Ficus Fusion Project

Redwood Ryan · Jul 28, 2013

Hey all,

So I've had a lot of thinking time recently, and I just thought something up. So, I ran up to the local craft store and picked up a pack of small styrofoam cones:

Next, I've got some Ficus cuttings rooting:

My plan, once the cuttings root, is to take them and wrap them around the cone, then let them grow together and fuse. This should create a nice small tree with spectacular taper and no chop site. Thought I'd let you all in on what my noodle has been thinking up.

So, stay tuned for more.

tropheus · Jul 28, 2013

This sounds interesting, how many seedlings are you planning to use? Any idea how long it will take to fuse them?

Redwood Ryan · Jul 28, 2013

tropheus said:
This sounds interesting, how many seedlings are you planning to use? Any idea how long it will take to fuse them?

Thanks. I just went and counted, I've got 18 cuttings of varying sizes rooting. It'll take a good amount of time for them to fuse, especially indoors under lights.

Redwood Ryan · Jul 28, 2013

Hmmm or maybe I should use this bigger cone for 18 cuttings...

jkd2572 · Jul 28, 2013

Please keep this updated. This sounds fun!

marcosolo · Jul 28, 2013

The trident volcanoes that are accomplished this way seem like cheating to me.......Shortcuts almost always end in shortcomings......Just my two cents

Poink88 · Jul 28, 2013

Ryan,

I think the wire cage is still better than the foam because it will...
- let you have multiple anchor points, and
- allow trunk growth inside

It is also possible that having air space in there is healthier to your plants than direct contact with the foam.

Just for your consideration and good luck with the experiment.

marcosolo · Jul 28, 2013

Poink88 said:
Ryan,

I think the wire cage is still better than the foam because it will...
- let you have multiple anchor points, and
- allow trunk growth inside

It is also possible that having air space in there is healthier to your plants than direct contact with the foam.

Just for your consideration and good luck with the experiment.

I agree with Dario on this point......I still think it's cheating though.....

Redwood Ryan · Jul 28, 2013

marcosolo said:
The trident volcanoes that are accomplished this way seem like cheating to me.......Shortcuts almost always end in shortcomings......Just my two cents

Well when you're dealing with tropicals in a northern environment, and they take forever to trunk up anyways, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Poink88 said:
Ryan,

I think the wire cage is still better than the foam because it will...
- let you have multiple anchor points, and
- allow trunk growth inside

It is also possible that having air space in there is healthier to your plants than direct contact with the foam.

Just for your consideration and good luck with the experiment.

That's definitely something I've mulled over, I just have no idea how to go about creating the wire cage. I can't seem to find decent sized wire to create a cage...

Poink88 · Jul 28, 2013

Redwood Ryan said:
That's definitely something I've mulled over, I just have no idea how to go about creating the wire cage. I can't seem to find decent sized wire to create a cage...

Look for 1/2" x 1/2" (or bigger) welded (chicken) wire mesh.

Redwood Ryan · Jul 28, 2013

Poink88 said:
Look for 1/2" x 1/2" (or bigger) welded (chicken) wire mesh.

Wire mesh? How would I go about creating a frame out of that? I've read of people using wire coat hangers before.

Poink88 · Jul 28, 2013

Redwood Ryan said:
Wire mesh? How would I go about creating a frame out of that? I've read of people using wire coat hangers before.

Just roll it and create a cone. Practice with paper...much easier but you will see what I mean. You can also cut some of the wires to change the shape some.

Redwood Ryan · Jul 28, 2013

Poink88 said:
Just roll it and create a cone. Practice with paper...much easier but you will see what I mean. You can also cut some of the wires to change the shape some.

Oooh I see. I wonder where I could pick some up....

Redwood Ryan · Jul 28, 2013

You think this would work Dario?

http://www.southernstates.com/catalog/p-4144-keystone-lg-hardware-cloth-19ga-12x12x24x10.aspx

thailand-steve · Jul 29, 2013

i'm doing the same thing as soon as my retusa cuttings are a bit stronger, i'll race you!

Poink88 · Jul 29, 2013

Redwood Ryan said:
You think this would work Dario?

http://www.southernstates.com/catalog/p-4144-keystone-lg-hardware-cloth-19ga-12x12x24x10.aspx

That should work.

Redwood Ryan · Jul 29, 2013

Went and picked up a roll of hardware cloth today. I'll get to making the cone in a little bit:

And hey, look what else they had

Poink88 · Jul 29, 2013

Redwood Ryan said:
And hey, look what else they had
View attachment 39168

Lucky you!!! I wish I find some of that here.

Redwood Ryan · Jul 29, 2013

Poink88 said:
Lucky you!!! I wish I find some of that here.

Now to get into the complex business of making my own soil for a change

misfit11 · Jul 29, 2013

Redwood Ryan said:
And hey, look what else they had
View attachment 39168

Awesome! Dry Stall is great stuff for bonsai!

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