Banyan Bonsai literally means “planted in a container”. Enjoyed by the wealthiest aristocrats and high-society members of Japanese people, bonsai is enjoyed by people from all around the world. Here, we will get to know how to take care of the bonsai banyan tree with ease.
Common types such as juniper, spruce trees, and pine are outdoor plants and let them be exposed to the different seasons. Outdoor bonsai include deciduous trees whose leaves change with the seasons.
● Positioning: It should be kept away from the direct heat of the sun.
● Lighting: Keep in an area with lots of sunlight.
● Humidity: Bonsais need humidity so that their soil is moist.
Watering the bonsai tree
As soon as soil appears dry, the rule of thumb says to water it.
The number one reason for bonsai tree deaths is under-watering. For the soil layer is shallow, it gets dry immediately. Bonsai trees must be watered right when the layer of soil looks dry.
Depends upon the type and size of the bonsai plant, or on the type of soil you use- the frequency of watering differs and can be once a day. Therefore, it’s important to water bonsai plants individually.
Overwatering can be a hindrance for a Banyan Bonsai tree. An overwatered bonsai include the yellowing of leaves and the shrivelling of its branches.
Pruning and shaping a bonsai tree
Pruning is essential to keep them small and being in a compact shape.
There are 2 types of pruning:
- Maintenance pruning: This strengthens up the tree by new growth. Cutting away young leaves exposes it to sun and air which benefits its overall health. Branches, shoots, and buds need definite pruning. It encourages the growth of smaller leaves and you can control the shape of your bonsai plant. Pruning should happen during the spring to grow more and more flowers the following year.
- Structural pruning: it is a kind of advanced technique wherein there is the removal of the tree’s primary structural branches and needs the skills of a professional to make sure that the tree can recover. You can also wire its branches.
Right soil for bonsai
The main thing one needs for your bonsai is to choose the right soil that provides proper drainage. Have large particles in the soil mixture, like volcanic rock or stones, to get proper drainage and to let the air into the soil. The right soil mixture should hold water which can be made better by adding clay.
Fertilizing your bonsai makes sure that the bonsai plant receives the proper amount of nutrients to stay healthy.
Repotting the bonsai plant
Repotting is a key thing in maintaining the overall health of the bonsai tree. What repotting does is remove excess roots which make the tree starve, or not have enough nutrients. Repotting also makes sure that the tree lets to thrive within a small pot. Bonsai trees must be repotted every two to five years, depending on how your bonsai tree grows.
Basic steps to repotting your bonsai tree:
- Remove the tree from its pot.
- Using sharp objects, trim away the layer of roots.
- Inspect the root mass for areas that can indicate where the plant is not getting enough drainage.
- Clean the pot and remove all brown or green spots.
- Do place mesh squares over the drainage holes.
- Layer the pot with soil and place the tree on top.
- Fill the holes and gaps where the root was with soil.
Other aspects of taking care of bonsai tree at home:
Do bonsai trees need a lot of sunlight?
They must receive 5-6 hours of sunlight every day, whether inside or outside. Bonsai can be kept outside in the warmer months (May-September), although there are species that can be kept indoors year-round. Understand that the more sunlight and warmth your Bonsai receives, the more water it needs.
Where should I place my bonsai tree at home?
All bonsai must be exposed to good proper sunlight. All this lets photosynthesis take place and is crucial for a plant’s survival. Place near a South facing window for best results. Experts tell 5 hours of light directed to get much-needed light exposure.
This is how we take care of it. Bonsai denotes the vivid art form of cultivating small trees and dating back to the old 14th century it is the main part of Japanese culture.
