grafting trunks together to make wide trunck, ficus microcarpa

[thailand-steve]

i have several cuttings from my ficus microcarpas that i've potted and seem to be doing well, lots of new growth. it seems ficus are pretty bomb proof, especially in tropical climates like mine.

the cuttings are about 1/2" dia on average and not particularly interesting shapes, just straight up.

i could let them grow and wire into something useful but that will take a long long time of course so i would like to give nature a helping hand.

i am inspired by these articles http://www.bonsaihunk.us/ficusforum/FicusTechniques/FigTechnique2.html http://www.bonsaihunk.us/ficusforum/FicusTechniques/FigTechnique13.html. that website has a lot of great ficus info.

and this comment from here http://www.bonsaihunk.us/rex/AdvancedGrafts1.html
'5. Enlarging a trunk by fusing in additional trunks. Inlay graft of a second tree into the base and trunk of the host tree. The graft can also insert a large branch which is too big to be grafted with conventional free or inarch grafting.'

so i plan to try graft together several 1/2" cuttings around a larger established main trunk (maybe 1") by removing the bark and exposing the cambium in the area where they will touch and taping tightly together.

i wonder if there is any advice before i start?

thanks

 

[A Random User]

Yeah... wait till after your done to start drinking !!!
Especially when handling sharp objects...
Joking aside...
Post some pics so everyone can see what you are
doing... as well as the progression. Good Luck !

 

[thailand-steve]

i found this great post http://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/t7296-ficus-fusion-1-year-progression

that's very inspiring, i plan to try do the same thing myself with some rooted f. retusa cuttings

 

[edprocoat]

It works real good on a ficus. Instead of tape use either twine or string to wrap the trees, it breathes and does not leave tape residue. You will be surprised at how quick a Ficus will fuse together.

ed

 

[GerhardG]

Hi

I've got 3 Ficus cordata cuttings waiting for summer to get the same treatment. This species is a strangler so it should go quick...

 

[thailand-steve]

It works real good on a ficus. Instead of tape use either twine or string to wrap the trees, it breathes and does not leave tape residue. You will be surprised at how quick a Ficus will fuse together.

ed

i've been using wire, easier to apply more pressure to the join which i figure will help fusion.

 

[Jason_mazzy]

i've been using wire, easier to apply more pressure to the join which i figure will help fusion.

I'd be worried about scarring. Have you tried wet raffia?

 

[thailand-steve]

I'd be worried about scarring. Have you tried wet raffia?

no but i'm not overly worried about scaring, i guess it adds something to gnarled look of the trunk but maybe i should put some rubber under the wire, i guess that will help