How to make a banyan bonsai? A full breakdown of the detailed method and steps

The banyan tree is an evergreen tree species of the genus Ficus in the mulberry family. It likes light and prefers a warm, humid, rainy climate. It is not cold-tolerant and slightly shade-tolerant, and is suited to growing in fertile, loose, moist alluvial soil. The branches of the banyan tree produce aerial roots that can hang down to the ground, giving it a very good ornamental effect. Its crown is relatively spreading and it has strong sprouting ability, making it a good bonsai tree species.

I. Seedling sources

Banyan stock is mainly selected from seed-grown seedlings and cutting-grown seedlings. Sowing is generally carried out in February to March each year, and the small seedlings can be divided and transplanted after 1 year. Cuttings are usually taken in February to March each year, and are divided and transplanted after 1 year.

II. Styling

1. Potting April to May each year is the best season for potting banyan trees. The banyan tree has a simple, antique form, so it is usually best to choose a purple clay pot of antique appearance to match it. The banyan tree likes slightly acidic soil, which can be obtained by mixing garden soil and pond mud.

2. Styling The banyan tree has strong sprouting ability, so styling is mainly based on pruning, with wiring as a supplement. When the main trunk of the seedling grows to a certain height and thickness, the terminal buds should be removed to control height, so as to dwarf the main trunk and encourage it to thicken. After reaching the dwarfing standard, 3-5 side branches can be retained, and pinching out the growing tips and buds should be repeated. The main trunk should be styled by the wiring method, and branches that spoil the appearance as well as diseased and pest-infested branches should be cut off at any time.

III. Care

A. Watering The banyan tree likes moisture and the potting soil needs to be kept moist. But it must not become waterlogged.

B. Fertilizing During the growing period, apply a thin cake fertilizer once a month. In winter, one application of base fertilizer is enough.

C. Pruning The banyan tree has strong sprouting ability and should be pruned at any time.

D. Repotting The best time for repotting is April to May. Generally repot once every 3-4 years. When repotting, be sure to carry out root-raising treatment at the same time.

E. Pest and disease control Banyan trees have relatively few pests and diseases. Sometimes there are scale insects. When only a small number occur, they can be brushed off by hand. If they occur in large numbers, chemical control can be used. In winter, spray a 10-15 times dilution of rosin mixture, or before bud break in spring spray 3-5 degrees Baumé lime sulfur mixture. It is also possible, during the larval stage of scale insects, to spray a 500 times dilution of 50% carbaryl wettable powder, or a 1000 times dilution of 50% phoxim emulsifiable concentrate. As long as ventilation and light transmission in the greenhouse are strengthened, the occurrence of scale insects can be reduced. For example, spray regularly, and in winter and early spring combine this with pruning, cutting off some pest-infested branches and burning them in a centralized manner, and so on.