Hi, I have inherited what I think is a banyan fig (I think). It has that interesting trunk with the roots growing above the soil. The trunk is small and thick, but thing has big bushy branches with lots of leaves. I think its last owner bought it as a baby bonsai, but put it in a deep pot in front of a sunny window and let it go wild. I think it would be a beautiful bonsai, tho.

I've never grown a bonsai, but I know they like shallow pots. My question is this: Can I cut off all the branches on this plant and try to make it a bonsai, or is it too late? Can I repot it in something shallower or will the roots make this impossible?

It's a nice plant and I don't want to kill it, but it looks like it has a lot of untapped potential.

this site sayes somethin about em likin a hard pruning! its got lots of other stuff in there too! hope it helps ya
web page

Thanks so much for the tip, sibyl! And just when I thought no one wanted to hear about my silly fig tree

I'm not sure if we have anyone here who's grown figs'...
I'll see if Papito does..
He goes alot of different types' of fruit trees..

I have several edible fig trees, plus f. benjamina. I have no experience with bonsai, but here's some links with info about banyan fig:

from
http://www.bonsai4me.com/SpeciesGuide/Ficus.html

Here's another site to look at:

from
http://www.bonsaisite.com/gbanyan.html