banyan tree

The banyan tree belongs to the Moraceae family and is a common entry-level tree for bonsai novices. It can be found in various tropical regions around the world and is very suitable for indoor bonsai.

place
Banyan potted plants are suitable for indoor growth in areas with higher latitudes to prevent frostbite in winter. In summer, they can be placed outdoors to enjoy sufficient sunshine. However, they should be moved indoors as soon as the temperature drops below 15 degrees Celsius. In Taiwan, especially native banyan trees, they can be placed outdoors all year round. If you want to place them indoors for viewing, you need to ensure sufficient sunlight. Regardless of whether it is placed indoors or outdoors, the banyan tree should be placed in a sunny place. A dark place is not conducive to its growth, and the temperature difference should not be too large, otherwise it will easily fall off its leaves.

watering
Whenever the soil is slightly dry, watering is needed, but potted banyan trees have strong vitality and can withstand occasional droughts or over-watering. Please use soft water (the mineral content will be lower) when watering. You can also spray water on and around the leaves every day, but not too much to avoid mildew. If the site is relatively warm in winter, you can water more. If the site temperature is lower, you only need to keep the soil slightly moist. Continue reading Watering Potted Plants.

fertilize
Fertilizer can be applied once a week or every two weeks in summer; if growth continues in winter, fertilize once every 2 to 4 weeks. Both liquid and granular fertilizers can be used.

Trimming and wrapping
To maintain the tree’s shape, regular pruning is necessary. When 6 to 8 leaves grow on a branch, you can prune and remove the first two leaves. Pruning leaves can also shrink the leaves of some varieties with wider leaves. If you want to cultivate a banyan tree with a strong trunk, you can let it grow on its own for a year or two. Banyan trees have strong vitality, and subsequent heavy pruning will not affect their health, and new branches will still grow. Please remember to wait until later. Apply healing agent to large incisions. About more potted pruning. Continue reading for potted plant pruning.

The branches on most banyan trees are elastic and can be easily wrapped with threads to adjust the shape. Banyan trees grow quickly, so you need to observe them frequently and remove them immediately after wrapping the threads, otherwise visible marks will soon be left. Some older and stiffer branches need to be pulled and reshaped.

Change soil
Change the soil every two years in the spring and use basic soil; the root system of the banyan tree is also very strong and can be quickly restored from root pruning. Continue reading Replace soil for potted plants.

Propagating and obtaining bonsai banyan trees
Propagation by cuttings can be used year-round, but is most successful in mid-summer. The aerial layering method (or high-pressure method) is most suitable to be carried out in spring (April and May), and the field layering method is also suitable in spring.

Pests and diseases
Banyan trees are highly resistant to pests and diseases; however, if the location of the banyan tree is not ideal, especially in winter, many troubles will ensue. A dark and dry location will cause leaf loss, and even attract scale insects and spider mites. . Special soil insecticides or spray insecticides/mite removers will be effective, but you still have to start from the root – that is, improve the growing environment of the banyan tree. During the recovery period, you can use plant growth lights (12 to 14 hours a day) and spray more water on the leaves.

There are hundreds of different varieties of banyan trees, but the most common one found in pots is Ficus pachyphylla, which has an S-shaped trunk and dark green leaves that are oval; similar ones include Ficus tenuifolia, Ficus tiger bark, Bodhi tree, Ficus weeping-leaf, and the banyan tree, a species endemic to Taiwan. The ginseng fig is also a popular potted plant option. It has a thick trunk and is named after its enlarged roots that resemble ginseng. Sometimes it can be combined with the fig fig by grafting.

Most banyan trees growing in their native habitat will develop aerial roots. This natural phenomenon is often used in potted creations to form or create special “root art” that hangs over or clings to rocks. If you want your potted banyan tree to grow aerial roots at home, you must use artificial methods to maintain a humidity close to 100%. You can use a glass cover, a fish tank, or use a transparent plastic sheet to build a small greenhouse. Aerial roots grow downward, and once they touch the soil, they can grow thick and become pillar roots.

The leaves of most potted banyan trees are pointed at the top to help rainwater fall. The leaves of different varieties vary in length, ranging from 2 to 50 centimeters, but most of the trunks have gray smooth bark.