After thinning the top branches on Aug 3rd, I'm getting new growth on branches below. Looking under the canopy I saw a few aerial roots that attempted to grow and dried out. I read that chopping the roots like I did when I repotted it will cause the tree to shoot new aerial roots out. Which would be fine in a tropical environment but not mine.
What I'm guessing is a grasshopper is feeding on some of the leaves, I didn't find one upon inspection.
Also getting good root growth along the soil, and what looks like tree frog poop. Hopefully they ate the grasshopper.
Prior to starting this banyan project, I purchased a small Schefflera to practice on, the small one is in inorganic bonsai soil, and doesn't grow half as well as this one I have in organic soil. Leaves aren't as green, not much back budding, & the overall health is night & day between the two. Just an oberservartion I'd like to share and remember.
I found some Aphids while trimming it back again today. Growing really great all Summer.
I sprayed the tree to help get rid of the Aphids. I'll keep an eye on it.
I think this weird leaf growth is from being pressed against the porch railing, not a 100% sure.
After the Oct 3rd trim I brought this inside on Oct 16th and put it in the grow tent to grow more areial roots. It only take six weeks or so for the AR to reach the soil. Then it takes around the same amout of time before the AR harden off so I can remove it from the grow tent and let it 'rest'.
Pic of back taken on Nov 16th.
Ten days later. Same side (back for now) different zoom level.
I'm watering too much in a high humidity. Oops. I increased the exhaust fan time, and cut back on watering after seeing this. It's in a "Ooga Booga" grow tent.
Brought this outside for a trim. It's been in the grow tent most of the winter. I removed a branch and contemplated other design decisions, lost count of how many AR I removed. It was a mess. No before picture per usual.
There's roots circling the pot and all kinds of surface roots. I trimmed off the roots crawling out of the pot. I'll have to repot it this summer, not sure if I should go to a smaller pot, but it needs to slow down somehow. I need to do more clip-and-grow further down the branches to put movement in them.
I did get this in March (25"x15x2). The current container is 20"L x 15"W x 5"H. Still not sure if I'm going to use it in the repot. Weighing the pros and cons, and frankly just wondering if it's the right decision at this point.
Did a lot of branch pruning. I didn't go full Nigel Saunders on it yet, because I want to see the result these cuts will bring. Removed some branches & pruned some back to the leaf scar to try and direct the way the next branch will grow. I removed old big leaves and some aerial roots. I want to repot into a smaller container once all the new growth and back budding comes in, mid July.
Oops. I increased the exhaust fan time, and cut back on watering after seeing this. It's in a "Ooga Booga" grow tent. 
