Advice needed on this bargain-bin Ficus microcarpa (chop, soil, and prop)

[zeejet]

I recently got this tiger bark ficus from a garden center - it was mislabeled (said it was a tea tree and only 39.99USD). Decent size for the price in my estimation although it does have some issues like deep wire-scaring (they used very thin wires and left them on for way too long it seems). I think some rootwork had been done because the root ball wasn’t that big or overgrown when I split-potted up to a gallon container.

Anyhow, I’m thinking about turning this into a semi-cascade by chopping off the left branch shown below - seeking second opinions or additional thoughts/tips/concerns. The other consideration is the base and the single air/banyan root on the tree. Not sure if I can leverage either of these features while also chopping one of the major branches in terms of choosing a front - I think the current photo is a reasonable front with maybe some minor angle adjustments to show the extending root and air root.

As for soil, I know this is may be a debated topic without too much consensus, but would a generic potting mix with drainage amendment like pumice (maybe 50:50) be effective when training this tree post-chop for faster growth and recovery? I plan on having it in an Anderson flat or pond basket for a season or two to see how it develops.

I was also wondering if it makes sense to try and get a second tree off this by air layering this branch prior to the chop. I’ve heard that this might not even be necessary as most ficus cuttings root readily anyway (I’m skeptical for my case since it’s thick and woody).



I'm a total beginner and still trying to figure out the basics here. All thoughts welcome!

 

[zeejet]

Just noticed a major typo (can't edit past 20 min) - I meant the right branch circled in the second photo.

 

[MHBonsai]

Welcome! To answer your soil question, yes it is possible to use potting soil and pumice. Thats a very ‘wet’ mix and you will struggle with root rot if you can’t really manage your watering, especially if you use a shallow pot. Better to just get some bonsai mix of some flavor and know it works.

Yes you can chop it, and make a semi cascade. Ficus root cuttings really easy and you can likely get several trees from this as cuttings. I’d use spagnum moss and a sealed bag in the shade and make several from the top.

All that said - consider taking your time and make sure you can keep it alive and thriving before you do big work to it, or it’s easy to kill them without meaning to.

Keep it outside full sun once weather is above 40 degrees at night!

 

[zeejet]

Better to just get some bonsai mix of some flavor and know it works.

I was under the impression that bonsai mixes were more for refinement and that high organic mixes were best for growth. Is there any merit to this idea? Or is it always ideal to use a primarily inorganic bonsai mix (I'm thinking equal parts pumice, scoria, and pine bark).

 

[MHBonsai]

I was under the impression that bonsai mixes were more for refinement and that high organic mixes were best for growth. Is there any merit to this idea? Or is it always ideal to use a primarily inorganic bonsai mix (I'm thinking equal parts pumice, scoria, and pine bark).

Too many factors to really say one or the other…My fastest growth I’ve had with ficus is in totally inorganic mixes, full sun with plenty of air and water daily.

Organic mixes hold way more moisture and fertilizer. If you are only able to water your tree occasionally, and it lives inside…that may be the best soil.

If you plan to really grow the tree fast in a small container and daily water for max growth, my bet is on traditional bonsai mixes.

 

[RJG2]

Cutting would probably work if you kept it under a dome for humidity, but an air layer would almost certainly be 100% successful.

I'm doing it on a cheap tiger bark.

Based on the date of my pictures, I did it Jan. 16th. It has roots coming out the bottom, and a bud forming on the lower section.

 

[zeejet]

Based on the date of my pictures, I did it Jan. 16th. It has roots coming out the bottom, and a bud forming on the lower section.

Thanks for sharing this! I'm assuming that timing for airlayering is less critical for ficus and doing the airlayering now is perfectly fine instead of waiting for late spring?

 

[RJG2]

Thanks for sharing this! I'm assuming that timing for airlayering is less critical for ficus and doing the airlayering now is perfectly fine instead of waiting for late spring?

I'd say as long as it's actively growing.

I have my tropicals under some nice grow lights, and they keep going all winter.