Ficus cordata

Ficus cordata ssp salicifolia Root Over Rock Bonsai

Step #1
In the wild, Ficus cordata is a medium sized tree up to 30 feet high, and with a spread of 60 feet in older specimens. Often growing flattened against rock-faces, it is common in the dry, mountainous parts of Namibia, and the northern and north-western Cape Province.

This 7 year old Ficus cordata specimen had outgrown it's 8"container with tenacious roots growing down into the ground.

Step #2 The roots are revealed after removing the soil.

Step #3
Another tree was created from the top portion. The bottom would make good material for root over rock bonsai. Upon closer inspection, the larger roots proved too stiff to be bent, and were cut off. These were then cut into sections and rooted separately.

A rock form was created out of coral stone. The material, purchased at a local pet shop, was chosen because of availability, is inexpensive, porous, easy to work with, ages well and gets mossy, is a nice neutral color that contrasts with the color of the roots, and suggests a miniature version of rocky terrain. Chunks of stone from 2 to 5 pounds or up to 8" X 6"X 4" were cemented together with tinted patching concrete, allowed to set, then washed with Muratic acid to give a more worn and uniform look.

After the rock was thoroughly rinsed with water, the tree was positioned, and roots carefully draped. Jute (biodegradable) was used to anchor the plant and roots to the stone. The rock itself is free standing, and 22" h.

Step #4 Then a very wet mixture of garden store potting mix (with a little bit of fine sand) was placed in, around, and over the roots.

Step #5 An old cotton pillowcase was used as wrapping to keep the soil firmly in place, and provides a membrane that allows air and water to flow through. Plastic gardening tape is used to secure the wrapping. The rock is then maintained in a shallow dish of water. Because the coral is porous, water is constantly wicked upwards, and the roots will grow downwards seeking the water source. Roots can be further encouraged to grow downwards by placing any fertilizer directly in the water. A strong root structure at the bottom of the rock will anchor the plant if the bonsai is transferred and planted into a tray.

August 16, 2001. The tree will take some time to establish; we'll see how the plant grows.

Susan Amoy

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	Step #1	In the wild, Ficus cordata is a medium sized tree up to 30 feet high, and with a spread of 60 feet in older specimens. Often growing flattened against rock-faces, it is common in the dry, mountainous parts of Namibia, and the northern and north-western Cape Province. This 7 year old Ficus cordata specimen had outgrown it's 8"container with tenacious roots growing down into the ground.
	Step #2	The roots are revealed after removing the soil.
	Step #3	Another tree was created from the top portion. The bottom would make good material for root over rock bonsai. Upon closer inspection, the larger roots proved too stiff to be bent, and were cut off. These were then cut into sections and rooted separately. A rock form was created out of coral stone. The material, purchased at a local pet shop, was chosen because of availability, is inexpensive, porous, easy to work with, ages well and gets mossy, is a nice neutral color that contrasts with the color of the roots, and suggests a miniature version of rocky terrain. Chunks of stone from 2 to 5 pounds or up to 8" X 6"X 4" were cemented together with tinted patching concrete, allowed to set, then washed with Muratic acid to give a more worn and uniform look. After the rock was thoroughly rinsed with water, the tree was positioned, and roots carefully draped. Jute (biodegradable) was used to anchor the plant and roots to the stone. The rock itself is free standing, and 22" h.
	Step #4	Then a very wet mixture of garden store potting mix (with a little bit of fine sand) was placed in, around, and over the roots.
	Step #5	An old cotton pillowcase was used as wrapping to keep the soil firmly in place, and provides a membrane that allows air and water to flow through. Plastic gardening tape is used to secure the wrapping. The rock is then maintained in a shallow dish of water. Because the coral is porous, water is constantly wicked upwards, and the roots will grow downwards seeking the water source. Roots can be further encouraged to grow downwards by placing any fertilizer directly in the water. A strong root structure at the bottom of the rock will anchor the plant if the bonsai is transferred and planted into a tray.