Hello!

This is my first post here, and I am also a relative newbie when it comes to plants and bonsai in particular.

I own a commercial "bonsai" that is very tall and "s-shaped" (photo attached)
As far as I understand the grafts are of a different cultivar with smaller leaves.
I believe the species is Ficus Microcarpa, but I can see the difference between the leaves shooting from the stem and the grafted on plants.
Any input on the difference between cultivars and species in this particular case would be helpful.

In short what i want is to

- Take off the grafted on top plant (3) and root it on its own.
- Cut the stem in half
- Repot and trim the roots of the bottom half (1) and remove any additional grafts to let it grow its own shoots.
- Try to root the cut off upper part (2).

I've attached a photo of the plant with some overlays on where I plan to cut.

Questions:

- Is it even possible to get a sawed off stem (2) to root on its own ?
- Should i root the grafted top plant (3) in water or soil ? What about the cut off stem (2) ?
- Would you plant these in a shallow or deep pot to begin with ?
- This being a Ficus plant, do you still recommend putting something on the open wound, or will the milky sap be the better option ?
- What are some estimated time frames ?

Any other pointers or recommendations happily appreciated!

Thank you!

Feel free to add the photos!

I dont need a photo to tell you to slow down. Typical newbee syndrome. Need to do something emedantly. But in fact, the best you can do is to take care of your tree and let it grow wild for a year. Meantime there are enough time to just study the basics of bonsai and to make up a plan that is yours. Not a plan someone else told you. After all bonsai is an art, your own expression

Ah looks like the image upload didn't work last time.

Trying again!

Ficus can root from cuttings. Sometimes If you are lucky even from very old hardwood. Same as buying a lottery ticket. You win sometimes.

Do you really want a totally straight trunk without any taper at all, why?

Next time, if you don't like the trees for sale, walk away.