2 x Ficus Obliqua

[Jeremy]

With summer well and truly upon us its time to tidy up some Figs
This one was collected early 2013, it was a straight boring trunk with a mass of aerial roots high up the trunk all on one side. Soil was moist so and I just yanked it out. Not a great trunk, and no real options as far as collecting yamadori goes (I have since learnt better). I saw only one option which was to lay it over and create my first root over rock.
Fast forward 2 years this is the result. Still a long way to go but I feel with further refinement and more movement in the branches it could be transformed into a more penjing feel? I also feel the smaller aerial coming down the right side should be moved or removed as it currently crosses back against the flow of the tree. Still very early days for this one..

 

[Jeremy]

A larger specimen, collected around the same time.
This beast got a quick wire job today, a long way to go but the basic structure is starting to form. Was chopped right back on collection and seemed to bud everywhere I wanted. Pics tell the story. A few more years to build branch structure and heaps of ramification and it should be on its way.

 

[sorce]

Gday Jeremy,

I really like the second one. Like a cloak over a phantom, the roots are wonderful.
Great movement in the branches too.

Has the first one been in that pot for 2 years?
I'd love to see some older pics.

Sorce

 

[Jeremy]

Thanks Sorce. The big one was a good find, hopefully I can do it justice as a bonsai.

The Root over rock was potted into that Erin Pot about 12 weeks ago. Prior to that it spent its first 2 years in a deep plastic pot buried up to the trunk. The rock needs a good clean up, as do some of the feeder roots emerging around it. In a few years the roots should lighten up and be the same colour as the trunk. unfortunately the only early photo I have is from december 2013..

 

[Jeremy]

A number of people in my country have had some kind of potential fungal issue with Figs, nothing overly detrimental to the health but it does cause die back in the smallest of twigs. Symptoms are quite similar to overwatering, black/yellow spots on leaves which then drop. It is normal at this time of year for older leaves to turn yellow and drop. This is my only tree to be hit with the issue which makes me think perhaps it simply is overwatering. All trees in the same mix, same watering schedule etc.
Ive been trying to get the tree healthy before repotting but haven't seen MUCH improvement. So time to defoliate and have a look at the roots. Roots were healthy with good extensions, didn't quite fill the pot in 11 months though, should be nearly root bound.

Dropped the amount of organic matter in the soil, and now we wait. Managed to get rid of a few smaller roots and open up the view to the rock again. Unsure where to go with the tree after that, I need lots of back budding along the branches to bring them back in... To the back of the benches for this one, good health will bring about more options.

 

[Jeremy]

An update on the big fella, growth has been good, branches are ramifying and leaves reducing nicely. Some branches are beginning to get leggy and will require cut back in future, hoping for some lucky back budding. I will let it grow until late spring so its nice and vigorous, then comes the repot, and a few hours worth of wiring. Til then...

 

[eferguson1974]

I like them both but the big one the most. I like the branch with all the roots. I love ficus, and banyan style if it suits a tree like yours. I have a bunch of collected stranglers to learn with. Benjis and microcarpa too, but I bought them. Anyway, cool trees.

 

[Tiki]

Your "big fella" is looking great.

Till next repot, keep an eye on the furthest air root from the trunk on that branch so it doesn't give your first branch reverse taper. It and others may have to come off one day.
Really impressive look and movement it's got going on. Very believable.

 

[Jeremy]

Had a bit of time up my sleeve so this guy got a trim and wire. The lowest (bar) branch on the right is gone, along with the eye poker branch at similar height, seems to give a bit more direction rather than one big green dome. A few more seasons to fill out and ramify and I may be nearing my vision for this trunk. Just over 3.5 years from collection. Next step is a repot to primarily get rid of all the nasty oxalis weed, and address some rot in the lower portions of the trunk.

 

[Jeremy]

A bit more filling out and adjustment of branches. Still lazy on the weed situation. Reading @markyscott posts lately, I gotta perform some soji!

 

[just.wing.it]

Nice, very nice!
Love the aerial roots!