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Toby and Jerry,

I understand that there are MANY variables that can affect the outcome of this little experiment. Toby, you are right in your observation that the tree is not established. It is a newly rooted cutting that I placed in bonsai soil just this morning specifically for this experiment. I am sure that a well established, older tree will react differently to the conditions I plan on putting this twig through. This fact alone can, and probably does, invalidate this experiment from the start. However, I am not going to place my mature ficus trees into a pot of water to see if they will live.

As for the temps, it will soon be very hot here. Our summer temps usually average about 90-95 F, and it seldom rains June through October. I believe that this is similar to the conditions that the other guy was syaing was the reason for putting his trees in pots of water. Of course, our humidity here is also high, which may be different from Australia, and may have a significant affect on the results.

If this cutting survives and thrives this summer, I will, of course take it out of its water tray for the winter, since I am quite sure that to leave it in would kill it. I will also resume its "bath" next summer, and each summer thereafter, just to see if it ever reaches a point where the water becomes a detriment. The worst case scenario...I lose one cutting out of about 40. The best case...I learn a new technique for growing ficus in warm weather...thanks for the idea!

John

30-Mar-2005	#5
jloeschner Archbonsaist in training Join Date: Aug-2004 Location: Wynne Country: United States USDA Zone: 7 AHS Heat Zone: 8 Posts: 479	Toby and Jerry, I understand that there are MANY variables that can affect the outcome of this little experiment. Toby, you are right in your observation that the tree is not established. It is a newly rooted cutting that I placed in bonsai soil just this morning specifically for this experiment. I am sure that a well established, older tree will react differently to the conditions I plan on putting this twig through. This fact alone can, and probably does, invalidate this experiment from the start. However, I am not going to place my mature ficus trees into a pot of water to see if they will live. As for the temps, it will soon be very hot here. Our summer temps usually average about 90-95 F, and it seldom rains June through October. I believe that this is similar to the conditions that the other guy was syaing was the reason for putting his trees in pots of water. Of course, our humidity here is also high, which may be different from Australia, and may have a significant affect on the results. If this cutting survives and thrives this summer, I will, of course take it out of its water tray for the winter, since I am quite sure that to leave it in would kill it. I will also resume its "bath" next summer, and each summer thereafter, just to see if it ever reaches a point where the water becomes a detriment. The worst case scenario...I lose one cutting out of about 40. The best case...I learn a new technique for growing ficus in warm weather...thanks for the idea! John __________________ Good judgement comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgement. QUI ME AMAT, AMAT ET CANEM MEAM