Willow leaf ficus trunk rotting

Hey everyone,

I have a little willow leaf ficus shohin. I left a major branch as a future leader to thicken the trunk and I noticed recently that this branch died. Today I decided to go ahead and take it off and carve the trunk out properly for maximum callous tissue, but unfortunately even though the bark looked the same as the rest of the trunk it was dead underneath, it looks like down to the soil line. I didn't want to keep prodding how far it really went until you guys got to see it and hopefully offered some advice on what to do. My thought is clean it out, carve it out and let it grow like a madman for the next year, maybe longer. It's too bad because it was looking pretty proper for a fat little sumo mame sized bonsai.

Live and learn right?

I hope everyone had a great week and has a great weekend coming up!!!!
Sam

I forgot to mention that the first picture is the tree 2 or 3 months ago. That's the branch that died on me.

Thanks for any help y'all!!!
Sam

Cut out all the rot until the tree bleeds white latex, then paint with Minwax Wood Hardener or fill with marine epoxy, (maybe both) otherwise the rot will continue.

also check for borers. they love nerifolia
best wishes, sam

Well turns out I needed to take off about a 1/3 off the trunk.

Oh well, it's taken off and now I need to go find the wood hardener.

Thanks Sam and Billy for your help. Will callous tissue form over wood hardener treated wood?

Have a great weekend!!!
Sam

Will callous tissue form over wood hardener treated wood?

Eventually. You might want to try and design the tree around the scar for a while.

Sam,
I have had quite a few plants suddenly lose a branch or top so don't feel bad about it. It does happen.
As suggested the key factor in recovery is to allow strong growth to keep the rest of the plant from rotting back. That means no trimming for a year or two to allow strong and healthy wood to grow over or around the wound.
Good luck.
Jerry

Thank you Jerry. I truly appreciate your comment as you're someone I look up to and respect in the bonsai world. It was a little disheartening to have the top of this plant die on me but like you said "It happens, move on". Gotta let Papa Time take care of this one. I was hoping for a little sumo shohin and it'll just have to be a little bit longer than I expected.

Have a great rest of the weekend everyone!!!!
Sam

Hey Sam I just bought one similar to this. How tall is this little guy and how thick is the trunk??

Ryan wrote:Hey Sam I just bought one similar to this. How tall is this little guy and how thick is the trunk??

Right now it's only 1.5 inches tall and 2.25 inches wide. Tiny little guy!!!!

Have a great week everyone!!!!
Sam