Sometimes it is desirable to have a heavier branch and the material is grown in a container, indoors or is just a slow growing variety. In this case the material is Ficus microcarpa ‘Melon Seed’. This is a slow growing, miniature leaf form of microcarpa.

In order to develop it as a bonsai I have a good sized right branch but the left side needs a heavier branch. Fortunately, there are several small branches coming out of the left side that can be fused and form a proper sized branch. The apex of the tree is also too thin but there are no other branches that I can use right now to thicken it up.

Ficus microcarpa ‘Melon Seed’ with a nice right branch but a very thin left branch

The left side has several small branches that are pulled together with electrical/cable ties and with time they will fuse

Appearance of the branch now allowed to grow strongly for some months to fuse