We found this exceptionally long cascading ficus (at least that’s what we think it is) on the Bonsai South website. Take a look if you get a chance. They have an excellent gallery with a range of powerful tropicals (see below) and a some other worthy trees.
It’s not that easy
It’s not easy to keep the lower lower reaches healthy on such a long cascading branch. Especially on a tree that basically wants to grow upward. You’ll notice the untrained small branches at the very bottom. Letting those small sacrifice branches grow unimpeded helps draw energy down to the tip. If this tree was just watered and otherwise left alone, the tip of the cascade might die for lack of energy.
Another, not so eccentric ficus from the Bonsai South gallery.
Wayne,
Bonsai South Nursery is owned and run by (Hoy) Leong Kwong and his delightful and charming wife Sue in lovely downtown Sydney, Australia. Leong is a noted ficus expert and self published his book entitled “Ficus Bonsai in the Temperate Climate” ISBN 978-0-646-47970-5 in 2007 (available from the nursery for about $A45). The book is an excellent manual and guide to cultivating ficus as bonsai, especially in the temperate climate of south eastern Australia. The cascade appears on page 148 of the book and is named as Ficus microcarpa var. Fukien China. There is also a photo in the book (on page 148) of the same tree defoliated and showing the beautiful branch ramification. I am a member of Canberra Bonsai Society and although we are some 250kms distance (about 3 hours by car) the journey to this nursery is well worth the travel for excellent stock plants and to view Leong’s magnificent collection of ficus.
Thanks Frank. That’s helpful.
Hi Wayne
I have to agree completely with Frank on this, Leong & his lovely wife have many customer / friends that drop in to have a chat & see his many creations up close & personal.
He has also created a Black Pine Book that is an excellent, simple to understand read that expels all of the myths regarding these beautiful trees.
Mine have gone in leaps & bounds since reading the book it has given me a clearer understanding of what they are about.
Regards
JC