Shaping Ficus Bonsai - Part 1

In this video I take Ficus, prune and shape them into something spectacular.
I show you that it is possible to change where the Ariel roots are placed.
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[@AmraphelofShinar]

I laughed so hard when he told off the critics about saving the wire. My mother has saved and recycled aluminum soda/beer cans and turned them in for scrap since I was a child (easily over 20 years time). She has likely recycled thousands of pounds of aluminum over the years and has met countless neighbors who bring her bags of cans every day of the week. I will say to her "mom, a white car just dropped off some cans in the driveway. Who is that?" "Oh that's so-and-so, I forget their name but they bring me cans." It's hysterical. There are so many people that bring her cans she can't remember all of their names. She wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks again for the wonderful bonsai videos!

[@peterchan3100]

Bless her - she was ahead of her time.

[@kosnk]

Your mother is a wise person, bless her.

[@Kitty-tc3oh]

A man of great wisdom, "I have to respect other peoples taste." Agreed on saving wire.

[@pesoverwatch9324]

I love this, not only you get good Bonsai advice, you also get some good philosophy :D

[@leomessi9657]

I love ficuses and its aerial roots.Also I think ficuses are underrated in west.They make magnificent trees and bonsai.

[@farmert9679]

I agree. By saving the wire, you keep the wire out of the landfills.

[@elainefleischmann4175]

Our city recycles metal products, including food cans. We only have to make sure that the metal is clean.

[@kamrankambang7953]

Yayy he say malaysia. And true.. This is our bread and butter bonsai. Eveeytime im envious of temperate trees like pines and juniper... I remind myself we have ficuses here. I literally have a ficus that i collect from wall of my office building. I let these bonsai grow then chop it to get another bonsai, now i have 50 60 of these.

[@ladystardust9707]

I got a gorgeous ficus tree yesterday, that I just got done working on. I had to give it a VERY hard prune to get the look I was going for. In the words of Master Chan, I had to make some radical decisions, but I'm happy with the result.

[@apriliaric]

Master Peter Chan has again showered us with bonsai magic.... He is truly the Gift that keeps on giving.... Thank you..

[@mikec3820]

living in the north east US. i really wanted a ficus for my indoor collection. but all i could find was those uglky "ginseng" ones. so knowing what i learned from mr chan and other yt bonsai channels. i just bought a ginseng with about a thumb thick branch coming from the graft.. i cut the grafted part away and planted the thumb thick branch as a cutting. it rooted in a few weeks and has been growing nicely indoors over winter and out on the table in summer. i alao did the same with a big willow an a hardy hibiscus branch cuttings. wish every thing could be rooted so easily

[@peterchan3100]

Well done - that is being resourceful

[@fexummuk]

These videos are excellent. The small details you give are priceless. Thank you Sir.

[@alvinwhitley1490]

You have taught me So much. I am now starting to collect All your books on bonsai. I just want to say Thank You for your gift of Knowledge. I hope to visit your nursery someday .

[@steveharris2944]

Wow - Ficus Retusa really have stunning bark 👍 what a superb set of trees

[@passionbonsai88]

Mr Peter i really admire what u shared about your experience , how u have to compromise with those arial roots and other things in respect of customer even though it ‘s not good bonsai design but someone may love it and you need to respect others as well .

[@manupbritain5232]

I have just become the owner of a Ficus Bonsai. I have got a lot of sticks in pots outside in training but wanted something which is more tree like to satisfy the itch of tree maintenance. I have broken rules but thanks to KZbin I know how, why, when and which rules I cam break. It was root bound so I have slip potted it to a larger pot and brushed them to help them breathe. But I have not pruned anything until it settles in. I am now in the process of study. I almost hastily removed the aerial roots but there are only 4 at the moment which I can change my mind with another day. I am keeping an eye on it to see how it settles in and anticipating some leaf drop. I am now watching your Ficus series and learning a ton of options down the road but for now I want to see it bounce back and become vigorous before making any big decisions.

[@Konamtbdjc1k]

You would love the trees in Hawaii. I just visited. Absolutely incredible trees there and so interesting. Massive aerial roots.

[@peterchan3100]

That is one place I would love to visit

[@Konamtbdjc1k]

@@peterchan3100 honestly, time waits for no one. You are only getting older. You should visit Hawaii Peter if that’s something you really want to do. I promise you it’s an incredible place...

[@LuisRamos-lx9ri]

I love all the ficus tress that you have, small, medium and large!They all have great trunks!..Keep it up, love your videos!

[@keaneu4456]

Great lesson today Peter. I never did bonsai in a ficus tree but I had a couple of ficus indoors and found them to be sensitive trees even when moving them. I think the tree is very nice but really do well outdoors in tropical weather. Watching this lesson makes me want to tackle doing bonsai on a ficus tree.

