Tall jungle tree type bonsai inspiration (help)

[Disgruntled_ficus]

Ive been trying to find some good examples of where I want my tree to go. I like the idea of a tall jungle looking tree in my terrarium, but I cant really find any good inspiration. I have ficus trees right now.

Im thinking something like a mix between the attached. The first tree has too many low pads and has obvious other issues (its fake for one)... The second just seems too stout/squatty and the canopy is too round like its growing by itself in the middle of a field somewhere.

Do you guys have any trees like that? Is there some reason why im struggling to find examples.. perhaps its just not a style that can be pulled off?

 

[jk_lewis]

You're gonna have to buy a finished tree. Sorry, but in Indiana, unless you have a greenhouse that is complete with heater and fans and climate control, you're just not going to be able to build anything like that. Miami Tropical Bonsai or Jim Smith's nursery in Vero Beach might be your best possibilities.

 

[mat]

I'm not sure that Jim Smith is selling trees anymore. You could try Jason Schley or Wigert's. They both have plenty of Ficus for sale.

 

[BrianBay9]

In Indiana you might have an easier time building that concept with a schefflera than a ficus.

 

[Disgruntled_ficus]

Its in a terrarium. Humidity is staying near 70% - though I expect that to increase as the other plants take hold. The ficus are potted. Light is pretty high 110 watts.

According to what Ive read it should be near ideal for ficus. Here is what it looked like a few weeks ago. Ive started training each tree since then. Whichever looks better will get to stay.

 

[jk_lewis]

I'm not sure that Jim Smith is selling trees anymore. You could try Jason Schley or Wigert's. They both have plenty of Ficus for sale.

Maybe Jim Vanlandingham (spelling?)

 

[jk_lewis]

Its in a terrarium. Humidity is staying near 70% - though I expect that to increase as the other plants take hold. The ficus are potted. Light is pretty high 110 watts.

According to what Ive read it should be near ideal for ficus. Here is what it looked like a few weeks ago. Ive started training each tree since then. Whichever looks better will get to stay.
View attachment 74032

Eventually, the tree will decline for lack of moving air.

 

[Disgruntled_ficus]

Eventually, the tree will decline for lack of moving air.

Thats a 120mm 45 cubic foot per minute fan in the front

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Trust me, been there done that. The lack of fresh air will cause the tree to decline. Even with that setup you're still looking at years and years of growth to get to that final stage.

 

[Disgruntled_ficus]

Trust me, been there done that. The lack of fresh air will cause the tree to decline. Even with that setup you're still looking at years and years of growth to get to that final stage.

You're wrong about the fresh air thing. Your setup and mine are very different as I understand it.

Im aware that bonsai take a few years to develop

 

[Redwood Ryan]

You're wrong about the fresh air thing. Your setup and mine are very different as I understand it.

Im aware that bonsai take a few years to develop

No, I'm not wrong about the fresh air thing. I don't grow Ficus that way anymore. They NEED fresh air. You're just circulating stale air. Yes, bonsai take a few years, but in Indiana you're looking at quite a few years with a Ficus.

 

[Disgruntled_ficus]

No, I'm not wrong about the fresh air thing. I don't grow Ficus that way anymore. They NEED fresh air. You're just circulating stale air. Yes, bonsai take a few years, but in Indiana you're looking at quite a few years with a Ficus.

Ive taken a few graduate level classes in plant physiology. If you want to elaborate on fresh vs. stale air and, in particular, why its such a problem for ficus and not other sensitive tropical plants with less efficient photosystems (and more efficient) im all ears

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Ive taken a few graduate level classes in plant physiology. If you want to elaborate on fresh vs. stale air and, in particular, why its such a problem for ficus and not other sensitive tropical plants with less efficient photosystems (and more efficient) im all ears

Thought it was just common sense. Fresh air is always better for healthier trees. But hey, you're the beginner with Ficus. You clearly know what you're doing with those benjaminas.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

By the way, what kind of lighting is that?

 

[Disgruntled_ficus]

Ive taken a few graduate level classes in plant physiology. If you want to elaborate on fresh vs. stale air and, in particular, why its such a problem for ficus and not other sensitive tropical plants with less efficient photosystems im all ears

Thought it was just common sense. Fresh air is always better for healthier trees. But hey, you're the beginner with Ficus. You clearly know what you're doing with those benjaminas.

Ahh yes the old argumentum ad hominem...

http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/plants/3372-fukien-tea-ficus-retusa-bonsai.html

Im not a pro at hacking trees up yet

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Ahh yes the old argumentum ad hominem...

http://www.dendroboard.com/forum/plants/3372-fukien-tea-ficus-retusa-bonsai.html

Im not a pro at hacking trees up yet

Quite the informative thread....?

 

[Redwood Ryan]

No but really, what kind of lighting is that?

 

[Disgruntled_ficus]

No but really, what kind of lighting is that?

Its somewhere just north of 110W of CFL. Somewhere around 70 of that is 5000K and the rest is 6500K

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Its somewhere just north of 110W of CFL. Somewhere around 70 of that is 5000K and the rest is 6500K

I've never used CFL, so can't say how hot they get, but I'd move the Ficus closer to the lights. Penetration to the lower leaves will be difficult.

 

[Disgruntled_ficus]

I have a thermometer in the tank. The tank has a 18"x18" footprint so I think you'll find that 110 W is on the high side. I also keep the photoperiod at about 16 hours.