ficus grafting question

choss_monkey

I've grafted a lot, but i'm new to the ficus world, and having just moved to dallas i figured i'd give it a try. so...

what is the largest diameter cleft, or crown graft you have had success with?

i have made an amazing find in a local nursery, but will need to do some grafting on the trunk. please help

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3069James

ask this guy http://www.bonsaihunk.8m.com/index.html

ChrisM

have to agree, jerry is the man when it comes to ficus.

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BonsaiMon

LOL...

I'm sorry but everytime I hear of someone living in the sunny south wanting to graft a ficus I jus have to Laugh Out Loud... still giggleing as i write this.. ..
Is this an impatient act or what... most ficus varieties break low when prunned back and in full sun.. keep it healthy lots of roots and within a couple years you will have more branches breaking than you need.

Sure grafting is possible but the species when grown in zone 9 and south will grow branches naturally in most desired positions..

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peace,
tom stoute

http://bonsaiinsights.spaces.live.com/

choss_monkey

i know i'll have no shortage of new branches, but my concern was that it would lack taper, and look like a chopped down ficus tree. i was hoping that if a large graft would take it would help with this problem.

my goal is to go from about a 5inch diameter to twigs a little less abrubtly. i was thinking maybe a large graft or two on one side of the stump and new growth coming out as a branch on the other side, but it's a tough call.

thanks to all of you though. the link was great.

BonsaiMon

What species of ficus are we talking about? It may be to late in the season to do this grafting or a trunk chop. Are you growing under lights indoors?
A pic will help so we can see what you are referring to..

__________________
peace,
tom stoute

http://bonsaiinsights.spaces.live.com/

choss_monkey

yeah, i'll try to take a pick in the morning. i wouldn't chop it until next year, i need to air layer the top off first so i can give it to my fiancee (she wants to make a bonsai out of it)oh yeah, your question... i'll be keeping it outside until the weather gets cooler. It's still pretty hot here. i still haven't brought it home yet.