"Acacia style" Benjamina

zen

I'd say this year just let everything grow,...with the exception of any new sprouts on the trunk, rub those off as soon as they start, so that the energy continues to go to the upper part.
This will thicken the primary branches, and give you enough secondary branches to work into a broader crown next year.

__________________
"Although profoundly "inconsequential," the Zen experience has consequences in the sense that it may be applied in any direction, to any conceivable human activity, and that wherever it is so applied it lends an unmistakable quality to the work."

~ Alan Watts (1915-1973)

Advertisement

Turtlebo

I really like this acacia style you are going for. I have seen this tree in African aet before. I see a couple of problems with trying to turn this particular tree into this style though. First of all the branch spread to trunk height ratio on the real acacia tree is enormous. If your ficus is 12 in. tall the branch spread would have to be about 7 ft. (I'm using a pretty rough estimate, but I think you can see my point). Also the real tree has a split before it branches, much like the oak or broom style and your tree has just 1 straight trunk.

This ficus has an interesting trunk with some nice taper and could be well used for an informal upright or some other style, but does not make sense for the acacia style that you propose.

Just my opinion. Good luck with it, whatever way you go.

Turtlebo

PatArizona

G'day Tom...Oz...

Great start Tom...I think your bonsai is tall enough. You should work on a greater spread...

OZ...is what you refer to as "as supporting branches" the aerial roots that Jerry refers to in his book? If so...patience, my man.

Further, if so, Jerry talks about aerial roots...extensively!

By the way guys...I just picked up Jerry's book today...it's great!

Pat

__________________
BONSAI isn't about surviving in a storm, rather, how to dance in the rain.
THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

ozzerbon

G'day Pat,

No, branches are branches, and aerial roots are roots [also me no likey].

With this style there needs to be a wide spread of well defined upper BRANCHES, I think that this tree is so far quite exceptional, [me likey him very much].

Next time I visit my local Garden nurseries, I shall see if I can find a specimen that I can also give it a try, yep, love it to bits.

Nigel

__________________
http://pictures.bonsaitalk.com/user/ozzerbon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozzerbon/

mistermoyogi

The tree continues to grow well this season. Since I have begun working with it I have read about Acacia species and the Pierneef style. They are indeed very lovely, although I don't think this tree really fits this style. I am pleased with its growth so far and will continue to develop the outward growth of the crown. I am trying to listen to the tree more these days...Currently it stands 23 inches in height and the width of the crown is 37 inches.

Regards,
Tom

Attached Images

FB004.jpg (61.8 KB, 50 views)

agraham

Very cool Tom.I think I've commented on this tree before.I like it.As some of the others mentioned...at this height is going to have to be VERY wide to create a realistic acacia style.So what?.....it looks good as it is.Maybe not natural,maybe not in line with the rules or guidelines.It "touches me" to use a cliche for a very NOT cliched tree.

IF you decide to head in a more realistic direction,I would suggest grafting some lower branches on and then airlayering the top.You'll get the great nebari and save the nicely formed top too.

Thanks for sharing,

andy

__________________
http://pittmandavis.com/

mistermoyogi

Hi, Andy: Good hearing from you and thanks for your input...I like the tree as it is, too, at this point....your points are well taken as always.

Best regards,
Tom

ozzerbon

G’day Tom,

Well thanks for the idea and inspiration sport, so here’s a pic of my tree so far [height, 50cm [19 ¾“], now after six weeks and the second pruning yesterday, with the addition of a 3” tall Chinese bronze Elephant for scale, the stones are French limestone chunks.

The leaves will reduce in size quite considerably to about one third, in something like a further six months.

The soil is akadama.

Nigel

Attached Images

	Chinese bronze Elephant 8cm.jpg (57.1 KB, 7 views)
	Ficus benjamina - Bushy prince.jpg (54.7 KB, 14 views)

__________________
http://pictures.bonsaitalk.com/user/ozzerbon
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ozzerbon/

mistermoyogi

Hi, Nigel:

Thanks for sharing this composition...I like it alot. Is the tree a benjamina?
Regards,
Tom