Splitting the post or trying to post again

16 years ago

To give the new-comers some ideas about how some things are done and show some hands-on work; I'll split up the post about the FT re-construction and the windswept ficus in the big 'pond' pot. I worked today -- in the blistering heat which has returned -- but, we did have a break and the ficus went wild for two weeks so there was a LOT of pruning that needed handled first.

It will be wired -- the FT is already wired and some positioning/dressing done in the pot. It's to the point that it only needs the foliage pads regrown in the next few months and some ramification redone ti fill thingz back in. Pictures to follow or, as they say back in the good old US of A...film at 11.

Thing another...

Last year (maybe 2 years ago) I posted some pics of the medium sized ficus which is growing root-over-rock in water. In the past few years, with better care and some food, it has quadrupled its root system. The original pot has been steadily going downhill. It's to the point that it drains as fast water is added, leaving about an inch of 'sludge' at the bottom of the pot to cover the roots.

The 'brat' and I picked up a new pot last weekend so it's about time to repot. We were going to have a go at it today but the temp went through the roof at about 9 am and I know we will need some time.

The rock which the tree is planted on was cemented into the pot so it has to be chisled away during the process. I don't really want to do that in 100 degree heat so we'll wait for evening.

I'm not really worried about the tree...my old butt.

I will begin to post the threads and some pics as things progress, it should be fun and hopefully informative for the newbies in here.

Bob

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Comments (2)

moyogijohn
16 years ago
BOB,I am curious about the ficus growing in water..does that make the trunk thicken faster?? is that water just sitting or is it in a pond that runs?? what about root rot ect?? could it be done over here if it makes the tree get larger?? you are the first person i know of that does this..thanks for your time.stay cool john
head_cutter
Original Author
16 years ago
It doesn't do anything to accelerate the growth of the tree. It's just a pot with the holes sealed, the water evaporates pretty fast here -- except during the monsoon season -- water has to be added at least every other day.
I posted a few pics in the other thread.

There isn't any root-rot, when we re-potted the roots were all good and healthy, nice white tips. I've actually fed the tree since I've had it (about 4 years now) and it's been growing a lot better.

It's fairly common for this to be done in tropical climates, most ficus will adapt with no problems at all. My biggest fight is with alge growth, I have been growing the water lettuce in this and another pot to cut down on that.
You could do it in your area but in the winter (indoors) you would have to change the water so it didn't become stagnant and brackish, maybe use a small aquarium pump.

Bob
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