[@aitattoojourney]

Thank you mr Chan for your love for bonsai craftsmen, you been a roll model and example of hard work and perseverance ❤️

[@JoshPMeister]

That is true. Ficuses really grow easily. I had a large cutting that I grew for my bonsai and to the excess branches, I decided to just stick them into the soil. Now, I have noticed tiny buds growing. They really grow fast!

[@NyaanVegan]

Love these trees... feels like the guardian had some out of the box artistry

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

Such a Great Demostration and Beautiful tree I just Love Love love love your videos and watching you create because I Love listening to you 💟💟💟

[@PatriciaAnnGriggs]

Thank you for your comment( 👍)💜💜

[@questionablecooking7019]

Ficus brings me back to Chameleon days. All the root rotted trees, yikes!! haha. Small Heron's logo on left chest, great tee. Understated, solid material and once in a while you cross paths with a new friend whose eye catches the logo. Win/win.

[@TheBronxQ]

tie the aerial roots to the main trunk, they will fuse together and create thicker trunk... that's one of the incredible tricks you can do with ficuses... they just like magical trees, you can make thicker trunk bonsai in short time with this trick

[@michaeljijus980]

Oh. Mr. Peter!! That catwalk/advert for T-shirt was hilarious!! You are man of many talents!! Defo I'll buy that tshirt now. Lovely ficuses btw!!!

[@3nigma.3nc]

As a Florida resident, I absolutely love the Ficus species. I've actually chosen to focus mainly on Ficuses. They grow so vigorously here and shoot aerial roots like crazy.

[@DavidGossMusic]

Do you put your ficus outside at all? I am in Tampa.

[@khairulnizam4014]

Ive akready got 5 ficuses, for my small garden..so happy with this kind of bonsai..😁..3 ficus retusa, the one like in this video & 2 ficus ginseng/microcarpa..its true, easy to grow & maintain here..tropical..👍🏻

[@VicTheFigGuy]

Ficus is probably my favorite. Those large Taiwanese grafted ficus are actually of the same species-F. Microcarpa. Just different cultivar. F. Benjamina has a very distinct look and grow with weeping foliage.

[@Poemsapennyeach]

Mr Chan is a man with a passion. Very good result.

[@rsa420]

Im in South Africa 6,276 ft above sea level, We grow ficus here easy as very hot and dry, yes need to bring in during winter, We also grow maples of all species can grow any tree with right idea and planning

[@peterchan3100]

You are so lucky to be able to grow so many species where you live

[@anditwasknownas]

Yeah, even in the Mediterranean they grow so fast, you can barely wire them if you don't like marks. Gorgeous ficus for the UK ❤

[@MidniteSan]

Turned out beautiful, they are looking healthy too.. bravo Peter. Thx for sharing n can't wait for the next one..cheers

[@MinhNguyen-iz1pj]

Very nice T- shirt, love to order one thank you for sharing, since I love your bonsai lessons and your shows on KZbin…as always …wish you best of luck thank you again and happy new year 🎆

[@BombzofJager]

I wanna live there so peaceful

[@mattjohnson9226]

I’m only learning, but I am loving Bonsai... these videos are great!

[@peteraudet684]

Very subtle advertising. Luv your work. Trees r nice 2

[@jezebelho1874]

Great video. Thank you. I just received a S shaped Ficus bonsai as a birthday gift. Please also post a video specifically about the S shape. Different styles we can do. It seems more plain compared to the ones in this video. Thank you.

[@elainefleischmann4175]

I have planted my little ficus bonsai in such a way that I hope to control a limited number of aerial roots. I found the unwiring in this video very helpful. It is something that we do not usually see, and Peter Chan always gives details and reasons for his actions: - fine teaching! (Taste: Am I the only one who does not care for wiring branches into a 'C' shape?)

[@nancyfahey7518]

I spent several days researching the different leaves of ficus to straighten out the names of the trees. Bottom line is people will call their trees whatever they want no matter the facts. It's a ficus. And if you use a straw on an aerial root make sure you slit or cut the straw first. I'm in Florida and the older leaves shed in the heat of the summer. Just hitting them with the hose blows them away. I love my ficus.

[@BackSeatHump]

Aerial can easily be encouraged by subjecting them to increased humidity such as putting the whole bonsiaí into an aquarium or into a plastic bag/container.

[@mustachadon]

"Heres Teebos tree that he made himself!" *cut* *cut cut cut* snap* crank* "there we go."

[@durmantf4160]

I just wanted to say that i love your videos

[@ccme1111]

Thank you for sharing! Your videos are educational and relaxing to watch.

[@pansepot1490]

Lol, I am just past mid video and I have lost count of the number of times Peter has said he doesn’t like aerial roots. 😄

[@earthknight60]

Humidity is supposed to encourage formation of those aerial roots.

