Ficus Benjamina #54 Progression

[DonielDoom]

This is sitting in a pot I made from portland cement. It's cracked, breaking apart, and in need of repair/retirement. It's also been at least 1-2 years since I've touched the roots on this tree. I very strongly believe the cracking to be a defect in the (concrete) process and/or mix used, though the pressure of the roots likely exacerbated the situation.

This tree just happened to have roots workable to this rock. I did not follow the gold standard of full wrapping or burying the roots and rock to gain adhesion. It's not as secure to the rock as it ideally should be, so this whole thing may need to get restarted to get the bones set right. I'm not going for a show tree with this one; this focus is on gaining hands-on experience and making my mistakes. That said, there's a known and better way to set up root-over-rock plantings and just slapping the tree on isn't the way. Don't do what I do!

But if you want to just slap a tree on a rock and put it in a pot you made, this is it...

 

[DonielDoom]

Yesterday I repotted it.

After


During

 

[DonielDoom]

Took some (slightly better than potato-phone) photos yesterday. I'm still figuring out the photography side of things. The changes in cloud cover and my camera being set on 'auto' made for some difference in brightness/contrast that I don't love. Always a thread to pull on, amirite?

This went outside for the summer in the last days of May. Promptly after typing these last words, I pulled up the Blue Oyster Cult song "Then Came the Last Days of May" to help finish this post. Highly recommend a listen! It's a criminally underrated song of theirs.

I've had the most success this year in the transition from overwintering inside to summer in the backyard. I've tried a 3-part process this year; first out in full shade, then protected from afternoon sun, and lastly into full sun.

I see room to better manage my fertilization. Overall, though, I'm happy with the progress. Largely I think I'm going to focus on building vigor and health. I've already executed more than my fair share of over-eager work.

This sits on a wire rack that provides better air/drainage since the pot doesn't have feet.

I am open to feedback and constructive criticism. Thanks!

EDIT: A top shot would be helpful moving forward - a last minute reflection.

 

[DonielDoom]

A little before/after a major chop. The intention was to set structure and/or remove much of the problematic (leggy or otherwise undesirable) growth. Some may have already seen this from my other post recently discussing pruning timing in growing season in relation to indoor overwintering.

I have ~8-10 weeks before I transition the tropicals inside to overwinter. I'm hopeful to get some healthy growth in the coming months.