F. Salicifolia Stump Question

[BillsBayou]

A large F. Salicifolia died in a greenhouse heating incident some years ago. The trunk broke from the stump and the stump from the roots. All were discarded in the scrap pile. Well the stump came back to life and has been limping along for years. This is it now:

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It's not really bare rooted, as it's been sitting in a pot on TOP of soil. It has survived despite my best efforts to kill it.

Here is a close-up of the trunk clumps. It's just over 40 of them. I'm thinking of leaving them in a fairy circle with the widest opening between clumps as the front. I'm going to keep all the trunks and let it keep on keepin' on.

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The ring of sprouts is the circumference of the original tree. I may have lost a wonderful single trunk tree, but I think I've ended up with something unique for my bench.

Has anyone else done something like this?

[phil]

As a ficus, Salicifolia (Nerifolia) will continue to regenerate no matter how difficult we make it for them. However, I would suggest that you prune some of the advantitious trunks or you may have a problem with reverse taper or unsightly swelling in the trunk base.

It looks like a great start to a Banyan style tree. Good luck...........

[mikepollock]

The "fairy circle" idea is a cool one. Over time that circle will get smaller as the trees grow.

So that may make a nice style for ten or so years, then you may need to implement plan (style) B.

This forest style clump may have started out the same way; It was well along before I got it. This kind of thing could be your plan B.




Good luck.

[ED TROUT]

Bill,
That's a great start on your clump. I like the direction you're planning to take.( and it won't take long )

Mike,

Beautiful group! Love Nerifolia without leaves, and that's a really nice one.

Ed

[clrosner]

Obviously, there aren't too many tropical tree lovers on the ABS, (seeing only two posts by the same person)and that is a shame, since that is my major love. I do like seeing how the amazing Ficus Nerifolia refuses to die, even when you just leave it alone. But there are some wonderful species out here to "play" with. And I will do my best to promote some of them. Not that I am trying to make anyone jealous, I just love to "play" with my trees year round!

Here is a Ficus retusa, that I styled many years ago when the late Ron Martin and I had an afternoon styling beer-fest in my back yard. To the left is my Rain Tree

[BillsBayou]

Good looking trees. Feel free to start your posts as new threads. Yes, there are only two threads here, both started by me, so I'd be happy to see other threads get going. Even if it's just to post a photo of what you have.

[lewisjk]

Okay! Here is my entire tropical collection:

[bonsaihunk]

I like your concept of the fairy ring.
I would also wonder about too many sprout/trunks arising from the same spot creating swellings.
Keep us posted.
Jerry

[jaywalterburton]

They do have a habit of "hanging in". Remember the old proverb: If you kill a Ficus, take up oil painting". The tree need to be reduced to three or so seperate trees and then each one reduced to one or two strong leaders. I have found also that Nerifolias need slightly higher temps. than other Ficus in winter to be happy. It looks plenty healthy otherwise. Good Luck.