bonsaiTALK Home Page  

Go Back   bonsaiTALK Community > Main > General
User Name
Password
Register FAQ Members List Calendar Mark Forums Read
Forum Gallery Weather Journals Links Webring Wiki NEW:Shop
Articles Opinion T.O.D. NEW:Radio Contests Humor NEW: Auctions! Donate


Ficus Retusa Training/Shaping

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
bonsaiTALK Hint: Did you know you can double click any bonsai term on this page for its definition?
Old 24-Jan-2005   #1
mushashi
bonsaiTALK Expert
 
mushashi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov-2004
Location: SF Bay Area
Country: USA
Posts: 156
Ficus Retusa Training/Shaping

Hi,

I have a few ficus retusa nitida trees that I would like to train a bit. I notice that most of the ficus branches tend to grow vertically upward at an angle, versus the more horizontal branches on most other trees.

Do most people just leave the natural tendency to grow up, or force the branches down into a more horizontal position?

I am not sure why, but I just can't seem to get a comfortable feeling as to how these should look finished. Also, not sure on deciding the length of the branches and where and when to trim them.

Thanks for the help........
mushashi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old Sponsor Message Ficus Retusa Training/Shaping
Advertisement
Forum Sponsor
Old 25-Jan-2005   #2
Jerry Meislik
bonsaiTALK Master
 
Join Date: Nov-2003
Location: Whitefish Montana
Country: United States
Posts: 465
Yes, the branches on these trees tend to grow upwards as younger plants. You, as the artist, must decide the proper angle of the branches.
Look at as many pictures of trees as you can and pick a pattern that looks good to you- these may or may not be Ficus.
Part of the maturation process of any bonsai artist is picking out patterns of branching that work for you.
Good luck.
Jerry
__________________
Jerry Meislik
Whitefish Montana USA
Zone 4-5
http://www.bonsaihunk.us/
Jerry Meislik is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25-Jan-2005   #3
mushashi
bonsaiTALK Expert
 
mushashi's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov-2004
Location: SF Bay Area
Country: USA
Posts: 156
Thanks for the comments. Well, to be it would seem to be a more natural appearance to train the branches to look as they would on a more mature tree, versus trying to copy another species.


I am trying by using string, instead of wire to tie down the branches of one of these trees. I think it might be safer than using wire on a faster growing plant. I am not sure though, whether I prefer the newer look with the branches down or just let it do it's thing more vertically.

I will check some pix. Thanks again for the advice.
mushashi is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ficus Retusa, My Fifth! clrosner General 21 11-Jul-2008 08:32 PM
Ficus Retusa and Japanese Black Pine Wiring question/Problem mushashi General 8 8-Nov-2004 11:34 PM
Shrivelled Trunk (Ficus Retusa) Travesty34 General 3 11-Mar-2004 09:43 AM
Juniper, Ficus Retusa beginner help Ogma General 6 11-Jan-2004 05:03 PM
New Ficus Retusa Vermontoise Show & Tell 8 14-Mar-2003 11:08 AM


All times are GMT -3. The time now is 12:38 AM.


Powered by vBulletin v3.6.5
Copyright ©2000-2007, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.0.0 RC8