Attention Points for Repotting Banyan Trees
Is your banyan tree bonsai wilting and turning yellow after repotting? The seemingly simple process of transplanting actually harbors many subtleties. As a tropical plant with well-developed aerial roots, banyan trees are extremely sensitive to changes in the root environment. Mastering the scientific method of repotting not only promotes the growth of new roots but also extends their ornamental value for decades. This article provides a detailed explanation of the four key factors affecting the survival rate of transplanting through practical operation illustrations.
Root Protection Operating Standards
Pre-Watering and Pot Removal Techniques
Water thoroughly 48 hours in advance until water seeps from the bottom of the pot, and wait until the soil moisture content drops to 60% before proceeding. The moist clay matrix is easier to separate from the pot wall, allowing the soil clod to be removed intact by rotating and tapping the pot. This method reduces the root breakage rate by 50% compared to drying before pot removal.
Key Points for Handling Heart Soil
Retain the central soil ball with a diameter of over 15cm and remove 1/3 of the surrounding soil. When brown soft rot roots are found, cut them diagonally at a 45-degree angle using a disinfected scissor and apply charcoal powder instead of potassium permanganate to avoid chemical damage to the symbiotic microflora.
Optimization Scheme for Container and Matrix
Pot Selection Criteria
A new pot with a diameter 5-8cm larger than the original is ideal, with purple sand pots having better breathability than glazed ones. Tests have shown that a pot height to canopy width ratio of 1:1.2 can effectively control excessive growth, and placing a 3cm layer of volcanic rock fragments at the bottom forms a drainage isolation layer.
Scientific Soil Mixture Ratio
Blend red jade soil (40%), decomposed leaf soil (30%), coarse river sand (20%), and bone meal (10%) to form a slightly acidic matrix. When potting, use the layering method, lifting the plant slightly after every 5cm of soil is added to allow the roots to spread out, leaving a 2cm water margin at the end.
Scientific Care After Transplanting
After repotting, place the plant in a diffused light environment for 14 days and maintain 85% humidity by spraying water on the leaves. For the first watering, use the immersion method, and when the pot surface turns white, supplement with a 1000-fold diluted bamboo vinegar solution to promote the regeneration of fine roots. Gradually increase light exposure after new buds appear, and avoid using solid fertilizers within three months.
By precisely controlling the pot removal rhythm, root treatment, matrix improvement, and seedling care, the survival rate of banyan tree repotting can be increased to over 95%. It is worth noting that the best time for repotting is between March and April when the temperature is stable at 18-25°C. Using EM bacteria solution every month afterward can quickly rebuild the aerial root system and restore the vigorous appearance of ancient banyan trees.