How to propagate banyan trees

Cuttings

Banyan tree cuttings are usually chosen in spring. Cut 1-2 year old branches and cut them into 5-15 cm long sections, each containing 3-4 sections. Remove the lower leaves and only keep the upper leaves. When the leaves are large, you can use a thin rope to tie them into a tube shape.

Insert the prepared branches into the soil, 1/3 of the way into the soil. Cover with plastic film to keep moisture. Control the temperature at 25℃. It will take 30 to 45 days for the cuttings to take root and sprout. After rooting, you can plant it in a pot.

Layering

You can also use layering method for propagation at home. Bury part of the branch in the soil, compact it and water it. The operation is simple and it usually takes about 30 days to take root. Choose two-year-old branches, peel the smooth part of the branches with a width of 1 to 1.5 cm, then wrap them with moist peat or moss, and finally wrap them with plastic film. After tying them, poke some small holes in the film, and they can be potted after roots grow.

grafting

The most commonly used method for grafting banyan trees is green branch grafting, which involves choosing strong branches that are still growing and have not yet reached the top, and choosing relatively beautiful rootstocks for grafting. Stop watering before grafting to reduce sap flow during the grafting process.

When grafting, the length of the scion should be 2 to 3 cm, and the lower end should be cut into a V shape. Cut the top of the rootstock, cut a 1-meter incision downward with the blade, and insert the scion. Then tie it tightly with plastic film and water it thoroughly. Place it in a ventilated and bright place. Remove the film once a day to ventilate it. Generally, it will take about 45 days for it to survive and then be untied.