Tiger barks progression

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I have a couple Tiger Bark Ficus trees, one bought already shaped, and the other one for $3. You can’t go wrong for that price

the main tree has been growing nicely. The other one needs repotting and some pruning to shape the growth. I would love to get your suggestion, on shape but also timing. I am thinking keeping it on the smaller side
 
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Paradox

Imperial Masterpiece
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You are going to have a hard time getting some bend in the lower part of the trunk of the younger fucus.
I think the best you could hope for is to wire it up and bend it a bit toward the right so it looks like a very shallow C just to get some movement in it before it gets too stiff.

If you want it small (i.e. short), you can also grow the trunk to whatever size you want the trunk to be then chop it.
You can get a fat little tree in that way
 

Cadillactaste

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I recommend to study styles for bonsai. Your young material could become more with time in.

Just focus on the upper development. They can be developed quickly...if one does the right steps. First one has to decide what they are working on. I'm focused on development of structure right now.

FB_IMG_1618586886387.jpg20210414_170901.jpg

But a sumo/short fat tree can add the illusion of age. 20210510_071914.jpg
 
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I love your tree, I would love to own one like this one day!
What do you suggest for my slim guy?
 

Cadillactaste

Neagari Gal
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I love your tree, I would love to own one like this one day!
What do you suggest for my slim guy?
Thanks...your slim guy...once summer and it's outside full time. I would pot it up and let it just grow unhindered. If you don't cut the tips of the branches...and let it grow crazy wild...it will thicken quickly. The images above is from June 2019 and then spring 2021. The upper structure thickened as such by doing what I'm suggesting. Don't worry about cutting back...just allow it to grow crazy to thicken. Then address it once it needs to come inside. If you can leave the grow tips or must it be cut back. I left mine to grow and thicken...without cutting back. You thicken that trunk you have all sorts of possibilities. It's a fun species to work with. It will give you a fun journey with it.
 
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Well that sounds like a plan, I’ll wait 6 weeks to do anything on them
Are you familiar with the bonsai supply soil?
I have ordered a bag, seems good to you to repot in that mix?
Thanks for your answers, it’s always great to have knowledgeable people help
 
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