Ficus... house plant or potential ?

[Mike123]

I've had this ficus for about 9 yrs. Haven't really done anything to it over those yrs. since I wasn't really full steam into bonsai. So it's been basically a house plant. Knowing the nebari or lack thereof isn't very good at all. Is there something I can do to improve it?I know it needs ramification, wire for movement. Just don't know how to build up nebari. Grafting? . So what do you think? House plant or some slim chance of potential?

 

[Mike123]

Sorry pics are out of order....

 

[tmmason10]

I think it has some good potential with some natural branching. The base needs work but the crown has a good start already.

 

[Anthony]

Perhaps a larger pot, but not deeper.
Then allow the lowest branch, lowest branchlet to grow about 3 feet .

When you repot check your root distribution, about 4 to 6 going around the trunk, but not like a bicycle wheel, look for some personality.
Should be fine and then you can recheck for the second branch maybe 6 months to a year later, and allow that to lenthen.

What height do you envision ?
How tall is presently?

Quite beautiful already.
With foliage ?
Good Day
Anthony

 

[JudyB]

If you wire this, I think you'll have a graceful, natural looking tree as is. I'm sure that you can get the roots to cooperate in time, and an actual pot.

 

[lordy]

You may see decent results planting lower in the soil. Get it deep enough to cover the odd chicken foot roots, but still show the top of those roots and it will appear more like what you want. The tree wont mind, and it may encourage more roots when buried and kept moist.

 

[Mike123]

Anthony not sure what you mean by root distribution. I think what your saying is to spread the roots evenly around the trunk.
Done at a repot? And thicken up those branches. Yeah the trunk is bulbous looking. I've read about fusing ficus but not sure if that could work on this.
Thanks Judy. Yes I should get to wiring it .it kinda reminds me of a decidious tree.

 

[Mike123]

Thanks Lordy. Hide and seek nebari .

 

[Anthony]

Mike,

yes, spread the roots around the trunk, but not evenly.

If you branch thicken, don't wire. One branch at a time is easier on your nerves.

First image as the Ficus started.
The second image should illustrate the point. Using the branch to thicken the trunk'
Good Day
Anthony

Year 1


Year 4

 

[sorce]

Mike.

I like it. Definitely worth working.

Anthony.

Holy...Good.....what the....
Just had a chat with Khai. .on IBC. ...
You are definitely doing your ting!

Sorce