I-258 case study

[MFJFIGS]

To all the experts out there, please weigh in:
This I-258 was allowed to grow too tall before branching out. It was rooted last December and managed to ripen a couple of figs.

Tree branched out at 4’ and at steep angles. The black and red lines are respectively 2’ and 3’ above soil line.

- Would you leave the tree as is and notch the main trunk at say three different spots?
- Would you cut the main trunk, lose all the parapet, and start over? If so:
- Where would you cut?
- If you cut at 3’, would you notch as well?
- None of the above, other suggestions…?

On another note, I am considering bringing this tree and a BMKK inside into the family room mid January and let it wake up early… any thoughts on this, pros & cons?

@Figgin' A

 

[ZomVee]

You could try for a Mario style upside down rooting with all that top growth.



Yeah, the 3' mark looks good. Looks like a great grower for you.

 

[MFJFIGS]

@ZomVee
I like that, I will try it. Is this an older picture, and do you have a recent photo showing the end result?

On a separate note, last year I accidentally rooted a cutting upside now, later I up potted it laying flat and it grew into a super healthy bush form with 4 thick main trunks.

 

[ZomVee]

Nah, that photo is from Mario and he never updated it. I always wanted to know if it worked out of not.

But it's cool, I want to make one, one day.

 

[GoodFriendMike]

You could try for a Mario style upside down rooting with all that top growth.

View attachment 3293

Yeah, the 3' mark looks good. Looks like a great grower for you.

That is pretty cool. I would try and marcot all the branch's at the same height.
That way when you cut the tree and flip it. It already has roots to work with.

 

[MFJFIGS]

Great idea @GoodFriendMike !
But then I will have to wait until after the tree has come out of dormancy… to marcot the branches and later cut the main trunk / parapet.

 

[GoodFriendMike]

Great idea @GoodFriendMike !
But then I will have to wait until after the tree has come out of dormancy… to marcot the branches and later cut the main trunk / parapet.

If you do it. I imagine it will look kinda like a strangler fig when it gets growing.
I always loved the look of those.

 

[RosyPosy]

Why is it too tall? For storage reasons?

Me, I would leave as is and just trim the branches down leaving a few buds facing the direction you want them to grow in.

Otherwise, I would cut it down to the height you feel is desirable and leave it at that.

 

[ktrain]

That's a great looking tree, you could put some branch spreaders in there so the branches aren't so close to each other.
In my opinion it's a smidge to tall at the branching point...but that is just me.
I like mine to branch out around 3 feet, so I can get maximum limbs and be within reach.
You have quite a few options for sure.

 

[Figgerlickinggood]

@ZomVee @MFJFIGS if Mike Kincaid can root this HUGE cutting you should be able to root yours

 

[Figneer]

Air layer it just below the branches

 

[ZomVee]

Hear me out...one more time

 

[Figgerlickinggood]

Hear me out...one more time

View attachment 3296

OMG. That deserves 10 stars
What in the left in the background in the 2nd picture

 

[ZomVee]

If nurseries had amazing I258s like that for sale....shoot, the world would be a better place.

What's your potting mix?

 

[MFJFIGS]

Air layer it just below the branches

That is an option I am considering.

 

[MFJFIGS]

If nurseries had amazing I258s like that for sale....shoot, the world would be a better place.

What's your potting mix?

Asking me Tom?
I mix my own:
Peat moss + Perlite +real aged composted manure + Pine bark mulch… I eye ball and feel it.

I add a mixture of nutrients, earthworm castings, gypsum, and a bunch of organic fertilizers.

Osmocote Plus and limestone twice per season.
I fertilize every single week with MasterBlend 3-part combo and fish / seaweed / kelp solution + PH up.

I am sure I forgot a few other things…

 

[MFJFIGS]

@ktrain
I like the idea of using spreaders. I did that on one of my Atreano trees.

I noticed no one was in favor of or selected the notching option.

 

[ktrain]

@ktrain
I like the idea of using spreaders. I did that on one of my Atreano trees.

I noticed no one was in favor of or selected the notching option.

I've never tried notching, but if you were to top the tree, It would branch out lower anyway so no notching needed.
It's a really nice tree, just needs to be spread out.

 

[MFJFIGS]

So you would use limb spreaders and leave it alone?

 

[TorontoJoe]

Hear me out...one more time

View attachment 3296

I think this is brilliant. I think what I love most is how much time and dedication is involved. This is not a fast project.... it would need to be enjoyed for its process.