I am just curious if anyone might have advice about braiding the trunks of a small ficus benjamina? I have seen them sold at greenhouses, but I have a small one here at home, which still has very pliable trunks. I am wondering if I should pluck the leaves off, and then braid it, or just leave them on. And what I should use to hold it until it will stay in that shape by itself. Thanks, sydney

I've sucessfully braided the branches of my small ficus. Pick off any leaves that may be in the way of the braid and hold the branches in place with a loose twisty tie. Be sure to check it occasionally to be sure the tie isn't too tight or it will dig into the trunk and could possibly kill the plant.

Thanks so much! I will let you know how it goes.

You need to have four stems to do the round braid.

Just keep picking the leaves off and braiding them till you have the lenght you want.

Eventually they will grow into each other but you can still see that they were braided (plaited).

Good luck.

please send me some info. on a (mirtle tree). I bought one for my sister in Vancouver and would like to know how to take care of it.
Thank you

To Barbara & Vince - Thanks for the info re : ficus topiary I plan to start mine in the morning ! Sydney - good luck with yours, here's hoping we'll both be successful ! Jani