How to care for a banyan bonsai
Banyan bonsais are popular for their sturdy, ancient-looking trunks and evergreen characteristics, making them a hot choice for home greening. To create a vibrant banyan bonsai, one needs to master the basic care essentials as well as understand the secrets of artistic shaping. This article will unveil the cultivation secrets of banyan bonsais, from daily care to shaping design.
Four key points of banyan bonsai care
Light and temperature control
Banyan trees are typical sun-loving plants, and it is recommended to maintain over 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, with full-sun care in spring and autumn. In summer, use a shading net to filter 30% of the strong light to prevent leaf edge scorching. In winter, when temperatures drop below 10°C, it is suggested to move the plant indoors and place it near a south-facing window to maintain its growth vitality.
Scientific watering mode
Use the 'soaking pot + spraying' double补水 method: soak the pot once a week in spring and autumn to completely moisten the soil, combined with daily morning and evening leaf surface spraying; change to soaking every 3 days in summer, and extend to every 10-15 days in winter. Special attention should be paid to the fact that unglazed pots evaporate faster than purple sand pots, requiring a 20% increase in watering frequency.
Key points of fertilizing and potting
In the growing season (March-September), apply a diluted foliage plant nutrient solution (1:1000) monthly, combined with the application of bone meal every half year to supplement trace elements. Perform potting every 2 years, using a mixed matrix of decayed leaf soil + red jade soil + river sand (proportion 4:3:3). Trim 1/3 of the old roots during potting to promote the development of new roots.
Techniques for shaping and pruning
Conduct shaping pruning in May and September each year, using the trunk cutting and branch storing method to create a cloud-like shape. Retain 3-5 main branches to form the framework, and keep secondary branches with 2-3 buds and cut them short. When using aluminum wire for wrapping, it is necessary to wrap the branches with cloth strips to prevent grooves, and adjust the binding angle every 3 months.
Appreciating the art of banyan bonsai
How to care for a banyan bonsai
Through proper care and artistic processing, banyan bonsais can present over ten shapes, such as cliff and rock-attached styles. By regularly observing the plant's condition and adjusting the care strategy based on seasonal changes, you can also cultivate exquisite bonsais that are both ornamental and collectible.