[IBC] Ficus question.
 

In a message dated 7/25/2005 3:40:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

I'm wondering if I can cut this plant back hard (which would probably
remove all the leaves), or will that kill it?

This can depend upon where you live and keep the tree. In south
Florida they regularly defoliate the entire tree without harm. Further north and it
will die.

Or should I try grafting leafy parts lower down the branches?

Grafting can work, I would try approach grafts, where the new foliage
has its own small pot and roots that support it while it bonds with the larger
tree.

Billy on the Florida Space Coast

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Billy M. Rhodes wrote:
In a message dated 7/25/2005 3:40:47 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

I'm wondering if I can cut this plant back hard (which would probably
remove all the leaves), or will that kill it?

This can depend upon where you live and keep the tree. In south
Florida they regularly defoliate the entire tree without harm. Further north and it
will die.

I live in Seattle, but the tree is kept indoors. It's a pretty
constant 71 degrees with 70-73% humidity.

Or should I try grafting leafy parts lower down the branches?

Grafting can work, I would try approach grafts, where the new foliage
has its own small pot and roots that support it while it bonds with the larger
tree.

I actually have some rooted cuttings from that very tree I could do
that with, if necessary.

In a message dated 7/25/2005 7:38:18 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
writes:

I live in Seattle, but the tree is kept indoors. It's a pretty
constant 71 degrees with 70-73% humidity.

You can't defoliate completely. Temperature is too low and so is humidity.
Both need to be about 90 to be like the tree natural habitant.
Go ahead with the approach grafts. A number of Bonsai books have pictures and
text.

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 +++++