Willow leaf ficus

[Trimaptim]

So I picked this up a couple weekends ago from a guy. When I got it it didn't have any growth on it. I think it was water deprived. It's starting to bud everywhere and I'm just letting it grow for a while. My question is, while I like the overall shape and look of the tree, I think it's way too big. When is it a good time and where would you suggest I chop it to start a new base and tree? Also I know these will root easily so if I can keep the top half that'd be a plus.

 

[Nanuk]

If it were mine I would work on just getting it back to a healthy state.
Tree looks like somebody forgot about. I would think it would be full of new leaves by now.
I like the tree though. Good luck with it.

 

[amcoffeegirl]

So I picked this up a couple weekends ago from a guy. When I got it it didn't have any growth on it. I think it was water deprived. It's starting to bud everywhere and I'm just letting it grow for a while. My question is, while I like the overall shape and look of the tree, I think it's way too big. When is it a good time and where would you suggest I chop it to start a new base and tree? Also I know these will root easily so if I can keep the top half that'd be a plus.

Where are you from? I like smaller trees too.
I guess I would chop it right below that front scar.
But there’s no rush. Make sure it’s healthy and the weather is nice so it can get lots of good indirect sun and warm temps. Watering is important all the time but especially if there’s no foliage. Don’t overwater and don’t underwater.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

So I picked this up a couple weekends ago from a guy. When I got it it didn't have any growth on it. I think it was water deprived. It's starting to bud everywhere and I'm just letting it grow for a while. My question is, while I like the overall shape and look of the tree, I think it's way too big. When is it a good time and where would you suggest I chop it to start a new base and tree? Also I know these will root easily so if I can keep the top half that'd be a plus.

It’s a ficus and you’re in Florida? (Add your location to your profile). Cut it whenever, wherever you want. Here is one I did:

3.5 years later:

 

[amcoffeegirl]

It’s a ficus and you’re in Florida? (Add your location to your profile). Cut it whenever, wherever you want. Here is one I did:
View attachment 241676View attachment 241677View attachment 241681View attachment 241678View attachment 241679
3.5 years later:
View attachment 241680

Great progression.
You can tell from his photo that he’s from Florida???

 

[Trimaptim]

Great progression.
You can tell from his photo that he’s from Florida???

He commented on my Trident maple thread and I said I'm from Florida in that.

 

[Trimaptim]

It’s a ficus and you’re in Florida? (Add your location to your profile). Cut it whenever, wherever you want. Here is one I did:
View attachment 241676View attachment 241677View attachment 241681View attachment 241678View attachment 241679
3.5 years later:
View attachment 241680

So you don't think it should be healthier before the chops?

 

[Trimaptim]

Where are you from? I like smaller trees too.
I guess I would chop it right below that front scar.
But there’s no rush. Make sure it’s healthy and the weather is nice so it can get lots of good indirect sun and warm temps. Watering is important all the time but especially if there’s no foliage. Don’t overwater and don’t underwater.

I'm in central Florida. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Ali Raza]

So I picked this up a couple weekends ago from a guy. When I got it it didn't have any growth on it. I think it was water deprived. It's starting to bud everywhere and I'm just letting it grow for a while. My question is, while I like the overall shape and look of the tree, I think it's way too big. When is it a good time and where would you suggest I chop it to start a new base and tree? Also I know these will root easily so if I can keep the top half that'd be a plus.

Well I think you just need to reduce a height to get balanced bonsai. To me it look fine. I used to have willow ficus, but didn't survive after repotting.

 

[Anthony]

Get it lush first.
Good Day
Anthony

 

[Gustavo Martins]

Yeah let it recover some first, feed it and give it sun and then chop

 

[Trimaptim]

It seems the general response is what I was already doing, letting it grow and get healthy and then chopping. Thanks for the reassurance folks.