Thickening Ficus Trunk - branch planting?

[thams]

Hi All,

I think I remember reading this somewhere, but is it possible to take a low growing newer flexible branch and plant it into the soil to create a banyan look? I'm thinking of doing this with one of my ficus to thicken the trunk by fusing the branch to the trunk. Can someone confirm that this is something that can be done? Thanks all!

 

[NewWorldBonsai]

Absolutely, the main trick is going to be doing it "tastefully". Other routes would include wrapping the trunk in sphagnum moss or putting it in a green house with very high humidity.

It would be a good idea to start with some branches as anchor points then build from there.

 

[thams]

Absolutely, the main trick is going to be doing it "tastefully". Other routes would include wrapping the trunk in sphagnum moss or putting it in a green house with very high humidity.

It would be a good idea to start with some branches as anchor points then build from there.

I know what you mean. I'm looking to place the branches in where "channels" run down the length of the trunk. That way these channels are filled in by the branch that will eventually even out the trunk and increase its circumference.

 

[ericN]

Hi thams,

Growing ariel roots is less complicated than what your planing. Aside for it looking more natural, it also thicken and fuse faster than a ground layered branch. I did both technique on a tree and the ariel roots thicken considerably and the branch thicken only at the new growth points from the ground layered new roots.

Hope that helps
Eric