Ficus benjamin

[Docility]

Ironically this is my name so maybe i was destined to buy this plant in my life lol, but here is the REAL QUESTION

I was told at the local nursery that I could banzai the tree IE cutting the roots as well as the branches. is this true, and might as well tag this in here will it be fine with the amount of water im putting into the cage per day around 1.5 gallons misted, but not all going into the plant.

I am 100% clueless about plants

 

[chamelisa]

Yes you can. It's how I do all of my cage plants. Research on bonsai websites and forums to get the best answers for what you want to do. There are a million sites out there and all have some helpful hints.

 

[EC22]

Best site ever

Hey there

Here's a site I read when I wanted to get into bonsai culture. Now I don't have much time and space for that. One day maybe.

http://bonsaiprimer.com/main.html

Enjoy

E

 

[Docility]

so what about the water, and will the uvb bulbs provide enough photosynthesis? i keep them next to a window i open frequently to let in natural sun light.

 

[jojackson]

It will drop leaves everywhere while it adjust to new light conditions, but it will adjust.
some get around that by buying two or three and rotating (other outside), however the drawback is that each plant you take from outside and put in the cage, will drop its leaves all over again as it re-adjusts.
Some cultivars are not as hardy. The important thing seems to be not to have the dripper water running through it, it needs to dry out.
In my opinion not as suitable for indoor lighting as suggested.
Supplimentary lighting specifically for plants may help, but not with a big cage when the plant is on the floor and the light 6ft above it.

Shefflera is a much hardier plant, almost bulletproof. as long as you dont waterlog them, they thrive and grow and look healthy.

 

[Docility]

i dont drip into that. the drips go in the corn plant which seems to love water, but i let most everything dry out.

 

[jojackson]

They are a fantastic bonzai subject, but they do best outside. You might find a really hardy cultivar like ficus superplant or something
I have a 70 yo ficus benjamin bonzai, had it for nearly 20 yrs.

 

[Malicious]

I have a 70 yo ficus benjamin bonzai, had it for nearly 20 yrs.

I would love to see that tree!

-Jay

 

[jojackson]

In its winter pot now. Goes in its proper bonzai pot with fresh soil each spring. I havent manipulated apart from root trimming and the odd pruning in years. I call this Lazy style LOL
My cham loves climbing on it!

 

[Docility]

thats pretty cool

 

[jojackson]

Well it dont look too much flash these days various lizard and frog abuse, no styling for years, Ive really let it go. Used to look good. Wasnt originally intended as a bonsai,
It was supposed to be a shade tree but was planted in nutrient poor rocky ground, never grew for 40 yrs, then was potted again for another 10 yrs on a patio till I got it.
15 yrs ago it was proper bonzai, but then my kids were born.....
Ill try to find some pics of my once pretty smashing bonzai work and collection if I can.
Might be time to start again!
Way too tall now, Ill have to cut it right down, maybe graft and restyle it, rewire it etc.

 

[chamelisa]

Here's a partial view of one of my bonsai. The rest is so awesome that I don't want to shock you. LOL

I should clarify, this is not proper bonsai. It's cham-style bonsai. I was embarrassed to have my friend the bonsai expert come see my yard because I'd have to show him how I butchered his favorite hobby. He owns a bonsai nursery.