When should i delofialte my Ficus microcarpa

[Andew09]

Hi there

I have a i twelve year old Ficus microcarpa aand want to begin to reduce the leaf size and develop some ramification as it has some bare spots on this left side.. When should i defoliate/cut back in order to promote growth in these areas?

Pics to follow when i have some decent light.

[chrisatrocky]

Andrew, the growing season is the best time to defoiliate your ficus. Just as the weather starts to warm up(beginning of September)and you see new shoots coming through, is the time to defoiliate, cut back branches and wire. Defoiliating helps you to see what branching you have and makes it easier to wire. If you wish a branch to keep thickening you can remove all the leaves but don't remove the growing tip, if the branch is thick enough than remove the growing tip. To reduce the leaf size, we cut back to the 2nd or 3rd leaf at the base of the branch, as they are the smallest leaves. The longer the branch gets the larger the leaves get. Do not fertilize until you see the new leaves coming through and use a low nitrogen fert. High nitrogen ferts are good for quick growth But, causes longer intinodes between the leaves. Here in rockhampton we usually do a 2nd defoiliation in mid to late January. this helps remove the unwanted spring growth check on the wiring. Also the summer growth isn't as viguoruos and it helps in further reduction of leaf size. Warning try not to defoiliate more than twice a year, in the cooler months, or if the fig is unhaelthy. Defoiliation does put the trees under stress. This is our practice and we have great success with our figs.

chris

[Ash]

Hi Andrew, The advice Chris gave you is excellent. I only defoliate once per year on mature bonsai (if at all( and then I maintain leaf size and growth by regular shoot trimming. Make sure your plant has access to plenty of nutrients and is growing vigorously before you do it. Even for us in the tropics it is now well too late in the season. I do not defoliate developing stock unless I needed access for training. cheers Ash

[NathanM]

Agreed, very good advice. The only thing I would say, which is a matter of opinion, is that I usually defoliate most of my figs 3 times in the year

[Andew09]

Thanks for all the advice guys... Chris especially!

I'll hold off until later in the year.

Andy