Well, I´ve finally acquired some basic tools to start working and I´ll do so by starting with my Ficus. You´ll see I´ve let it develop freely for the past three winter months and now I want to start styling it, but I haven´t decided yet which is the best style to go with it. I think that maybe a broom style would be appropiate, but any suggestions will be very welcomed. Of course, I´m posting two pics here that are three months old, but I think you´ll get the idea. Thanks in advance guys!

its a very nice ficus and you're right, the broom will look very nice, but i'm not sure about any other style as it looked very nice as a broom.

it needs to be pruned and wired. ficus are not typically grown as a broom style. read up on bonsai styling rules,these will guide you on picking branches to keep and to cut off.its hard to explain without an essay

Will do manofthetrees. Before doing anything definitive I´ll read and study first. I already have the John Y. Naka Volume I, which I think it is great to start with the basics. However, you said it is not a common thing to model a ficus in broom style... Why is that? It can be done anyways?

Ha...

This was my first tree (note that I didn´t say bonsai, so please, go easy on me on this ) and I have a special feeling for it. So, after much reading on my first stage as a rookie I realized that this tree would ever hardly be considered a true bonsai. However, back then I decided to keep it and give a try, hoping that time and care could do their jobs... So, here is how it has progressed after 20 months on my hands...

Hope you like it, even if it is the sadly famous Ficus Ginseng...

Alain

alainleon1983 wrote:

so please, go easy on me on this

It's no secret that I don't like 'Ginseng' ficuses, but I've seen worse and you have improved it. It does look very healthy

Auk wrote:

It's no secret that I don't like 'Ginseng' ficuses, but I've seen worse and you have improved it. It does look very healthy

Ha... Indeed, I´m aware Ficus Ginseng would not be your first choice in bonsai (or 2nd, or 3rd for that matter ) So, coming this lines from you I feel grateful. Thanks Auk.

And yes, it looks remarkably healthy. My only concern would be when winter months come. Around five months (from November-March) I keep it inside my house and I know for a fact that this is a time in which my Ficus is not particularly happy.

Alain

So, posting updates on the most vilified Ficus Ginseng after 2 years and 7 months. Again, please, go easy on me and don´t hit my head against the wall.





Alain

alainleon1983 wrote:

So, posting updates on the most vilified Ficus Ginseng after 2 years and 7 months

There is a big difference between people who think their Ficus is a Juniper, and people who purchase a plant, do research, work on it and try to make the best out of it.

I will not bang your head against the wall but change my mind:
MOSTLY, a Ficus Ginseng is not a bonsai, and not even suitable for bonsai. Some people however manage to make the most of it.

Auk wrote:

There is a big difference between people who think their Ficus is a Juniper, and people who purchase a plant, do research, work on it and try to make the best out of it.

Agree with Auk.
Alain, you have managed to make something nice out of it, congrats!
I have a Ficus, my first tree also, it's not a Ginseng (a microcarpa it is) and I am trying to make it look good.
It will take some more years, but I have hope.