Billy,

FWIW, at the urging of Jim Smith, I did a total cut off of the bottom trunk
and roots roots on a ficus (salicifolia, 'Jim Smith '89) with a 4 1/2"
trunk. Used a chainsaw. (In New Jersey, last August).

I simply repotted the tree in its regular potting soil (volcanic), put it in
a shady spot, and made sure that it NEVER got the least bit dry. (I tied the
tree down firmly in the pot to avoid any movement within the pot.)

The tree never even lost a leaf. In fact, not even a leaf showed any sign of
distress.

So, I would say that it can be done, but this is definitely NOT the time to
do it.

Not for the faint of heart!

As I recall, I posted the process in the old gallery at about that time.
Can't find that now.

Regards,

Bart


----- Original Message -----
From: "Billy M. Rhodes" This is a site from Australia using a
different variety of Ficus and in a
tropical climate. For him the tree is a native species. He is also using
a
seedling.

A tropical such as this Ficus don't ever go truly dormant.

I doubt it will work and I would try it on a less valuable plant first.

Buy one, what you want is very hard to do indoors up north. The large
trunk Ficus you see were grown outdoors in tropical climates either in
large
pots or in the ground.

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