Dang, Andy. Where do you get all your nice ficus? How about this for a different idea - a semi-cascade? (Not a perfect virtual, but you can see where I am going with the design)
I grew them from cuttings or air layers.
I like your virt most of all so far.It was very close to my original idea.If only I had a pot that shape and that size.
Rick...I agree about the roots crossing each other.I have already removed some and will probably remove the remaining ones this year.I don't really agree with the "naturalistic bonsai" mindset.I grow lots of ficus.I like them to appear different from one another.Unfortunately,I've let myself be influenced over the past few years and have steered all of my figs towards a banyan style.(so that they look like "ficus trees" or at least what people think ficus trees look like )My idea for this tree was originally(about 4 or 5 years ago)very close to what Mr. Nut has illustrated.Until last year it was in a deeper round pot and then, I(mistakenly)let other people's opinion influence me to pigeon hole this tree and its proper style just because it was a certain species.That is why it sits in a wide,shallow pot today.A pot I should say, that does not suit the tree as it ever will be.
I'll add....the crossing roots are a perfectly "natural" manifestation for a tree that has slumped over under the weight of its crown.The trunk of this tree is not visible.What may appear to be the trunk surrounded by arial roots is actually roots over a palm stump.An epiphytic tree.As the host rots away the tree has tilted.
Don't get me wrong...I value your opinion and ideas...as well as those of others.I enjoy the discussions..the exchange of ideas and visions, if you will.I don't have to agree with them or follow them to learn from them.
Thanks,
Andy