The Mystical Power of the Banyan Tree: Unlocking its Secrets for Prosperity and Longevity

The Banyan tree, a member of the Feng Shui Four Symbols representing luck and auspiciousness, brings positive energy to homes and offices. However, not many people know about planting the Banyan tree for good luck. Let’s explore the Banyan tree from a Feng Shui perspective.

1What is the Banyan tree?

Characteristics of the Banyan Tree

The Banyan tree, also known as the Cừa or Gừa tree in some regions, belongs to the Moraceae family and the Ficus genus, with the scientific name Ficus microcarpa L.

The Banyan tree can grow up to 30 meters in height. Its auxiliary roots will drop and form auxiliary trunks that penetrate deep into the ground, helping to stabilize the main trunk. Branches grow horizontally, mostly sprouting from the base. The trunk may have ridges or bumps due to rapid growth. The entire tree is covered with white sap, and the leaves are a beautiful, deep shade of green.

Description and identification of the Banyan tree

Classification of the Banyan Tree

In addition to the native Banyan tree species found in Vietnam, which is commonly grown for its shade and aesthetic value, there is also a smaller variety known as the Japanese Banyan tree, which is ideal for bonsai cultivation.

2The Benefits of the Banyan Tree

Provides Shade and Serves as a Construction Material

The Banyan tree, when grown to maturity, can reach impressive heights with a wide canopy, offering shade with a diameter of up to 5-10 meters. During sunlight hours, its leaves photosynthesize, absorbing CO2 and releasing O2, making it easier for people standing under the canopy to breathe and improving air quality. The chlorophyll in the Banyan tree’s leaves helps absorb electronic rays from electronic devices, providing protection for the eyes and brain.

The Banyan tree provides shade and serves as a construction material

Due to its robust vitality and ability to thrive in all types of soil without human intervention, the Banyan tree is often planted in public spaces such as parks, temples, pagodas, riverbanks, and streets. It helps create a green and environmentally friendly landscape while combating desertification in arid regions.

Banyan Tree Bonsai

Banyan tree bonsai

The Banyan tree’s flexible trunk and branches, combined with its long lifespan and attractive knots or bumps, make it a popular choice for bonsai artists. They confidently shape and bend the tree without fear of breakage or death. The Banyan tree bonsai can be displayed alone in a pot or alongside a water feature or rock garden, and it thrives with minimal care and a low risk of drying out.

Medicinal Uses

Medicinal uses of the Banyan tree

According to Eastern medicine, the sap and auxiliary roots of the Banyan tree can be used to treat the following conditions:

• Bruises, ulcers, and blood stasis caused by accidents or beatings.
• Cough, tonsillitis, bronchitis, and high fever.
• Cases of acute enteritis or dysentery.

3The Significance of the Banyan Tree in Feng Shui

In Feng Shui, the Four Symbols (Đa – Sung – Sanh – Si) or the Auspicious Group, which includes the Banyan tree, brings good fortune and prosperity to homes and offices. The tall trunk represents abundant blessings, while the lush, vibrant leaves symbolize a strong life force. The thick, deep green leaves convey a sense of fullness and vitality.

The Banyan tree only grows in an auspicious direction if planted in the right place, enhancing positive energy and counteracting negative forces in the land or house orientation.

Feng Shui significance of the Banyan tree

4What Element and Age Does the Banyan Tree Suit?

What element and age does the Banyan tree suit?

In Feng Shui, the Banyan tree is associated with the Wood element due to its brown trunk and green leaves. People with this element benefit from planting the Banyan tree, as it brings good fortune and blessings to them and their families. These individuals belong to the following ages:

• Canh Dần: 1950
• Tân Mão: 1951
• Mậu Tuất: 1958
• Kỷ Hợi: 1959
• Nhâm Tý: 1972
• Quý Sửu: 1973
• Canh Thân: 1980
• Tân Dậu: 1981
• Mậu Thìn: 1988
• Kỷ Tỵ: 1989
• Nhâm Ngọ: 2002
• Quý Mùi: 2003

5Should You Plant the Banyan Tree in Front of Your House?

From a Feng Shui perspective, the Banyan tree is considered a yin tree, potentially attracting spirits and ghosts, which is not conducive to the house’s energy due to its dense branches and deep-reaching roots, creating a gloomy atmosphere at dusk and during the night. Therefore, it is not advisable to plant the Banyan tree in front of your house.

Should you plant the Banyan tree in front of your house?

6Planting and Caring for the Banyan Tree

Planting the Banyan Tree

It is recommended to propagate the Banyan tree through cutting or layering from a mature, healthy tree:

Soil: Choose a loamy soil rich in humus and mix it with well-rotted manure.

Method:

• Select a healthy branch approximately 50-60cm long and use a sharp knife to cut a 15-20cm section from the tip. Each cutting will be a layer.
• Use a black plastic bag with a height of 12cm and a width of 10cm, perforated at the bottom for drainage. Insert the cutting, leaves intact, into the bag, burying it 3-4cm deep.
• After about two months, when the cutting has grown to a height of 25-30cm, it can be transplanted into a pot or garden.

Planting Technique

Soil: Opt for fertile, humus-rich soil with a medium to slightly heavy texture.

Seedlings: When propagating, choose robust, well-rooted seedlings that will develop desirable shapes and forms.

Considering the Feng Shui aspects, individuals with the Wood element should plant the Banyan tree in front of their homes, keeping the following in mind:

• Limit the height of the Banyan tree bonsai to no more than one meter, and plant in pairs or odd numbers (3, 5, or 7). Alternatively, combine it with other plants to boost positive energy.
• Avoid placing the Banyan tree in the center or in the West or Southwest directions, which are considered inauspicious for the Wood element.
• Regularly prune the leaves and branches to prevent overgrowth, which may negatively affect the health of household members.

Regularly prune the leaves and branches to avoid overgrowth.

Caring for the Banyan Tree

Light: Due to its large size and dense foliage, the Banyan tree requires ample sunlight for photosynthesis. Ensure it is positioned in a sunny, open area.

Fertilizer: Regularly add well-rotted compost, sawdust, and rice husks to provide nutrients and maintain soil moisture.

Care: After establishing the bonsai shape, maintain soil moisture with regular watering and apply stimulants to promote root growth. Prune unwanted branches and pinch the tips to guide the tree’s development.

7Price and Places to Buy the Banyan Tree

Price and places to buy the Banyan tree

The Banyan tree is available for purchase at nurseries and online gardening stores. Prices vary depending on the tree’s age, shape, and size, ranging from 50,000 VND to 50,000,000 VND.

8Images of Banyan Tree Bonsai for Tet Holiday

Banyan tree bonsai for Tet holiday

Banyan tree bonsai for Tet holiday

Each bonsai tree has a unique shape

Banyan tree with a large base suitable for garden decoration

This concludes our exploration of the Banyan tree’s Feng Shui significance, benefits, and planting instructions for Tet. We hope it helps you choose the perfect tree to adorn your home during the festive season!