Willow needs work

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Well I think it is a willow, but even if it isn’t I need some serious advice on how to proceed
The roots are a mess, but also hosting a few friends!

should I repot? What substrate?
should I cut roots, heavily?
pruning?
Or wait it out? Until when?

thanks all
 

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vedecx

Yamadori
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Have you tried getting it a job at McDonalds? I hear they are hiring...

I'm not sure but that appears to a type of ficus. They should be okay with heavy root work, but I don't know how they react in Michigan...
 
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Have you tried getting it a job at McDonalds? I hear they are hiring...

I'm not sure but that appears to a type of ficus. They should be okay with heavy root work, but I don't know how they react in Michigan...
I did apply two years ago but didn’t get the job...
 

Cadillactaste

Neagari Gal
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First...is to have a direction before we prune. We don't defolaite or do major work while trees are indoors.

I do work end of June, or early July depending on how long they have acclimated outside. Once outside...if healthy...then they can be all the above. Defoliate to see structure and figure out front by the nebari. But only if healthy and strong.

What is your care you are offering indoors for these tropical?
 
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I got this at the bonsai show in Grand Rapids last Sunday, it has been outside since (except one night in the basement, getting too close to freezing), in the greenhouse at night and partial sun during the day
 

Cadillactaste

Neagari Gal
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I got this at the bonsai show in Grand Rapids last Sunday, it has been outside since (except one night in the basement, getting too close to freezing), in the greenhouse at night and partial sun during the day
Ahhh yeah...reevaluate when it's time to do work. To see what it's capable of handling. Mine are under grow lights 18 hours a day. I get a longer growing period by leaving them grow inside than stall in my cooler climate outside. 65F night temps is my point range to go outside. I don't two step my tropical. I'm doing that with the other trees. They thrive when they go outside...don't skip a beat...and grow like crazy...and back in when night temos drop below that.

Next fall you will need a proper set up for those tropical. No sweat...not rocket science. 😉
 
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Seems we have the same-ish weather, tomorrow I’ll bring those trees back in the basement under grow light and follow your lead
Thanks for your time helping me out
 

Cadillactaste

Neagari Gal
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Seems we have the same-ish weather, tomorrow I’ll bring those trees back in the basement under grow light and follow your lead
Thanks for your time helping me out
Quite welcome. Yeah...I'm in a microclimate in NE Ohio effected by living lake front. I do run a humidifier...I'm not sure if your basement needs that or not. Some basements run damp.
 

Forsoothe!

Imperial Masterpiece
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Thanks Forsoothe. What substrate do you recommend? Should I prune or defoliate?
I agree with the above. Use whatever substrate you use for other trees. The roots don't look like they need thinning, only re-arranging into a configuration that will fit comfortably into your pot. Do the roots this June and make a plan now of sorts about what you want the canopy to look like so that you can wire afterwards for 4 to 6 weeks at a time in the growth season. Defoliate in late June next year to reduce leaf size and increase inner growth. Cut each leaf at its base leaving the petiole in place. It guards the new bud in the axil which you do not want damaged. You remove the tip bud or leaf of twigs where you prefer to have more inner growth, but leave the end bud/leaf if you want the twig to lengthen. The existing shape seems a little too vertical, and I prefer to accentuate what I start with, but some do otherwise. Study long before doing anything radical so that you are comfortable with what you choose to do.
 
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