Banyan Trees

Dr.Bonsai

Thank you for your question, Dr. Freeze,

"Banyan" is a name applied to a number of varieties of fig tree from the genus Ficus known for their milky white sap (latex), which is used to make rubber.

Ficus have a number of different growth habits: some of these trees are climbers, others form huge trunks with branches that send down aerial roots able to support their spread into dense, mounded domes. Varieties of "Strangler fig" are vines that can completely engulf their host plant.

Ficus benjamina (Weeping Chinese Banyan)is commonly grown indoors as a houseplant. Bonsai growers in Florida are fond of another species called "Willow Leaved Fig" or Ficus nerifolia, whose leaves are smaller, narrower and darker in color.

CULTIVATION TIPS

Ficus will not tolerate frost well and will need to be overwintered indoors in most parts of the world. If you are happen to live in a warmer climate like Florida, Hawaii or Southern California, they may do quite well for you outdoors all year round.

Ficus do like a lot of indirect light. Pruning wounds do not heal particularly well, so it is common to leave a small stub when pruning. This will wither back and can be cut off entirely.

I have a large Ficus benjamina in my collection that remains outdoors until the first frost. A temperature of 70-72 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. They appreciate some shade in the summertime.

As selective as these trees are about temperature, they are very forgiving in terms of their moisture requirements; my ficus bonsai plant is potted in very well drained bonsai soil and I water it daily. In contrast, I have a six foot ficus of the same species in the kitchen that is planted in Supersoil and gets watered only every three weeks!

AERIAL ROOTS

The decending aerial roots can be encouraged to grow by keeping a high humidity environment around the branches. Felix Rivera had an article in Bonsai Today some years ago in which he described his technique of using soda straws packed with sphagnum to channel these developing roots into aerial root columns.

Aside from the temperature issue, the plants are easy to grow. Don't be surprised if after relocating a ficus it drops all of its leaves. A new set usually appears in a couple of weeks.

WHERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT FICUS

PICTURES OF FICUS AS BONSAI
1. Gainsville Bonsai Society 1996 show page features some impressive F. nerifolia.

2. Bonsai Penjing, Japanese & Chinese Garden Links look for any Florida enthusiast.

DISEASES OF FICUS
You can learn about diseases that affect indoor plants at the Browns Florist site.

PLACES TO BUY FICUS
1. Your neighborhood nursery - look for Ficus benjamina
3. The Bonsai Tree
2. Bonsai Boy of New York