Ficus root-over competition

bilbocannon

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Would anyone be interested in doing a root over rock competition using say a ficus microcarpa? Or any tree really

The idea being to make the most unique looking bonsai, the wierder the better.

Examples being root over statue or other strange objects?
SlY1T.jpg
 
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KennedyMarx

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That one is called Penelope. It's by Nick Lenz. Look him up. He's got some really cool bonsai plantings, if you haven't see no them.

I've shied away from attempting any root over rock with ficus due to being out of their climate zone (I bring the trees in for winter), but maybe I'll try something with some cuttings this summer.
 

bilbocannon

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That one is called Penelope. It's by Nick Lenz. Look him up. He's got some really cool bonsai plantings, if you haven't see no them.

I've shied away from attempting any root over rock with ficus due to being out of their climate zone (I bring the trees in for winter), but maybe I'll try something with some cuttings this summer.

Cheers i have seen it a couples of times but didnt know the back story too it.

Too me bonsai is meant to be fun and creative. Rules stifle creativity thats what this comp would be about. Having fun and creating.
 

Jeremy

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Not to rain on your parade but as a competition its a little ambitious. For a Fig in an optimum climate you're looking at 1-2 years of unimpeded growth for the roots to grasp the rock. Then a few more years of root selection so you don't end up with fat tubers that swallow the rock entirely. Then you've got branch structure to work on...Better to take these things slowly
 

bilbocannon

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Not to rain on your parade but as a competition its a little ambitious. For a Fig in an optimum climate you're looking at 1-2 years of unimpeded growth for the roots to grasp the rock. Then a few more years of root selection so you don't end up with fat tubers that swallow the rock entirely. Then you've got branch structure to work on...Better to take these things slowly

Agreed. But i wasnt expecting this to be a one month thing. I think a long term comp would be enjoyable being able to track everybodies progress etc etc
 

cockroach

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bilbocannon

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I like the idea but to also add some perspective to the challenge, the tree in this thread has been going for 4-5 years already in a mostly tropical climate:
http://www.bonsainut.com/threads/wa...s-on-this-ficus-microcarpa.18414/#post-346672

So you are looking at a fair amount of time for a rather under developed tree.

Having said that, I like the idea.

Good point, the idea in my head would be more about the journey. I have just started a couple with some ficus growing over statues and crystals.
 

Nwaite

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I just sated my ror ... if I keep it alive could I use that or do I need a hole new plant?

If you a chance I would love to see your ror with the crystals. .. was thinking of doing the same thing next time I started one.
 

bilbocannon

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I just sated my ror ... if I keep it alive could I use that or do I need a hole new plant?

If you a chance I would love to see your ror with the crystals. .. was thinking of doing the same thing next time I started one.

Doesnt matter i guess new or old. Its growing over a spherical glowing quartz i believe. I will post pics when i dig it up
 

sorce

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I'm with you.....we never get to see any either....just the saran wrap.

Let's just post em all up!

We don't see em enough!

And it's one of those situations...
We need a lot of help on Too!

Sorce
 

Mike MoMo

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I'm down! Currently I have a Green Island in training will post some pics soon . It is still wrapped in plastic and not very attractive and has a sacrifice branch growing. The roots are doing their thang so I'm happy. Once I put it outside for the summer it should get some true vigor.
 

bilbocannon

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I'm down! Currently I have a Green Island in training will post some pics soon . It is still wrapped in plastic and not very attractive and has a sacrifice branch growing. The roots are doing their thang so I'm happy. Once I put it outside for the summer it should get some true vigor.

Mine are in a similar state, i also have some small cuttings i am going to develop
 

Mike MoMo

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  • Here's some progress on my ROR Green Island. It's enjoying the summer so far. I slip potted it into a better training pot. The roots are doing well still need a few months or more under wraps. The vertical branch is a sacrifice I'm letting grow until the growing season ends. Pretty Proud of this one.20160615_134058.jpg 20160615_134128.jpg
 

bilbocannon

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  • Here's some progress on my ROR Green Island. It's enjoying the summer so far. I slip potted it into a better training pot. The roots are doing well still need a few months or more under wraps. The vertical branch is a sacrifice I'm letting grow until the growing season ends. Pretty Proud of this one.View attachment 108622 View attachment 108623

Looking good.
 

Mike MoMo

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Well I noticed that many roots were breaking the surface so I figured today was time to unwrap the ficus. Does look well established to me. Over the next month or so I will direct some roots and slowly get rid of the peat moss.20160805_124838.jpg
 
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