IKEA ficus mutilation

[Ollie]

Weaker grafts, stronger root stock

Yep have definitely seen this, the grafts (smaller leaves and shorter internodes) are pretty weak

Thanks for the advice!

 

[Ollie]

First air layer repotted - I've buried the surface roots for now but the trunk has started swelling below the soil line

 

[Shibui]

First air layer repotted - I've buried the surface roots for now but the trunk has started swelling below the soil line

That's a great spread of roots on that layer.
Lots of radial roots like this is one of the best ways to get basal trunk thickening. Surface roots grow and thicken and so does the trunk just above.

 

[SWfloirda]

Excellent! That piece will develop nicely. It looks great now!

 

[Ollie]

Original base of the tree (not an air layer) repotted, was a nightmare removing all the awful soil and that horrible clay stuff they ship them in. Wouldn't normally wash roots but it wasn't coming off any other way.
Found a nice chunky base!
For now just repotted at the original angle for development, but may go for a semi-cascade in future.