AusBonsai

this pot belly fig was a birthday gift to my dad yesterday, iv had the pot for quite a time and couldn't decide what to put in it.... this fig works perfect i think.
i miss it already!!!!!!! i forgot it was my dads birthday but i potted this up and he likes it.
what u guys think?


i almost want to ask him if i can exchange it for a different gift i like it so much.. oh well i know he will look after it!
heres another pic of it in his collection...


anyone else ever given away a tree you really liked before?

cheers
luke

A lovely gift, Liquidluke. Can you tell me though, if you grow one from a cutting, will it get those awesome potbellies?

Glenda

sorry glenda i cant officially help you there. but id have to guess a 'no'. id say it has something to do with the initial root system developed from a seed.
they are also called banyan figs i think.

cheers
luke

Yepo Ive given away a few trees, stumps it's a great feeling. I gave my mum a beautiful Chinese box and potted it up it's still growing strong all i do is get mum to water it and when i pop over i trim it up. so at least i still get to work on it.

liquidluke wrote:this pot belly fig was a birthday gift to my dad yesterday, .................... anyone else ever given away a tree you really liked before?

cheers
luke

At least if your dad has it you will still get visiting rights, Luke.

yep and i also get to visit his trees which are amazing! not textbook bonsai but amazing none the less!

luke

after looking at the pics again... wondering what the best front is.... up to dad to decide now.....
argh...... heres more pics, thoughts anyone?



P.S. happy Australia day everyone!!!! we having a late lunch barby here soon... prawns and garlic, lots of lamb, lots of beef and a mighty salad!

cheers
luke

personally, i would be giving this on a good ol ground layer and get some real nebari goin! i done a ground layer to one of the a while back and it powered on, within 1 week it hd roots and within 2 weeks it was strong enough root system to take off the parent but i left it for one more week to get stronger, now i have removed it, it hasnt looked back and has been powering on!

thats what i would do any ways. then it would have a nice stocky base with good nebari! might be an idea to pass on to ya dad


jamie

cheers jamie but i dont actually know how to ground layer yet.. i know how to air layer but much more reading and research i need!... dad is basic to the intricacy's of bonsai possibility so its a no go for that one... he has some amazing juniper and fig though!!!!!! i intend to get many more figs.... they grow bananas where we live hey jamie(sunshine/gold coast!!! its great!!!! i need to get some pics of oldboys trees and the root systems!!!!!!... amazing! anyway ... i wonder if he would swap that lil fella back for a $40 bunnings voucher hahaha ........dunno.. i just like it (and the pot) allot.

cheers


edit i could never ask for it back!!!


luke

ground layers are the same idea as airlayer except you do it close it the nebari to give ya a better nebari, and instead of using sphagnum moss i just use a progating mix, and it works a treat. i have tried uploading pics but its not working at the moment, will get them up soon as possible
i used a cut top of a standard plastic nursery container.


jamie

ok got them uploaded, basically it simple, ring bark, hormone gel, plastic ring around the tree, fill with propagation sand after the ringbark method has been aplied and presto!

heres the results
jamie

edit-these pics are a few weeks old. bout 6 weeks or more, it has a lot more new growth now

Can I suggest you consider lopping off that protruding leafless branch? It detracts from the overall look of the fig and confuses the direction. If you are unsure cover it with a white tissue and see how the tree looks without it. If you feel the tree's appearance is improved - clip it next to the trunk, leaving no stub and wet the wound with water to cauterise it. If you like the tree with it.... continue on as you are doing....

Luke ..watcha got there if a Ficus Microcarpa...also called, as you know, pot bellied fig, Ginseng Ficus, Banyan fig etc..not an uncommon sighting at B####ngs and the like...Some people will tend to "turn their noses up" at them ,but they have a toughness typical of all ficus and are a hell of a lot of fun to work on,'cause you'll get results! Some specimens are grafted,so obviously cuttings won't necessarily have the bulging root formation.The grafting is done to gain a thicker ,tighter growth habit from another variety. Jamies idea of sorting out the reverse taper they can develop at ground level,looks good,but I'm not sure if they won't try to grow back fat again! (anyone know?) .Its a good time now to try some defoliation which would encourage backbudding and smaller leaves and give you more choices for branches...anyway , Whatever you throw at the tree technique wise,it will handle it ,so have some fun...or sit back and enjoy them for what they are!... ....Dog

Just looking at your pictures again, Luke. The fat roots on yours are a bit like one I have, and a bit rude

Glenda,Glenda,Glenda......Now Melaquin's post makes me wince.... ...Dog