I've had this ficus Ginseng for about 4 years and it's been struggling along and I've never pruned. I wanted it to get nice and healthy before trying to shape it. It recently put out a big shoot on the bottom and is getting new leaves regularly. I'm thinking the top needs to be chopped to make it look better. Any advice?
I haven't done a ginseng, but in my experience ficus benjamina likes being pruned. If you want more growth, go ahead and start. I'd make the two cuts shown and pinch prune just the tips of the other stems. For shaping, keep in mind that each branch will grow in the same direction as the leaf directly under your cut
1 likeCut placement pic. You could also treat the removed top section as a cutting to propagate it
Ficus back bud pretty easily. I agree with the above comments tbh
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You could also repot in a bigger/deeper pot. Training pots are used for years before placing in a bonsai pot. Training pots promote faster growth and thickening of the trunk.
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