How to prune a banyan bonsai

How often to trim

The pruning of banyan trees, or more figuratively speaking, the shaping, should be based on pruning and supplemented by binding. It is best to prune once a year.

The germination ability of banyan trees is enhanced, and pruning can be done all year round, but early spring is generally the best time. Cut off forked branches, overlapping branches, dead branches, and diseased branches that do not need fertilizer.

During routine maintenance, you can cut off the overgrown branches at any time to ensure the beautiful shape of the tree. For branches with vigorous growth, you can cut them 1 to 2 times a year, and repeat this process. Within 4 years, a beautiful banyan bonsai will appear.

Pruning methods

Pruning is mainly divided into the following five parts:

① Pinching: This is a method to inhibit the growth of banyan trees, promote the flat growth of lateral buds, and cut off the tender tips of the branches.

② Picking buds: During the growth process of banyan bonsai, many adventitious buds will grow on the branches. It is necessary to pick the buds at any time to avoid sprouting too many branches and affecting the appearance.

③ Leaf picking: The ornamental period of banyan trees is often the period when new leaves sprout. Proper pruning of the newly grown leaves will help to sprout new leaves multiple times. The color of the leaves will also be bright and pleasing to the eye, thereby improving the ornamental effect.

④ Pruning: Banyan bonsai often grows many new branches. The pruning method should be determined according to the shape of the tree and your own aesthetic taste. If you feel that the growth of this branch hinders the overall shape, you can cut it off.

⑤ Root pruning: Root pruning should be done in time when repotting. If the root system is too long or too dense, it needs to be trimmed. If the roots have not fully covered the bottom of the pot, you can use the original pot without pruning the roots; if the roots have already fully grown, you need to change to a larger pot, thin out the dense roots, remove the old roots, retain a few new roots, and replant.