what style for ficus b. kiki?

[Hoosteady]

Wanted suggestions on what to do with this ficus. Was thinking formal upright or eventually a group planting. My first ficus, any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Hoosteady]

Also, it won't be going in the pot beneath.... Just had it sitting there for the photo.

 

[Redwood Ryan]

Can't really tell what kind of branching you have going on from your pictures, but an upright sounds right. Search the web for Formal Upright Ficus bonsai and see what you get, then use those pictures to style this guy. For now, if you see bar branches, remove them (not both branches, just one), as swelling will occur there.

 

[yogiman]

Wouldn't rule out broom style. But I wouldn't do much until you can get the trunk to thicken up for a couple of years

 

[mat]

First, as always, you'll want to make sure you can keep it happy and healthy. As far as styling, I'd recommend thinking about how tall you want it to be, and then about how thick the trunk should be to go along with that height. Then you'll want to start thinking about taper and movement. If you're going to try a broom, formal upright or a group planting, then movement is less important.

Have fun. Ficus are good plants to learn and practice with.

 

[Hoosteady]

Ended up going with informal upright. Introduced a few bends to the trunk and am working on some wiring and weighting down on the branches. Will post a few pics once I'm done today. Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[linlaoboo]

That's a good size kiki, may I ask where you get it from? I have a kiki which I bought in a 4" pot and it's a very slow growing tree compared to the macrocarpa types.

 

[Hoosteady]

She's certainly tall. Got it from Otts Exotic Plants in Schwenksville, PA. Place is a must see imo if you're into exotics and in the area. I've wired and clipped a few decent sized branches. Hopefully they root.

 

[tmmason10]

Yea I was going to say looks like you have a lot of cuttings to make. That is a pretty nicer sized Kiki good find.

 

[Hoosteady]

Was tucked away in the back amongst some random stuff. Pretty happy with it. Not going to go crazy with cuts until I can get it to thicken up a bit more.

 

[Hoosteady]

Think this is where I'm stopping for now. Still might remove a few branches down towards the bottom. The picture is slightly deceiving in that area. None protrude from the trunk at the same level as it sort of appears.

I think I'll just keep it wired for a few months, fertilize and keep it healthy to maintain growth. See where we stand come fall. I'd like to really thicken the branches before trimming back and worrying about ramification. Too twiggy, as I read these benjaminas usually are.

Any suggestions are welcome. And yes I know the wiring is an eyesore.

 

[stacy allen muse]

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