Ficus microcarpa retusa "Kinmen"

[carp]

Even though this image looks like its from raw stock, I've worked this tree before.

The last time I had the chance to work it prior to this photo being taken was sometime early 2014, prior to my big breakup and separation from my plants. From now on, I will refer to that stage of my life as The Exodus, because after leaving her, my life was been significantly better.

The idea of rootbound still eludes me. This root was nearly 10ft long. I don't think the pot really bound the roots in anyway.

As I said, this is not raw stock, just neglected material.

Into a bonsai pot. Looks nice, but needs to be planted more toward the left to balance the character branch. Branching development needs to continue and some unruly roots needs to be adjusted. I'm going to defoliate and wire this tree shortly as well.

 

[Nwaite]

Very cool! How old is it?

 

[Jeremy]

I really like the low branches you retained, works well with the strong lean. I agree with your thoughts regarding placement in the pot, I wonder if you could use a more shallow pot next time to make the tree appear larger, it seems to be getting swallowed up currently?

 

[amcoffeegirl]

Yes I feel like it may be too much of a lean

 

[Cypress187]

I think it's very beautiful.

 

[carp]

1] The tree is somewhere between 25-35yrs from cutting. Not exactly sure, but my teacher had it for about 20yrs and it originates from Durastone. Jim Smith grew everything from cutting or seed.

2] The pot it is currently in, is the only aesthetically pleasing pot choice I have available. There is a neat aerial that drops down from a low, vertical back branch that does make potting a little tricky. If I removed that root, I would be able to use a myriad of pots, but I need a pot with quite a bit of width as well. I very well could remove it, but, I don't want to just because I like it. I'm going to have a pot commissioned when I feel that the tree is ready for show. A shallow rectangle.

 

[carp]

Look @JoeR I have stuff

Defoliating, pinching buds and fertilizing tonight. More work tomorrow.

 

[carp]

Anyone viewing this thread, please post and let me know if the photos in the first lost are no longer available, thank you.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Yeah they aren't there anymore Seth...

 

[LanceMac10]

I can see that last photo, that's for sure!
Nice looking work, lil' figgy lookin' good.
Imagine this is pretty large, really like the image your creating with it.
Cool tree

 

[sorce]

I get the first one in the first post...only the first one.

More victims of the Exodus!

FTB!

Sorce

 

[just.wing.it]

I see the first pic and the last pic, looks great from here.