In a message dated 6/21/2005 8:34:53 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

. If it's like a Ficus nerifolia, I can
basically completely remove all green/existing branches and it'll pop back
like crazy. If it's like benjamina, I just killed the thing.

Does anyone have any experience with F. Natalensis, and how I should proceed
with it?

Keep in mind that F. natalensis is a strangler type. In normal circumstances
it grows on other trees and has almost a vining characteristic. It wants to
develop a lot of aerial roots that will entwine the host and then go to the
soil. As such its trunk is more a cluster of aerial roots. The specimen I have
has not developed shoots lower on the trunk but does around cuts and wounds. I
suppose what I am saying from experience with one tree is that it will pop new
branches around where you cut branches off but doesn't seem to do so elsewhere
on the trunk. I have removed sprouts from the roots. The tree I have has
fairly large leaves but they do respond to pruning. I have not totally defoliated
it as I have F. nerifolia. There is a smaller leaf version.
Billy on the Florida Space Coast

************************************************** ******************************
++++Sponsored, in part, by Kevin Bailey++++
************************************************** ******************************
-- The IBC HOME PAGE & FAQ: http://www.internetbonsaiclub.org/ --
+++++ Questions? Help? e-mail +++++