It's genetics - certain varieties of Ficus (usually ginseng) grow fat caudexes naturally. It's not something you 'do' or not. There are very many types of Ficus and recently ginseng has been sold all over - just the latest fad! Ficus benjamina, for instance, will never grow bulbous trunks like that, or ones out of proportion to the top of the trunk, even if they gradually become much thicker all around over time.

Probably having the same problem posting pics that I am...no matter what size I try to post I get a message that the file is too big :(( If it's growing horizontal maybe it would like to be a semi or full cascade?? Those are always nice. If you really want it vert. maybe just put two sticks on either side and use some string to support it for a while? Just my thoughts but I like to keep things simple most of the time anyway. Bob

I thought about trying to find and plant a macrophylla when I planted the Indian Banyan. I decided against it because the Morten Bay Fig has a strong reputation of problematic evasive roots - even for ficus trees. This tree is an outlaw in tropical places because it banyans out quickly and has large roots that spread out just beneath the top of the soil. I know that is the case with all ficus in tropical areas, but this tree is known to be one of the most problematic. That is why I decided not to risk it. I think here in the Arizona climate, the roots would not cause as much of a risk to foundations, but there is still that risk. I'm sure the benghalensis pose the same type of problems, but I love it so much that I am willing to take the risk, but I took a few precautions. I planted it as far away from my house as I possibly could. I created a high water area in my yard in which the ficus is the centerpiece. The areas around my house are mostly desert plants that do not have drippers hooked up to them. It is not near any of my neighborÂs drippers. You never know though when reading information that is not meant for Arizona, even plumeria are supposed to have evasive roots in tropical areas - hard to believe when looking at the ones that you see growing around here. Ficus benjamian is also supposed to be particularly problematic, but IÂve never seen one in Arizona that was not more than 10 feet from a foundation. Nitida are commonly planted by cities and developers right next to walls and buildings  see Mill. Who knows if this is ignorance or if there just isnÂt much of a history of having problems with ficus and foundations in Arizona. The dry springs, dry early summers, and dry cold winteres here may keep them at bay. There just not much creatable information about this out there. Having said that, one of my neighbors planted a ficus near his lawn and now the shallow roots have surfaced all over the entire lawn. IÂm not even sure how he mows it. I can imagine one easily taking down a fence that separates a ficus and a good water source like a lawn. It may also force out other plants near it as it bullies for space and water. Pros and Cons I guess. Pros: Buitiful sculpted trees that can look like a bonsi or cadiciform tree. Unique interesting varieties, fast growing, and green all year. Can be pruned to any type of look and cuttings can be rooted. Cons: Frost sensitive, takes more water than many trees, roots can be evasive, and it may be difficult to plant near or under them. I enjoy this topic so I can go on and on as you can see. Let me know if you can find a macrophylla. PenBuilder

Do you have a scanner attached to your computer (or access to one)? I got a very quick and accurate identification of an unknown plant by scanning the leaves and posting the resulting picture on GardenWeb. Perhaps you could scan the seed cluster, or part of it, plus a couple of the leaves. It might also be an idea to include a ruler, or something similar, so that people have a clear idea of the size of the leaves & fruit.