[@anditwasknownas]

Yeah, but at the same time, for more encouragement, the tree must be in the same pot for several years so the soil is poor in nutrients and oxigen.The leaves of the tree will die sooner in those conditions because they get yellow more easily, so you have to see if the new buds are healthy to maintain it well and alive. That's the natural way although ficus are tend to do It especially in warm humit conditions like you say. Also they can be grafted from ordinary cuttings and it heals very easily. Like sensei Chan says it's easier in the tropics but in temperare countries can be a little frustrating plant.

[@nancyfahey7518]

In Florida i let my tree's roots grow into the ground. They are doing very well.

[@johnroberts2729]

Love your videos. Have five of your books as well.

[@becreative5700]

Big fan of ficus,

[@WasnaST5092]

thank you.. master bonsai👍 Indonesia 🙏

[@raysville7256]

I can't imagine if you adored Ficus how you could possibly improve upon your handling of them.

[@dickmcshan9778]

Thank you for another visit via your talented and entertaining presentation. I'm with you. I would have removed all those aerial roots. Cheers, Dick from Vancouver.

[@Nadine6528]

Thank you very much ❤️👍

[@yato2180]

I think I have a ficus I kinda saved it from my brother, I love seeing the progress of the tree every day

[@bonsaibob8253]

Learned something new tonight, Peter doesn’t like aerial roots.

[@peterchan3100]

Not quite - I like them in the right place and if they are judiciously placed. Not if they are just a tangle of roots

[@muklisfauzan650]

Good and very nice ficus

[@GREENland55]

Amazing

[@Rootpuma2.0]

In Texas you get about a month before the branches set and the wire starts to scar!

[@PlantascomArtes]

excelente material, muito boa matéria parabéns.

[@Big_Fan_just_generally]

I think it's great that you reuse wire. For me, the question is rather why people would just cut it off. Taking it off and straightening it out takes less time than buying new wire, even if you order online, and you save money and resources.

[@danielela9383]

Vwry intresting work Peter :-)

[@shrikrishnamahajan2930]

Excellent work and video sir, Your Evey video has new to learn

[@patricks9682]

Very interesting , thank you 👍.

[@syaifulsumantri2795]

Good tutorial I like it 👍

[@elcazadordebonsais9867]

Muy bueno saludos

[@PutuBonsai]

Very beautiful...

[@maReK.OczOplAs]

Brutal

[@rizkyrijzalbonsai6990]

Mantap

[@martinkratky9834]

This video is awesome. Thank you very much. 🙏

[@nilukasamankumari3085]

super

[@Pearlygatefarm]

Not sure about other places, but where I am wire is very expensive. If someone doesn't want theirs, they are welcome to send it to me ~

[@stephanevachon5636]

Yet another great video, thank you muchly. Could you please do a video on the Lemon Cypress please. Thanks

[@AfterAFashionASMR]

I’m just curious - that tree around 08:00 is so beautiful. How much does a tree like that cost to buy?

[@Kooovi]

I remember one bonsai book where the author mentioned you should never unwire the wire. I guess he was running a wire business.

[@peterchan3100]

Why ? Its because his teacher said so. Ha Ha

[@shortsthatdontsuck2174]

I cant quite tell whether Peter is a fan of aerial roots or not, further investigation is required

[@reeserlori6339]

I like to save to. Everything.

[@nosebleedevery]

What soil i should look when replanting the tree? Top videos

[@BackyardBonsaiAustralia]

Here in Newcastle NSW Australia most of our ficus can set branches in summer in 6 weeks not 6 months ;)

[@HERXMES]

Relatively new in the Bonsai Family, bought one ficus 8years old. Pretty nice stem and healthy. My question is when do I know if I need to repot the ficus? After a few months or not at all if we feed them?

[@dazzawazza3578]

Every 2/3 years is typical. Just gently lift the tree out of the pot and look how roots are winding around, about 80% of roots showing is the best time to repot

[@jeepgurl1379]

What do you think about shaping ginseng ficus bonsai?

[@dirtpoorchris]

Im not sure if it would work well but have you tried putting a clear plastic bag over the tree for 2 or 3 days out of the week if is a more tropical tree? It can get pretty humid if you get the bag just right.

[@kuldipdas4809]

Hey Peter. Please show a tutorial video for bonsai of ficus from scratch .

[@jonathynhicks686]

I would love to have the broken pot ficus! If only you guys shipped to the US :(

[@bonsaibob8253]

Does that chopping/ scarring technique work on a lot of trees? Thank you for another great video!

