Burt Davii ficus progression shots

I started this Burt Davii ficus from a Bonsai Society of Kalamazoo club event back in 2004. The following pictures show the cuttings progress over the year, the last pics were taken on 1-4-09. The tree looks even better now but I don't have current pics. The final pot is a Sara Reiner.
feb 04:
Summer 04:
2005:
2006:
8-18-07:
8-18-07 after pruning:
8-18-07 new pot:
8-18-07 roots:
8-18-07 after:
1-4-08:
1-4-08 top view:
1-4-08 sheers:
1-4-08:
1-4-09:
1-4-09:
1-4-09:

Very nice little tree. I like the new pot, too. Was it made by anyone we know?

Tasty little tree, nice job. I'm thinking about trying burt-davyii again after seeing this one...

Nice evolution and work, congratulations....

Lovely work Eric, top looks excellent. How easily do they put out new roots? If the answer is easily, then I would tackle the problem with that big root. Does'nt appear to be any roots the other side?

Thanks for the replies!
The new pot is a Sara Rayner.

I love Burt-davii ficus. They root easily, the branches don't die on you like the benjimina (sp?), the leaves are tiny, and the trunk fattens quickly even in little bonsai pots. I have had many people say they have had troubles but they have been care free for me.

I have considered removing the large root, at last re-pot there was reverse taper below that root. I have been debating putting it into a larger pot and air-layering (returning to this pot later). Actually it is root bound now and roots are shooting out everywhere off the trunk so it should be no trouble.

Thanks for the interest!

Newt

Lovely little tree Eric. It now became an inspiration for me to train my ficus microcarpa which I haven't got any idea on what to do. Was the apex on the first pic the 1st before you cut the trunk or was it already the apex?

Thank you for sharing now got some ideas

Warren

By the way, how did you thickened the trunk?

Warren

waway wrote:Lovely little tree Eric. It now became an inspiration for me to train my ficus microcarpa which I haven't got any idea on what to do. Was the apex on the first pic the 1st before you cut the trunk or was it already the apex?

Thank you for sharing now got some ideas

Warren

Thanks Warren,
Some one else struck the cutting (now they are wishing they had kept it I bet). All I had done at that point was some branch selection and a re-pot. Not bad for $3!!!

Newt

waway wrote:By the way, how did you thickened the trunk?

Warren

Just by letting it grow to 8-10 leaves then cutting back to 1 or 2 and repeat many times. This variety seems to trunk up faster than other ficus.

wonderful !

Thanks for showing the progression. It is a wonderful tree! I've not heard of this type of ficus before. Can you tell me the Latin name? Thanks!

Hi Carolee,

That would be Ficus burt davii

Thanks Eric. Wonderful progression. It ispires me to grow this species. Might be best mame Burt-Davyi around. Although that is a beauful pot, the photo makes it appear underpotted(either ht. of tree could go deeper or keep shallow but a little wider-tropical canapy effect. I couls see Raintree type canopy w/that straight-powerful old trunk) Dustin

Thanks all!

Dustin,
I see what you mean, the pot is looking a little small now that the top has filled out. If you need a cutting e-mail me or respond as I have several. Take care!!!!

Newt

very nice job. where may i purchase one of these ficuses?

Thank you Hiram,
I would think that they would have them down in Florida, maybe try Jim Smiths place Dura Stone (I think is the name of the place) or Erik Weigerts. They are easy to propogate so I would think that they are available but could be wrong. I could ship one for you but the weather is getting too cold now. If you can't find one by sprong send me a personal message and I can help you out.

Newt