The first 5 years of progress with a Ficus microcarpa, Chinese Banyan, was outlined in a previous blog see http://www.bonsaihunk.us/public_html/?s=part+l
This is an update on how this fig has progresse as of April, 2015. It still has some years of refinement to undergo before it can claim its position as a mature bonsai.
Two procedures were accomplished today that are helping bring this bonsai in training a step closer to its end point. One, is to reveal the thickening produced by the second set of fusion grafts of rooted branches that were started 5-6 months ago.
Apex as a single sprout of very thin dimension, allowed to grow wildly to thicken it up, 2013
First set of fusion grafts are successful but not yet thick enough, 2014
Second set of fusions at apex current appearance, 2015
Roots from fusion in moss conduit leading to plastic container to the bonsai pot
Plastic pot of soil leading roots down to the soil in bonsai pot
Roots can be seen growing into the bonsai pot
Red arrow shows the path of the roots from the apex fusions to the bonsai pot
The second procedure was the approach graft on the right . Previously 3 approach grafts were tried and all failed for various reasons. A fourth approach graft was done today to once again try to get a branch established in this position. Since it it is the first branch and lowest branch on the right side of the tree it is crucial to have this set in proper position of good size and of the right shape as it will be key to setting the design of the rest of the bonsai tree.
Bonsai with first branch on right grafted and first set of apex fusions underway at the top of the tree, 2014
Close up of the lowest right graft already established on its own but soon to be accindentally knocked off – planted and grown on its own to become the 4th approach graft
Above cutting, rooted, flipped vertically and graft held to stock with wire
Approach graft’s root are led into the pot of soil, 2015
As of 2015 the process is now 5 years along since started by Jack Pollock and the tree is moving along amazingly well. I am guessing that another 3-5 years will pass by before the tree is an attractive bonsai. In the meanwhile the tree has provided me a lot of reason to continue to learn and grow in the wonders of the bonsai world.
The definitive reference work on Ficus
for bonsai. The book is a softcover, 8 by 10 inch volume, with 144 color pages, containing detailed information for the beginner as well as the advanced hobbyist.