Willow leaf f. Cutting

[MrFancyPlants]

This is the one I have have, although I certainly wouldn’t pay that much for one. I think I paid around $130.
You don’t need that much wattage, but it does the trick and fits my enclosure.

Turface I last bought at merrifield in Va, but they didn’t seem to have it last time I went in. I would like a few more bags for my yard, but I have been using pumice, akadama and lava even for the tropicals. Turface does work fine, but the pots are so small I don’t mind springin for the premium.

MarsAqua Dimmable 300W LED Aquarium Light 55 Gallon Coral Reef Light Full Spectrum for Fish Freshwater and Saltwater Coral Tank Blue and White LPS/SPS with Daisy Chain Multifunction https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017GX73YY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4HoUDbASM33VV

Edit, I think I have the 165w one

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Some of the branches got away from me in the outdoor summer. I think some time in the tank ought to bring it back in. There are some branch removals coming up, but I’ll stick with the haircut for now.

 

[W3rk]

This is the one I have have, although I certainly wouldn’t pay that much for one. I think I paid around $130.
You don’t need that much wattage, but it does the trick and fits my enclosure.

Turface I last bought at merrifield in Va, but they didn’t seem to have it last time I went in. I would like a few more bags for my yard, but I have been using pumice, akadama and lava even for the tropicals. Turface does work fine, but the pots are so small I don’t mind springin for the premium.

MarsAqua Dimmable 300W LED Aquarium Light 55 Gallon Coral Reef Light Full Spectrum for Fish Freshwater and Saltwater Coral Tank Blue and White LPS/SPS with Daisy Chain Multifunction https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017GX73YY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4HoUDbASM33VV

Edit, I think I have the 165w one

Thanks for the details and taking the time to respond. I did some more homework on grow lights and found that there is a new generation of LEDs: they have moved away from "Burple" lights, have newer more efficient LEDs, and a smaller form factor with no fans needed.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Time for another haircut.. actually about time for some wire. Maybe I can take it to a local club meeting before I put him outside for the season. It is just a bit cramped in the aquarium.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

I did a bit of thinning, minor branch selection and cutting back to a leaf or two. I feel like there are a few branches that less could be more, but it is hard to say goodbye sometimes.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Usually I wouldn’t follow up with another cut back so soon, but desperate times call for desperate measures with the pandemic cabin fever going around...

 

[MrFancyPlants]

A new pair of shoes for this guy.. I know it is hard to see in there. I figured I’d leave the next haircut for after it recovered from this repotting.
I think the masculine square pot was maybe better with the tree, but this is certainly a higher quality pot, and if I didn’t make the move now, I would be stuck in the bigger pot soon. I’ll hang on to the “price tag patina” pot.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Any idea what kind of critter I have hanging out on this one today? Should I shoo him away?

 

[moke]

Any idea what kind of critter I have View attachment 316391hanging out on this one today? Should I shoo him away?

Cicada

Cicada - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

.

Diet
"Cicada nymphs drink sap from the xylem of various species of trees, including oak, cypress, willow, ash, and maple. While common folklore indicates that adults do not eat, they actually do drink plant sap using their sucking mouthparts."

 

[MrFancyPlants]

I’m pretty sure it wasn’t a cicada; it had a much slimmer build. Also, I am no expert, but I think it had a predator style mouth part.. not like the movie, but predator bug style.

Cicada

Cicada - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

.

Diet
"Cicada nymphs drink sap from the xylem of various species of trees, including oak, cypress, willow, ash, and maple. While common folklore indicates that adults do not eat, they actually do drink plant sap using their sucking mouthparts."

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Edit: as you said @moke , maybe in Nymph form.. would that be before they take their 13 year sleep?
I just read that fireflies are predators in their nymph form, preferring snails and slugs ( after watching Hannibal). Who knew.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

This showed some vigor from the early summer repotting, so I cleaned it up and cut it back. I’ll probably play around with the potting angle next summer.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

This one had a really slow spring. Although I lost a few minor branches but there is a lot of back budding waiting to rear it’s head.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

This one and it’s clone/twin we’re both slow to take off in the spring, but this one was extra slow. The temperature may have dipped down to 38f after I put them out. And no fertilizer until this week (not on purpose). I gave them some of @Leo in N E Illinois ’s orchid fertilizer at a little stronger than winter dose. If you zoom in you can see where I may regrow the top from some back buds.

 

[Leo in N E Illinois]

Glad you like the fertilizer. Your Ficus has a lot of buds coming.

 

[19Mateo83]

How is this awesome little ficus doing this year? I just read through this thread and it’s nice to see how far this has come. Great work!

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Thanks for asking. It is doing well. I was somewhat neglectful This hydroponic off-season and the left hand branch was weak when I moved it out, but it has recovered well with the natural exposure.
The mother tree is getting a little big for its briches. Both could use potting angle adjustments, maybe in a month or so.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

I was thinking of giving this one a little more room to grow.

Is this a @sorce pot? It doesn’t look like your other tag.

 

[Carol 83]

I was thinking of giving this one a little more room to grow.

Is this a @sorce pot? It doesn’t look like your other tag.View attachment 513306View attachment 513307

Yep, that's one of his pots.

 

[MrFancyPlants]

Pardon the loose tie down and mounded soil. It’s as steady as a beast in there, and I want to work on the nebari from being crammed in the other, too small pot for too long.
A slow reveal is in store, but I think the tree and @sorce pot go together like steak and red wine.