Ficus root-over competition

[just.wing.it]

Some progress View attachment 152217 View attachment 152218 View attachment 152219 View attachment 152220

Ha! That's cool dude!

 

[Beanwagon]

Ha! That's cool dude!

Thanks! I was thinking of cutting ut right back to the lowest branch and making a new leader. Thoughts?

 

[just.wing.it]

Thanks! I was thinking of cutting ut right back to the lowest branch and making a new leader. Thoughts?

If it was mine, I'd probably wire it out and see what I could do with what's there now (and then make a decision on chopping).
But if you do decide to chop (which would allow you to build a much smaller tree in future), you should air layer that top off, looks to have some movement.

 

[Beanwagon]

If it was mine, I'd probably wire it out and see what I could do with what's there now (and then make a decision on chopping).
But if you do decide to chop (which would allow you to build a much smaller tree in future), you should air layer that top off, looks to have some movement.

Good point. I have found with these i do not have to air layer. I have had 100% success with just cutting and planting straight into soil.

 

[butlern]

Crap hornbeam over crappier rock. Sad, I know, but basically given to me by a fellow club member who was completely fed up.

I think the crossing roots (not addressed early on) and his adding cement to try to fill gaps between roots and rock (and failing badly) were the last straws for him. This effort stained both rock and roots and further degraded the composition.

Not sure if I'll pull it off rock and plant deeper next re-pot, or if I will seek out another rock that better accommodates the root growth (like one with a big, deep crevice).

 

[just.wing.it]

Crap hornbeam over crappier rock. Sad, I know, but basically given to me by a fellow club member who was completely fed up.

I think the crossing roots (not addressed early on) and his adding cement to try to fill gaps between roots and rock (and failing badly) were the last straws for him. This effort stained both rock and roots and further degraded the composition.

Not sure if I'll pull it off rock and plant deeper next re-pot, or if I will seek out another rock that better accommodates the root growth (like one with a big, deep crevice).

View attachment 152297

Phew.....Sheesh.............Yup......................
If the canopy and branches are worth keeping, I'd agree with you about planting it deep, and I'd make incisions and use some rooting hormone powder for ground layering.

 

[just.wing.it]

Good point. I have found with these i do not have to air layer. I have had 100% success with just cutting and planting straight into soil.

Beastmode.

 

[Mike MoMo]

Decided to resurface and post an updated pic of my Green Island . I pruned it right before the growing season and it is making good progress. Next year it will get a proper pot .
Ohh Wow! Uploading pics has gotten smoother in my absence! Bravo!

 

[Beanwagon]

A bit of a update, nothing exciting.

I have decided that i want to try and create a more tapered look to this tree. Whilst keeping the statue/crystal semi exposed for obvious reasons.

Incredibly realistic image of what i envision.




I repotted, wrapped the roots and filled with dirt to promote more roots to grow and create some taper.

 

[Beanwagon]

 

[Beanwagon]

I was curious to see how the root growth was going and also to give it a trim.


Before


After

 

[Beanwagon]

Im not sure if i will bury the roots or not but for now i will probably leave them.

 

[just.wing.it]

Looks healthy!

 

[Beanwagon]

Slight update i decided to sit this on top of some rocks that i found and have the roots growing over them aswell. This was very improptue, i glued the rocks together vith pva glue and wrapped it all together with the glue still wet. I understand this is terrible planning and a poor glue choice but i can easily fix it later. Who knows i may add more layers in the future.

 

[BE.REAL]

Good point, the idea in my head would be more about the journey. I have just started a couple with some ficus growing over statues and crystals.

Hello,
I'm playing around with ROR designs, and am curious how any/all of the plantings made out. Statues? Crystals?
Feel free to reply or send a PM
Thanks

 

[Beanwagon]

Update.

Full defoliation, cut off u wanted branches and a little wire. Thoughts and advice welcome?

 

[jason biggs]

why don't you thread graft a seedling over the middle of the ball??
Your branches are thickening nicely - looking good.

 

[Beanwagon]

Start of summer this should grow like crazy

 

[just.wing.it]

Man, those roots are getting thick.
The whole statue will be hidden one day.

 

[Beanwagon]

Man, those roots are getting thick.
The whole statue will be hidden one day.

Yes than is a likely outcome. I'm just enjoying experimenting with this. Is if gets swallowed I will enjoy problem solving that scenario