New Squat Willow Leaf Ficus

[thams]

Just wanted to share a picture of my newest purchase. A nice little willow leaf from Wigert's - I'm excited to see it leafed out. As the branches thicken I'll build taper and ramification. When it's all said and done it should be a neat little tree.

I'll be purchasing a better pot when it's closer to being a finished tree. The one it's currently in is what I had sitting around.

 

[KennedyMarx]

Nice one. I love the little squat willow leafs. I have one I'm working on, but it's not as nice as this one.

 

[thams]

Nice one. I love the little squat willow leafs. I have one I'm working on, but it's not as nice as this one.

I was pleasantly surprised at the larger nebari buried when it was in its training pot (you can see what was buried because it's darker in the picture. Overall it's about 5.5" across and 5" tall. It's a pretty cool tree, but it cost me!!

 

[A Random User]

nice tree

 

[thams]

Small Update

Just letting the limbs thicken by growing out as much as possible. I've had some problems getting the apex to grow out (which is strange for Ficus). A couple of apex branches died a couple of weeks after I received it. I think they were still a little tender for wiring, but it's bouncing back. The design was simplified by removing unwanted branches.

Indoor development is slow, but it's getting there. Still a few years off from something great.

 

[jk_lewis]

Indoor development is slow, but it's getting there. Still a few years off from something great.

It should be outdoors at this time of year. Is there some reason it can't be?

 

[thams]

It should be outdoors at this time of year. Is there some reason it can't be?

Yep, I have no outdoor space. I live in a high-rise with no balcony. I can't even open the window but about 5 inches because of safety latches. T-5 lights, southern exposure windows, and heating mats is how I do it. My trees do well, but I know they'd be light years ahead in development if they could be outside while warm.

 

[tmmason10]

I like this tree, wish I had a short stocky ficus. It'll get there you'll just need more time.

 

[thams]

I like this tree, wish I had a short stocky ficus. It'll get there you'll just need more time.

Slow and steady. Hopefully it'll be a little faster to develop once I'm out of this apartment and have some outdoor space.

 

[JudyB]

I'm sure it will be faster when it can be outside in the summer. Till then, just keep plugging away. Funny how sometimes when you loose branches it's a good thing...sometimes...

 

[jk_lewis]

Yep, I have no outdoor space. I live in a high-rise with no balcony. I can't even open the window but about 5 inches because of safety latches. T-5 lights, southern exposure windows, and heating mats is how I do it. My trees do well, but I know they'd be light years ahead in development if they could be outside while warm.

I admire your perseverance. I'm sure I would have chosen another hobby.

 

[thams]

So the uneven nebari was really bothering me with this tree, so I decided to experiment a little. I searched for ways to encourage aerial roots and came up with this nice method. I'll slowly reduce the soil level over time to harden the new roots. Hopefully I can get a nice even nebari after the roots sprout and thicken. I think it'll greatly improve the aesthetics of the tree.

Question: approximately how long should roots take to form. I was thinking a whole year for the entire process from now to totally removing the plastic barrier.

 

[Poink88]

So the uneven nebari was really bothering me with this tree, so I decided to experiment a little. I searched for ways to encourage aerial roots and came up with this nice method. I'll slowly reduce the soil level over time to harden the new roots. Hopefully I can get a nice even nebari after the roots sprout and thicken. I think it'll greatly improve the aesthetics of the tree.

Question: approximately how long should roots take to form. I was thinking a whole year for the entire process from now to totally removing the plastic barrier.

View attachment 43972

I have several trees (TX Persimmon, Olive, and Brazilian Rain Tree) on the same set-up right now.

With ficus in can be in a matter of days. Did you do anything to the roots and base of trunk to encourage new root growth?

 

[thams]

I have several trees (TX Persimmon, Olive, and Brazilian Rain Tree) on the same set-up right now.

With ficus in can be in a matter of days. Did you do anything to the roots and base of trunk to encourage new root growth?

Keep me posted on how your trees turn out. I have rooting hormone, but didn't add any. Most sources I read said it's not necessary with ficus. Wouldn't have hurt to use some though.