Worth knowing:
The only thing that the Indian Banyan Tree and the famous Ficus carica, with its fruits commonly known as figs, have in common, is the botanical name of the genus. The seeds of the Banyan Tree are usually eaten by birds and then discharged in undigested form. That way, they come to stick on branches of other trees, where they will germinate epiphytically. Other than parasitic plants, the seedlings of the Banyan Tree are not penetrating the host tree initially, but rather live in symbiosis with it. Over time it develops aerial roots that will reach the ground eventually. After that, the growth of the Indian Banyan Tree increases drastically and the aerial roots will steadily cover the host tree that will slowly die, providing the Banyan Tree with additional nutrients. In the end, a substomatal cavity remains inside the plant. The evergreen Indian Banyan Tree can easily be cultivated as a tub plant, and can of course also multiply itself through seeds.
Natural Location:
The Indian Banyan Tree originally comes from Northwest India, and can nowadays be found throughout South East Asia.
Cultivation:
Seed propagation indoors is possible throughout the year. Spread the fine seeds onto moist potting compost and press them firmly to the earth. Then, cover the seed container with clear film to prevent the earth from drying out. Don’t forget to make some holes in the clear film and take it every second or third day completely off for about 2 hours. That way you avoid mold formation on your potting compost. Place the seed container somewhere bright and warm and keep the earth moist, but not wet.
Place:
Ideally, the Indian Banyan Tree likes a sunny spot. During summer it can also be kept outdoors in a slightly wind-protected place.
Care:
Don’t water the plant too plentiful - watering every five to seven days will be sufficient. Starting from about six months after planting, you may provide your Banyan Tree with fluid fertilizer for tub plants on a monthly basis.
During the winter:
The Indian Banyan Tree is not frost-hardy and should be kept during hibernation in a bright and warm place with a temperature of about 10° to 20° Celsius, but preferably not close to a heater. Since it casts the leaves, your plant will need even less watering during winter.
Picture credits:
- © © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Frank Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Frank Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
- © Sabine Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
