We have a large Banyon tree in the Florida Keys that has been suddenly defoliated, completely by thousands of small white caterpillars. The tree did well after Irma. We have had an extended dry spell. Other nearby trees such as grape and mahogany are not affected. Will the tree now die? We have never seen this sort of infestation before.
There are a few things that you can do to prevent, and rid them. This collection of articles will give you information on making your own pesticides, as well as other organic gardening tips: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/
I bought a baby banyan tree (indoors for now) and at first I watered it too much and it was dropping leaves, so I started watering it once a month. The leaves are still turning brown and it hasn’t grown at all in the 3 months I’ve had it. I’ve just been leaving it by a north facing window. Not a lot of direct sunlight hitting it, and it’s routinely overcast where I am in Pennsylvania. I’ve moved apartments since I’ve had it. Before it was in a SE facing window. The temp is 65-70F indoors. What am I doing wrong? Last I watered it I gave it some Miracle grow all purpose plant food. Should I not be doing that?
Water throughly and then let the soil dry out in between waterings.
Soil should not be soggy; just slightly damp.
Make sure you use a good quality potting mix.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/banyan/growing-a-banyan-tree.htm
Need banyan tree cuttings for planting.
We do not sell from this site; we are an information source for gardeners.
Try doing a Google search for plants; also try Ebay or Etsy.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/banyan/growing-a-banyan-tree.htm
Good day, could you please advise whether a Banyan tree would grow in the Western Cape of South Africa, is it indigenous and is it a protected species. Many thanks Daphne
Ficus benghalensis is the species of fig tree commonly known as 'banyan'. It's a tropical tree native to India and in fact is the national tree of India. There are other fig species that are sometimes called banyan, like the Chinese banyan Ficus microcarpa, and the weeping Chinese banyan Ficus benjamina.
The other question was would it grow there. That is probably dictated by the lowest temperature; as a tropical tree it will not be suitable for sub freezing temperatures, if you get that in winter in the western cape. The Chinese species are subtropical and may be better adapted.
I have a large banyan tree in my front yard in South Florida, I have noticed over the last month excessive leaves falling... my husband and I have to bag about 2-3 contractors bags of leaves every week to keep it contained. We do have an irrigation system in the front yard that goes off 3x a week since we are not in rain season yet... the leaves are yellowing and falling but not any drastic discolorations or damage to the leaves so I am not certain if the tree is sick, has a pest or is being over watered :( please help!!!
If the irrigation system is giving it more water than usual, I would suspect that as the reason. Has there been any drastic weather changes? That can cause leaf drop. Stress can cause yellowing and leaf drop, so check carefully for signs of insects or disease.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/plant-dropping-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/banyan/growing-a-banyan-tree.htm
My banyan tree is filled with bugs and nothing seems to work. I've tried warm water and soap as well as various pesticides that would be compatible with this tree but they keep coming back with a vengeance. :(.
This looks a lot like bacterial leaf spot. It could, definitely, have been caused by spider mites. These are notoriously difficult to rid your plant of.
Here are some article that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/using-fungicides-in-garden.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/applying-bactericide-to-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm
Thank you, I'll definitely try the Neem oil as nothing else has worked. Appreciate your time.
inches. I want to repot it in little larger pot. What type of planter should I use now and what care should I take while repotting? My current planter is rectangular in shape and height is of 6.5 inches. I do not want my plant to grow long beyond 2.5 feet. What should be done ?
When repotting anything, it is best to only use a container that is 1 or 2 inches larger on all sides. When you are satisfied with its height, you will need to keep it in that size container, and trim the largest roots every year.
Here are some articles that will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/banyan/growing-a-banyan-tree.htm