Photo: H. Zell, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Houseplant
Chinese banyan: when and how to prune
Ficus microcarpa
Chinese banyan is best pruned in March–August.
| Pruning months | March–August |
|---|---|
| Poisonous to people and pets | Yes, take care with children and pets |
Chinese banyan: when to prune it?
From March to August, during the growing season, whenever new shoots get too long.
What else to prune in those months? March · April · May · June · July · August
Chinese banyan: how to prune it?
- Let a new shoot make six to eight leaves, then cut it back to two or three leaves.
- Cut just above a leaf: new side shoots form there and the crown becomes denser.
- Remove branches growing inwards or straight up.
- Cut off shoots that come from the swollen base, below the graft: they have different leaves.
How much to cut, and how often?
- One pruning period a year: March–August.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- A houseplant lives indoors, so wildlife hardly notices the pruning. Healthy clippings can go on the compost.
Caution: The white sap can irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves and put a cloth under the plant, as the sap is sticky and stains. Chinese banyan is poisonous: wear gloves and keep clippings away from children, pets and livestock.
Nearby: related pruning guides
Plant profile: Chinese banyan · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.