Finally A Pic Of My Ficus

John Dixon

Justin,

Don't expect much in the way of leaf reduction. 25% is about the best I've ever been able to do. Of course, with a larger tree you can afford to cut away the leaves that have grown too big. It will be a decision that you will have to make as far as height. Just let it grow for now, the answer will come with time.

As far as raffia or gardener's tape, it's fairly inexpensive. Raffia needs to be as soaked it water for 15-20 minutes before use to make it a little more "pliable". Just bind it tightly, using five or more strands, in an overlapping motion. Just view it like an Ace bandage you are using on a sprain. The best thing about raffia is it eventually starts to break down and you will know to remove it. The air layering under the raffia is not reaaly an issue. It can occur, especially if it is kept wet, but where can the roots go? They likely would just abort, or best case, graft with the trunk. Either way, no harm done. Gardener's tapei s similar, just longer lasting, and a little easier to apply. Raffia will be in strips a couple of feet long usually, and you end up weaving or tying a lot together. Tape you cut to length.


I say give it a go. It's not really that complicated, and ficus is about as forgiving a material as you could ask for.

John

__________________
John Dixon

Si vis pacem parabellum

Stay off the trails of others, that's where the booby-traps are.

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