other faults and the tree will be invigorated.
BE A MAN!!!!!
cheers
Dave

[Jerry Meislik]

One other idea.
Jerry

[Dave54]

Hi Guys
Yeah Jerry, looks alright too !
By the way Steven, I like the roots over the rocks just as they are and don't think I'd be thinning them out. They are as Figs grow.
cheers
Dave

[avpslayer]

damn great tree




:

[Steven]

One other idea.
Jerry

Sorry Jerry, I missed this virt when you posted it

Looks great! I really like that natural shape you have achieved. Just goes to show that there is really no 'right or wrong' in bonsai! Your virt has the lean to the left where Aaron's has it to the right and both work equally well. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

I like the roots over the rocks just as they are and don't think I'd be thinning them out. They are as Figs grow.

I agree Dave! I like the fact that the rock is not too visual and the roots look messy and natural.

damn great tree

Thank you Mr. AVPSlayer!

I haven't done any further work to this one still but when I do... I'll be sure to post the progress and results here!

Regards,
Steven