Ficus-sp- Where to go from here.

Hi,
Can you folks confirm if this is a tiger bark pls?
And i don't know where to go from here. Any tips? defoliate?

Looks like you are growing in a tropical area?
If so it would help for you to defoliate the tree and take a new shot against a plain background and then comments can be made about how to proceed with your tree.
As it is shown it is not possible to see the branches, apex etc.
Thanks.
Jerry Bonsaihunk
www.bonsaihunk.us

ok Jerry, thanks for the fast comment. i'm located in Brazil...tropical area for sure! so, how often do you think is good for a Ficus to be defoliated? twice a year? tree times??

I think that there are no hard rules on the number of defoliations. It depends on the species, where it is grown and what you are trying to achieve. The healthier the tree and the more natural the conditions, the more often it can be defoliated.
The response of the tree to defoliation will tell you if further defoliation is wise or even needed.
Jerry
www.bonsaihunk.us

Jerry,
i did it in January... now just add some branches... so , can you imagine? or i need to defoliate?
thanks

Judging from the bark, yes it is a tiger bark fig, Ficus microcarpa 'Kinmen.'
Iris

Time to defoliate, select branches and wire.
Jerry

Jerry, pls... i removed the thin branches for instance...

Good work.
Now make sure to leave only one branch at each selected area. Then wire to create three crowns. A rough idea is here.
http://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/ImagesPublic.html
I am not sure how to post an image properly, sorry.
Hope this gives you some ideas.
Jerry Bonsaihunk
www.bonsaihunk.us

See if this link works.
http://www.bonsaihunk.us/info/ImagesPublic.html
Jerry

I'm not sure I'd make three crowns. I'd at least consider rotating the tree a bit to the right, removing the middle upstart and wiring a leader to be the new apex more over the center of the tree.

Hey Rob, thanks. can you pls check if i'm going right? are you suggesting me to remove the middle branche?

I do not meant to imply 3 separate apexes but three masses combined into one apex.
Jerry
www.bonsaihunk.us

ok Jerry, is this the right way? do you think i can let this middle branche grows?

Yes, think that you are absolutely heading the right way. You will need to create a nice transition to the middle trunk by allowing some growth and taper to develop.
Keep us posted on how you will proceed.
You are the artist.
Jerry
www.bonsaihunk.us

amazonida wrote:Hey Rob, thanks. can you pls check if i'm going right? are you suggesting me to remove the middle branch?

Yes, to me the middle branch will always compete with the main branch. By rotating the tree in the pot and wiring the main branch over the center of the tree I believe it will be a better design.

Possible virt.

Rob,
Very nice virtual.
Jerry
www.bonsaihunk.us

you got it man!! i love it!...i'm just wainting to saturday come... and i think that this process won't take longer (i hope so) because it grows very fast here. Rob, did you check the other one? https://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/bonsai-f1/choosing-the-right-pot-t3219.htm

Great virtuals Rob/Jerry. The slight rotation makes difference. Agree with all that tree much more powerful with shallower pot. Amazonia- in looking at photos of tree unpotted, I would comb out and heavy prune those Roots that have formed "circle" around base from previous root bound. I would do it now. If don't the tuber roots that Ficus make will get so heavy that they are like rocks(limestone) under tree and interfere with flat spreading nebari. Have fun with it this weekend. Dustin

hey Dustin! i'll do it! but note, i posted 2 diferent ficus. the one that you refer is the one in that post right??
did you check the other one? https://ibonsaiclub.forumotion.com/bonsai-f1/choosing-the-right-pot-t3219.htm

Did you see this one? in order to don't remove the middle branche? i just want dialoge! check your opinion...

Nice multiple apex deciduous design which does not look like a pine tree.
Lots of options!
Jerry
Bonsaihunk