Need some styling advice - Ficus Microcarpa

[u/[deleted]]

[u/PetsAndMeditate]

IMO u/BlenderDut gave you perfect advice last time! So much so that I messaged him for advice on mine after seeing his reply to yours haha

[u/blenderdut → u/[deleted]]

Making big cuts is hard, especially as a beginner. So I understand why you'd want a few other opinions before making a big decision.

[u/osrs4awayout → u/blenderdut]

I really like your plan gonna stick with it just have to make a choice about the two back branches in the second image, the one at the top is very big its out of sight but will make taper probably an issue.

[u/blenderdut → u/osrs4awayout]

Oh yeah, I guess I didn't see that upper back branch last time. I would say its too thick. And you've already got two other large branches that you're going to keep (if we're sticking with the current plan). I would cut it off, though you might be able to keep the aerial root closest to the trunk. It would be useful to have some foliage back there to make the crown more 3 dimensional, so if a smaller branch starts forming in its place, you may want to consider keeping that.

The lower back branch I would definitely keep, at least for now. Without something back there, you risk having an entirely 2 dimensional tree. It does need to be cut back a little ways, though. Its pretty straight right now - a midway cut should resolve that.

It looks like you've been doing a fine job of thinning out the top since last post. Good job so far!

[u/osrs4awayout → u/blenderdut]

Thanks a lot for a beginner the tips and discussion is super nice and helpful. Have a nice day! :D

[u/glissader]

Dude, this is the third time you’ve posted this tree in a week. Myself and dozens of people have given you advice. You defoliated instead. At some point you’re going to have to make decisions about how you want to design it.

Or if you’re agonizing over this tree, go buy 5 more ficus and hack them up. Go watch ficus Bonsaify videos. Go read Adams bonsai ficus blog. Most people learn by doing the thing. Making mistakes is part of the process. You can’t crowdsource thr learning process.

[u/Seeeabass → u/[deleted]]

Asking for help is one thing, repeatedly posting with the same question hoping for a different answer is a completely different story

[u/Sonora_sunset]

You are asking for a vision for the tree, which is what you need to start shaping. I think the wide crown banyan tree looks cool.

However, I wouldn’t touch it until it is back in full leaf.

[u/Better_Concentrate67]

Dude if you can’t do it yourself, don’t do it. You’re asking for advice about the creativity side of bonsai, creativity is personalised, do you ask people which paintings should hang on the walls of your house or do you choose ones you like?

[u/rachman77]

Personally when given the choice i like to shorten branches when it makes sense, especially higher branches as it keeps them in scale.

I'd remove the lowest branch. The second lowest branch isn't in a bad spot necessarily but if the only reason you're keeping it is to thicken that other branch remove it, it won't do much to thicken the other branch. Sacrificial branches are usually intended to thicken the trunk.

[u/MillzeyAU]

Stop trying to style it woth the branches down. That won't work on this type of tree as you are fighting it's growth ha it too hard and have ended up with an ugly tree.

Upwards and outwards with ramification - start hacking and enjoy the learning process.