Where to layer?

Hello all,

I picked up this small mallsai from Lowes a few months ago. It was all decorated for Christmas and looked sad, so I had to save it It has grown quite a bit since this picture was taken, so health has imporved by a lot. I love small mame to shohin sized trees and I was wondering if anyone could tell me where they would air layer this tree. The curve of the trunk makes it tricky for me to decide where I want to layer. I also thought about carving the interesting section at the bottom of the tree, but that would probably look very odd. Thoughts please.

It had a bow and everything!


Saved:


Carve?


Current back:


Unless of course anyone can see this as being something decent without being layered, but I can't see that. Thanks!

Hi Ryan,

having done the good work of saving the tree... do another one... let the tree rest for a year or two in the growth pot that you have put it in. Feed it well and let it grow then you might want to work on it. Right now it is way too small to be touched upon and definitely no layering on an already small tree. My humble suggestion...

Ficus being soft wooded are not carved usually. Even when carved they tend to out grow the intended design and morph into something else making carving an undesired option.

Ravi

Ravi Kiran wrote:Hi Ryan,

having done the good work of saving the tree... do another one... let the tree rest for a year or two in the growth pot that you have put it in. Feed it well and let it grow then you might want to work on it. Right now it is way too small to be touched upon and definitely no layering on an already small tree. My humble suggestion...

Ficus being soft wooded are not carved usually. Even when carved they tend to out grow the intended design and morph into something else making carving an undesired option.

Ravi

Thanks Ravi, I would have to agree about letting it be for a while. I guess what I should've said was where to layer, when the time comes. That bend makes it so difficult for me to decide.

I suppose I will not carve that section out. Guess it will just have to look weird

What do you all think of a semi-cascade?

Although, if I air layer there may be less trunk. I am considering not air layering though as the mame/shohin I would get would have that ugly scar like mark on its trunk and that would be near impossible. Maybe I will just cover it up. Here is probably what it would look like if I air layered:



Better or worse?

The semi cascade IMHO is the best angle for your tree. I tmight be a good candidate for a rock planting.
Best, Todd

I tend to agree with Todd. The semi cascade does look good and appropriate....

Ravi

Thank you both! Are you thinking I should air layer, or not?

Hmmm I was told on another forum that the semi-cascade would give it too much of a "box" look. Opinions on this?

Here is the tree today:





Now to let it grow, grow, grow!

Comments??