I know I'm going against the grain by potting up to larger size so rapidly. So here it goes I received these in July 2009 3.5 inch pot and potted to 3gal at end of July. They grew well to 4 ft tall, I am potting up to 20 gal. This is what I found for roots in 6 months time. I loosened and broke away the soil using hammer, claw and sawed the bottom 2 inches. My question is should I just pot up with out disturbing root or should I loosen and trim some? I have about 6 to do and am scared to continue with out some input Sorry for all the pics but that explains better than my typing. The plants are as dormant as they are going to get in my climate.
Gene I didn't want to hijack your post but I think this relates. With our longer growing season and temps we might have to do things out of the norm
Sal

Hi Sal
im similar against the grain sometimes on what should be done with fig plants.
Personaly i think you did good with that plant  as its roots are aggresive growing in that time period so you trimmed them accordingly and put into bigger pot which i think it will like. In 2 seasons from now slip it out again and see what the roots look like if similar root prune them again. For me some need it every 2 seasons and some can go 3 seasons. Dont forget it you prune hard to trim canopy so everything is kinda in a balance.
Again this is only me , with your other plants you mention above in post once you pull them out of pot look at the roots to see if there similar to one above if not prune less. Its good to let the root system dictate what needs to be done to it. At times i have gone up in size with young plants but the root system was not touched until 2 years later because i felt they did not need pruning . I read on forums some say go up little by little in pot size and there is nothing wrong with that way in my opinion , its just i do different its my way with my plants.
 This is by NO means a guide for anyone .
Best Health

conadria /prolific

Thanks Martin as you can see I really didn't cut away to much other then what came off when I removed the soil and about 2 inches from bottom. I think on the next one I will just loosen the root system the best I can and take as much soil away I can since the roots will have more room in bigger pot. I did plant about 2 inches deeper also. Any and all input appreciated.
I am excited as I will be getting a small Black Madeira soon I hope I can taste one this season If I don't kill it.
Pot Growers Unite
Sal

Sal, thats one plant thats im excited about Madeira.
It poses a challenge for me in my climate with a shorter season but i try anyways to get good figs time will tell as i read it needs a longer heated growing season. Im kinda hardheaded and have to see for myself what i can do with it.
Please post pictures this season i always enjoy looking at them.
Best Health

Its Ok to prune a little more including the sides. Very good idea to loosen up. What you are doing is exactly the way a bare rooted plant would be. Ficus root growth is amazingly fast & they can tolerate aggressive prunning. I have butchered some in-ground tree roots in  relocation and they come back with no problems. Best done when its still dormant or just at bud movement.

You're right Sal about having to do things a little different than others who are having a real winter. I have buds swelling right now on trees in pots in the shade on the north side of my house. I'm going to pot my up tomorrow if the rain stops. Thanks for the pictures, now I know probably what I'll be faced with.  "gene"