[@peterchan3100]

Best on hardy deciduous trees and Ficus of course

[@j.r.bertolet3644]

👍🏻

[@NyaanVegan]

... I like to save too! It saves things from ending up in landfills and harming the lovely trees on our planet... most importantly, it's money back in my pocket

[@r.syawesh3171]

so if some of the ficus shed their leafs how to know if the tree has shed its leafs or is it shedding leafs because its not getting enough sun, nutrians or its been watering too much

[@user-cz8ym9zu9e]

If an Ariel root comes off trunk and gives root to new trees. What do I do?

[@nofd1977]

In Karate ranking he would be 10 degree dan

[@peterchan3100]

What is that?

[@andreasweber1533]

10th master grade; 1st dan is when you swap the last coloured student's belt for a black belt.

[@nofd1977]

@@andreasweber1533 before you correct someone make sure you google it correctly. Typical ranking nazi 🤦‍♂️en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_(rank)

[@andreasweber1533]

I didn't realize I corrected anyone; I thought I just answered the question? And I didn't have to google anything ...

[@peterchan3100]

Thank you very much - I am flattered but if you know me - titles and rankings are of little consequence to me. I have learnt over the years to just do my own thing - be true to my own self . Brickbats and bouquets come to anyone in public life including bloggers like me!!

[@j.r.bertolet3644]

¿Que sustrato tienen?

[@luckyluke8052]

Hello would you be able to tell me how much for ficus which you been pruning? I'm really interesting Thank you

[@andreasweber1533]

You might get an answer faster contacting Herons directly through their website. This could provide a rough orientation: www.herons.co.uk/Ficus-Bonsai-Large-ariel-roots

[@luckyluke8052]

@@andreasweber1533 thank you

[@jessestambaugh447]

Mr. Peter I wish to God that I could figure out how to get one of your trees but I live in Baltimore Maryland and were thousands of miles apart I watch every shows that I can see and I am trying to get some of my focuses to grow area how do you promote Aerial roots if you Could You let me know and I did find out like your saying some of my trees that I brought in do not like coming in the house in the Winter time nothing for us to get 10 degrees or below 0 so they can't stay out theyll die .I want one of your books how much are your books and I would love for you to sign one Please let me know what's the best book that I should be reading I've been in this for about 2 years and when I think I've figured out something I realise I don't know nothing if it wasn't for your show I would be loss . your figs that produce figs to eat just amazes me how pretty they are you have a great day keep making your shows and I will keep watching very loyal watcher If there was a way that you could send me a tree of some sort I would be more than glad to assume all responsibilities if it makes it To me .You have a great day and you stay safe thank you

[@charlieaddams5331]

Do you have any tips of getting a ficus to produce more foliage? Also what to do about white coloring on the trunk?

[@peterchan3100]

Hard pruning and lots of fertiliser in Spring and Summer

[@charlieaddams5331]

@@peterchan3100 thanks! Any idea what white on the trunk means?

[@peterchan3100]

@@charlieaddams5331 These Ficuses are sometimes called Tiger Bark I believe and this may be because the bark has little white stripes on it. You need to send me a pic of what you mean by the 'white in the trunk'.

[@bryanvargas2550]

I still don’t fully understand what is the point of the wire, can someone explain it to me?

[@Tedward88]

Hello, Mr. Chan! Have you ever worked with Hibiscuses? If so, do you have any at the nursery? I'm asking because I've started training a couple this spring and thought they seemed appropriate for bonsai. All the best!

[@peterchan3100]

No they are mainly tropicals and we dont have them here. The Temperate Hibiscus are boring shrubs.

[@Tedward88]

@@peterchan3100 Understood, thank you for the reply!

[@dazzawazza3578]

@@peterchan3100 your honesty and bluntness is very refreshing mr Chan 🙏

[@arundubai949]

I want make the leaves small how to do

[@tuvimosalgo]

Its possible get a good nebari from the cheaper kind of ficus?

[@andreasweber1533]

Definitely; them easily rooting from cuttings and making aerial roots kind of suggests that they readily make new roots. ;-)

[@tuvimosalgo]

@@andreasweber1533 thanks, sorry my english im a spanish speaker from Chile. Ficus trees growning very fast here, i live on north where the olives tree growning fast and with no problem.

[@NTSREconomic]

Hi, What is the name of this ficus that you cut.

[@andyxb09]

Where are you based so I can come have a look around. Thanks.

[@FrankTheTank960]

talk about Fukien tea bonsai i have one just small

[@peterchan3100]

See my video on Indoor Bonsai

[@FrankTheTank960]

@@peterchan3100 thank you

[@jerry8405]

how do we get ramification on these, they don't ramify like one would expect

[@peterchan3100]

Simply by constantly cutting the tips

[@enricobugli7231]

Non è troppo stretto il filo di rame? Lascia i segni sulla corteccia.

[@admiraladmirable420]

5:15 I don't think that's a benjamina type. Not a ficus expert either but I have a lot of benjaminas and they're quite different from this