How to Grow Banyan Aerial Roots? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Methods

In order to adapt to the rainy, hot and humid environment of the south and survive better, the banyan tree has grown aerial roots, which help it breathe. For banyan trees, whether potted or planted in the open ground, aerial roots will form. Potted banyan aerial roots can also improve the banyan's ornamental value. Now let us take a look at how to grow banyan aerial roots!

How Banyan Aerial Roots Form

1. Natural formation: Many fibrous adventitious roots often grow on the trunk and side branches of the banyan tree, growing vertically downward. Some hang in the air, while others, after reaching the ground, insert themselves into the soil and form woody pillars like tree trunks, serving support and absorption functions.

2. Artificial formation: To increase beauty, in places where roots are needed, physical root promotion or chemical root promotion is used to force the banyan tree to grow aerial roots.

Preparation for Growing Banyan Aerial Roots

1. Tree species selection: For root induction, choose mainly native plants of the genus Ficus in the mulberry family, especially the small-leaved banyan (Ficus microcarpa), the lofty fig (Ficus altissima), and the Leizhou banyan, which have relatively well-developed aerial roots.

2. Growing time: Banyan root induction can be carried out in all four seasons, but spring is the most suitable, because in spring the temperature gradually rises and rainfall increases, which is beneficial to plant growth.

3. Aerial root selection: For safety and ease of construction, generally choose aerial roots within about 5 m from the ground, and select aerial roots with proper spacing according to landscaping or rejuvenation needs.

Methods for Growing Banyan Aerial Roots

1. Approach grafting: Similar to approach grafting in grafting, but there are also differences. The approach grafting here is to attach a small banyan tree with more roots, together with its pot, to the branch or trunk of the banyan tree to be shaped. The method is the same as approach grafting. After success, remove the pot and the soil between the roots, and let the roots of the small banyan tree grow.

2. Half-breaking branch method: Choose a side branch on which roots are to grow, cut a slit near the main trunk deep to the xylem, gently break it by hand, and plug the wound with mud. Before long, many lateral roots will grow from the broken place. Guide the lateral roots to grow downward, which can create the landscape of a single tree forming a forest.

3. Binding method: According to the shaping requirements, choose the branch on which aerial roots need to grow, wrap it once with iron wire, and tighten the iron wire with pliers to force the sap to stop flowing, then cover the wound with wet moss. Before long, milky white root buds will grow from the wound. At this time, use a plastic pot to make a removable sleeve, and place moist fine sand, vermiculite, or sawdust in the pot. Plant the roots in the pot and gradually guide them. Once the requirements are met, remove the removable sleeve.