Banyan bonsai with its unique shape, luxuriant branches and leaves, has become a favorite choice for many bonsai lovers. In the process of maintaining banyan bonsai, the factor of sunlight plays a crucial role in whether it can grow healthily and show a beautiful posture.
The Natural Connection Between The Growth Habits Of Ficus Trees And Sunlight
Banyan trees belong to the evergreen trees of the Ficus family. In the natural environment, they usually grow in sunny, warm and humid areas, such as forests and streams in tropical and subtropical areas. The long-term natural growth of the ficus tree has formed a specific demand pattern for sunlight.
Sunlight is, first of all, an energy source for photosynthesis. Through photosynthesis, the leaves of the ficus tree are able to use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic matter, such as sugars, while releasing oxygen. These organic substances are the material basis for the growth and development of ficus trees, and provide sufficient nutrient support for the thickening of branches and the luxuriance of branches and leaves. It can be said that sufficient sunlight can ensure that the banyan bonsai has enough “energy” to maintain its own life activities, so that it is vibrant.
In addition, sunlight also affects the physiological rhythm of ficus trees. The normal light cycle helps to regulate the different stages of growth and dormancy of ficus trees. In the natural environment, during the day to receive sunlight for photosynthesis and other activities, night is respiration and other metabolic adjustments, the appropriate light duration can make the hormone levels in the body of the banyan tree to maintain a good balance, so as to orderly germination, branching, long leaves and other growth processes.
The Influence Of Different Lighting Conditions On Banyan Bonsai
1. Adequate sunlight exposure
When the banyan bonsai can receive sufficient sunlight, its growth state often shows a lot of positive performance.
In terms of branches and leaves, the leaves will grow thicker, greener and more shiny. Sufficient sunlight promotes the increase of chlorophyll content in the leaves, better photosynthesis, so that the leaves can efficiently produce and accumulate nutrients, and then the branches will flourish, the speed of new shoot germination will be accelerated, the branches will be more robust, the branchage will increase, the shape of the whole bonjing will be more full and compact, and the ornamental value will be enhanced.
In terms of roots, sunlight can keep the soil temperature in the appropriate range, which is conducive to the growth and development of roots. In a warm environment, the root system is more active in physiological activities such as respiration, and its ability to absorb water and nutrients is enhanced. In turn, the root system can provide sufficient water, minerals and other nutrients for the above-ground branches and leaves, forming a virtuous growth cycle.
For example, the banyan tree bonsai placed on a south-facing balcony or outdoor open, well-lit place, in the growing season, as long as moisture and other maintenance conditions keep up, it will show a vigorous growth trend, constantly draw out new branches and leaves, showing a vibrant scene.
2. Insufficient light
However, if the banyan tree bonsai is in an environment of insufficient light for a long time, there will be a series of adverse growth phenomena.
Leaves will gradually become thin and yellow, which is due to the lack of enough sunlight, weakened photosynthesis, and insufficient chlorophyll synthesis to make enough organic matter to maintain the normal growth and color of the leaves. At the same time, the branches will become slender and weak, and the phenomenon of vain growth will occur, the original compact and beautiful shape will be destroyed, the branches will also be reduced, and the entire bonsai looks sparse and lacking in beauty.
From the perspective of the root system, insufficient light will make the soil temperature low, inhibit the physiological activities of the root system, slow and inefficient absorption of water and nutrients, and further affect the growth of the aboveground part. Over time, the overall resistance of banyan tree bonsai will decline and it will be vulnerable to attacks of diseases and pests, such as leaf spot and scale insects, which may occur frequently. A serious threat to their health.
For example, if the banyan tree bonsai is placed in a dim corner of the room, or in a place where the sun has been blocked by other tall objects for a long time, it will not take long to see that its growth slows down, the leaves lose luster, and it shows a flagging state.
3. The sun is too strong
Although banyan trees need plenty of sunlight, if the sun is too strong, especially in the summer sun exposure, it will also cause harm to banyan bonsai.
Strong direct sunlight will lead to leaf burns. At first, it may only be the phenomenon of withered yellow on the edge of the leaf. With the extension of exposure time, the burn area will expand, and even the whole leaf will become dry and curled, seriously affecting the progress of photosynthesis. In addition, long-term high temperature exposure may also make the pot temperature too high, damaging the root system. The root system may appear partially necrosis under high temperature environment, resulting in water and nutrient transport obstruction, and then make the above-ground branches and leaves wither without water, causing great damage to the growth of bonsai.
For example, in the absence of any shade measures, the banyan tree bonsai placed on the south-facing open platform, after experiencing high temperature exposure in summer, it is easy to appear the above leaf burns, poor plant growth and other problems, affecting its beauty and health.
Adjust The Lighting Conditions According To Different Seasons
1. Spring
Spring is the recovery stage of banyan bonsai growth, the temperature gradually rises, the sun also begins to become mild. At this time, the banyan tree should be exposed to as much sunlight as possible, and it should be placed in a place where the outdoor light is sufficient but will not suffer from the cold wind, such as the sunny place in the courtyard or the south-facing balcony. Sufficient sunlight can help banyan bonsai to quickly start the growth mechanism, promote the germination of new shoots and the expansion of leaves, and lay a good foundation for the growth of the whole year.
However, in early spring, there may occasionally be cold and other low temperature weather, when there is sunlight, but also pay attention to do a good job of windproof and warm measures to avoid temperature changes to the banyan bonsai damage.
