My three Bonsai Plants

Hi,

Have just got the custody of three bonsai plants... namely, A Ficus Panda Forest, Bougainville & a Ficus Infectoria (commonly know in India as Pilkhan)

To tell you the back ground a bit.... my father use to grow bonsai, and after after him, the plants were handed over to an institution. Recently upon approaching the institution, I requested for three plants, primarily with an objective of getting to know if I could handle them --- a yes or No.

Well, now the plants have been with me for a month or so, and apart from a very generic knowledge of the plants, I would appreciate if anybody could hand out specific plant related tips, etc...

Figured it out....

Picture 1 (Ficus Panda)


Picture2


Picture3

Thanks
Bhanu

Hi Bhanu.

Welcome to IBC!

To be honest, I think the first group of tree is the only one that got a good future, but you need to clear the foliage and do some branch works then you could see where to go from there. If it were mine I would probably rearrange the trees and select a better pot or slab (maybe).

regards,
jun

I tend to agree with Jun. 'Panda' is a variety of Chinese banyan, Ficus microcarpa. There are plenty of instructions for this species on the Internet. Go to Bonsaihunk.com
You need to thin out the canopies "so the birds can fly through," then keep pinching to reduce leaf size.
The other two are in very poor health. If you have a garden, by all means put them in the ground in nice rich soil to recover. If that is not possible, repot them in large shallow training pots in coarse bonsai soil. Feed heavily; they are starved. Next year we can talk about styling.
The correct name for Ficus infectoria is Ficus lacor.

Hi Jun & Bonsaisr,

Thank you for your response and guidance.

On plant1, I too agree, on the thoughts shared, and in addition was thinking of re-grouping in two's or three's thereby making 4-6 individual bonsai. Objective of this is that over time they might fuse in one, and have a better appearance. Open for your thoughts.

On plant's 2 & 3, in line with your suggestions, will, repot them in large shallow training pots in coarse bonsai soil, as i do not have access to a garden. One clarification still would remain... What do you mean by "pinching to reduce leaf size"? I am new to the world of bonsai, and i keep looking up on the internet, nonetheless, will appreciate if you could help out.

Thanks... Bhanu

Go here:
http://www.evergreengardenworks.com/pruning.htm

I think you have a nice composition in that 'Panda' forest. If you split it up you will get a bunch of mediocre trees. It probably does need repotting, but repot it as a group. Since you are inexperienced, don't do anything drastic without contacting the nearest bonsai club. I bet there is one not too far from you.
Iris

The first picture looks ilke it´s a Ficus Emerald Green and not Ficus Panda.

Panda has more rounded leaves..not pointy..