How to cultivate a small banyan tree
About the methods of cultivating a small banyan tree and the maintenance tips for potted banyan trees with small leaves, if there are any mistakes, please feel free to correct them!
When growing flowers indoors, you don't necessarily have to choose golden edge dracaena, pothos,虎尾兰 (huito lan), kaffir lily, and so on. There is also a kind of potted plant that is actually very beautiful and has vigorous growth with lush leaves and an attractive shape. It is the mini banyan tree, also known as banyan bonsai. Some friends call it ginseng banyan. Although the plant is not large and does not grow into a towering tree like the ones planted in the ground, it is really aesthetically pleasing. When well cared for, it is more pleasing to the eye than pothos and dracaena. It is not only easy to survive but also very sturdy, able to be maintained for a long time and staying green throughout the four seasons, looking as enduring as a bonsai. So, how can we care for a potted small banyan tree at home?
How to care for a potted banyan tree? Pay attention to two points: it has many leaves, is green and lush, and has a beautiful shape.
1. Potted banyan trees need plenty of sunlight
Actually, it is a plant that loves sunlight very much. The small banyan trees in pots have similar growth habits to the large banyan trees planted in the ground. When planted outdoors, they are basically under the sun every day, with no problems even under intense sunlight, and they grow wilder with lush leaves, looking very sturdy and growing into a large tree.
Therefore, the potted banyan trees we keep at home should be placed in a sunny spot. If kept indoors, they must have access to sunlight, and the same goes for placing them on the balcony. Keeping them exposed to sufficient sunlight every day, even in the summer, is no problem and they are very easy to care for.
Since potted banyan trees are not cold-resistant, they should be moved indoors for maintenance during winter. At other times, they can be left outdoors, even under the hot summer sun. In fact, they have a very strong vitality. In some cities, they can grow well even in the corners of walls or in the gaps of bricks.
How to cultivate a small banyan tree
2. Potted banyan trees can be pruned frequently
If there are too many branches, you can trim them, cutting off some branches to create an attractive shape. Generally, three to four main branches can be left, with the branches about 10-15 cm long, then topped to encourage the growth of lateral buds. If you prefer a smaller plant, consider keeping the overall height below 40 cm. When the branches grow to the thickness of a little finger, you can think about shaping them into an even more attractive and beautiful form.
Actually, potted banyan trees are very strong. If you forget to water them for a long period and some leaves fall off, you can place them on the indoor balcony in a well-ventilated and shady area, water them thoroughly, and after letting them recover for a while, they will grow back lush leaves.
However, when keeping them indoors, do not water too frequently, water them every three to four days, and reduce watering when the temperature is low. In winter, it is better to keep them indoors to prevent them from freezing. In spring and autumn, give them some fertilizer to encourage them to grow more lush and sturdy.
The above is [Green Plant Enthusiast Network]'s detailed explanation of how to cultivate a small banyan tree and the maintenance tips for potted banyan trees with small leaves, for everyone's reference and suggestions!