2. Summer
Summer sunshine is strong and the temperature is high, for banyan bonsai, it is necessary to properly shade to avoid the damage of too much sun. The bonsai can be moved to a place with scattered light, such as placed under a tree, with the help of the tree’s branches and leaves to block part of the sun, or build a sunshade net, the shading rate of the sunshade net can be selected at about 50% -60%, which can ensure that the banyan bonsai receives a certain amount of light for photosynthesis, but also to avoid the burning and other problems caused by the direct sun.
In the early morning and evening of summer, the sun is relatively soft, and the shade can be appropriately removed, so that the banyan tree bonsai can fully enjoy the sunshine during this period, meet some of its light needs, and use the lower temperature in the morning and evening to promote its growth activities.
3. Autumn
Autumn temperature gradually decreased, the intensity of the sun has also weakened, then you can gradually increase the light time and intensity of banyan bonsai. It can be slowly moved from its shady summer location to a more sunny location, allowing it to take advantage of the relatively mild sunlight of this period to further accumulate nutrients and enhance the lignification of the branches in preparation for the coming winter.
In late autumn, it is necessary to pay attention to temperature changes, avoid sudden cooling on the banyan bonsai has adapted to a certain light and temperature environment, and take some warm measures when necessary, while ensuring that it can continue to receive the right amount of sunlight.
4. Winter
Winter temperatures are low, most areas of the sun is relatively soft, for banyan bonsai, as long as the temperature conditions allow, should try to let it more sun. If it is in the southern warmer area, the banyan tree bonsai can be placed in the outdoor sunny place; In the northern region, the indoor maintenance of banyan bonsai should be placed in a south-facing window and other good lighting position, through sunlight to improve the temperature of the basin soil, maintain a certain growth activity of banyan bonsai, while enhancing its cold resistance, to help it safely winter.
However, in the case of indoor heating in the north, attention should be paid to avoid the drying problem caused by too high indoor temperature and too strong light, and measures such as spray moisturizing can be appropriately taken to ensure that the humidity of the environment in which the banyan tree is located is appropriate.
Consideration Of Lighting In Different Maintenance Places
1. Indoor maintenance
Indoor maintenance of banyan bonsai, lighting is often a relatively big problem. Because the indoor light is generally much weaker than the outdoor, even the south-facing window, the light intensity is far less than the outdoor full sunlight. Therefore, in indoor maintenance, it is necessary to choose the best location for the bonsai, such as near the window and no shelter, and regularly turn the bonsai, so that its branches and leaves in all directions can receive sunlight, to ensure the uniformity of growth.
At the same time, artificial light should be combined to meet the lighting needs of banyan bonsai. You can use plant fill light, choose the full spectrum fill light, turn on 8-12 hours a day or so, simulate natural sunlight, help banyan bonsai in the room can also carry out relatively normal photosynthesis, maintain good growth state.
2. Outdoor maintenance
Outdoor maintenance can make banyan bonsai receive more natural and adequate sunlight, but it also needs to be adjusted according to the specific environment.
When maintaining in the courtyard, it is necessary to observe whether the surrounding buildings, trees, etc. will block the sun. If there is a blocking situation, it is necessary to adjust the placement position of the bonsai in a timely manner to ensure that it can receive enough light. In addition, in summer and other seasons when the sun is too strong, it is necessary to build shading facilities in advance and do a good job of shading; In winter, for some non-hardy banyan bonsai varieties, it is necessary to consider moving them indoors or taking effective measures to keep warm to ensure that they can receive the sun while safely wintering.
In the balcony maintenance, we should arrange the placement of banyan bonsai according to the direction of the balcony. The south sun platform is full of light, suitable for placing banyan bonsai most of the time, but in summer to do shade; The morning light on the east-facing balcony is better, which can make the banyan bonsai fully accept the sun in the morning, and the afternoon is in a relatively cool environment, which is more suitable for some banyan bonsai that is not particularly high in light requirements but can not completely lack light; Facing the west balcony, the afternoon sun is strong, and the problem of exposure is easy to occur in summer, so it is necessary to focus on shade work; The north-facing balcony has the weakest light, which is generally not suitable for long-term placement of banyan bonsai, unless combined with artificial light measures.
Judge Banyan Bonsai Lighting Is Appropriate Method
To judge whether the illumination of banyan bonsai is suitable, we can start from many aspects.
The leaves were green, thick, shiny and growing normally without yellowing, drying and curling, indicating that the light conditions were suitable. On the contrary, if the blade has the above adverse conditions, it is necessary to consider that it is caused by problems such as too strong or insufficient light.
Secondly, look at the growth of the branches, strong branches, reasonable branches, no long or thin performance, usually means that the light is in a suitable range.
It can also observe the overall growth vitality of bonsai, such as normal shoot germination, moderate growth rate, no abnormal conditions such as growth stagnation or overgrowth, which can also show that the current light environment is suitable for the growth of banyan bonsai.
Conclusion
The importance of sunlight for the growth of banyan bonsai can not be ignored, in the maintenance process, need to adjust the light conditions reasonably according to different seasons, maintenance places and other factors, carefully observe the growth response of bonsai, to ensure that it is always in the appropriate light environment, so as to let banyan bonsai thrive, show its unique artistic beauty, Add a touch of green and elegance to our lives.
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