Willow leaf bonsai

jk_lewis

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My only two true tropicals outgrew their original (and vastly better) pots, so I had to up-pot them this year.

This is a pair of willow-leaf figs (F. nerifolia (or salicifolia, take your pick) I've had for 10 years now.
 

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jk_lewis

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Here they are in the old pots. The last two pictures sho how the second one looked shortly after I got it and after I did the preliminary cuts.
 

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KennedyMarx

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I like the first one quite a bit. The new pot works well with it. The second, I dunno. Something bothers me about that first branch but I can't put my finger on it. I think I expect it to have a more upright or angled trajectory, not so horizontal. The top half is a broom but the bottom half is the start of an informal upright. Nt sure if you really wanted a critique, that's just my initial thoughts.
 

James H

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I really like your trees and what you have done with them. Its like to see some completed trees of this type. Gives me ideas on what to do with mine.
 
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I like them both. That is quite the Neb on the second one. What is your pruning regimen to get such full heads of hair.
 

jk_lewis

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I like the first one quite a bit. The new pot works well with it. The second, I dunno. Something bothers me about that first branch but I can't put my finger on it. I think I expect it to have a more upright or angled trajectory, not so horizontal. The top half is a broom but the bottom half is the start of an informal upright. Nt sure if you really wanted a critique, that's just my initial thoughts.

I dunno what happened to the response to this that I typed last night, but . . .

critiques are always welcomed, good, bad, or indifferent (tho I may ignore the recommendations ;) ).

Hopefully, that branch will be 1/3 longer and the smaller branches off of it will be strong enough to survive wiring by my now very shaky hands and fingers. I think that will be sufficient to ameliorate your concerns.

EDIT: Well, I found that response -- in the wrong thread. :mad:
 
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Poink88

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Both are nice but the 1st one (w/ deadwood) need to be thinned. Too many branches at or near the trunk line that the primary branches are "lost". I hope you can induce rooting at the right side also (should be easy being ficus).
 

carp

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My critique of the first tree.

Excellent trunk and nice nebari on the left side, maybe consider changing the front in the future to show more of that nebari and hide the fact the right has virtually none. That is actually very common in Ficus seen growing in nature though. I don't get hung up on it at all. And for horticultural reasons, consider notching a V into the shari to allow for drainage and reduce the risk of rotting.

There looks to be a branch directly above the first branch on the right, and it kind of muddies up the view of the first branches line and structure. There also appears to be the same thing going on, on the backside of the branch, but it is hard to tell. The second branch, near the top and on the left side just needs to grow a bit thicker, but its positioned right where you want it.

The apex needs to be thinned out and brought to one leader. Multiple apexes from the same point is going to create reverse taper in the top of the tree. From what I see from the picture in the original pot, the natural line seems to be moving to the right. So consider taking one of those branches on the right side of your current apex and building a wide umbrella from branches growing off one leader from the right, which also would give you a lower and flatter profile.

The second tree.

Again a very nice trunk, and good nebari. I try not to worry about nebari unless there is absolutely none and the trunk doesn't tell it's own story. But it could be improved.

Beyond the nebari, the branches should be wired to be growing to the same angles. Your lowest branch is near horizontal, the branch on the left is growing up, the branch on the right is growing horizontal, and down. I suggest either bringing all the branches down to the same angle as the downward growth on the right, or, make the branches on the left go up, and the branches on the right go down at opposite angles.

The apex looks like it has good structure, but it needs to be thinned out so you can view it.

Very nice trees!
 

amcoffeegirl

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I would be a proud owner of either one of those. Nice work.
 
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