National tree of India
The Ficus benghalensis is the national tree of India and is considered sacred there. In the wild a single tree can cover an area the size of a football pitch.
Ficus Benghalensis
Ficus Benghalensis
Everything you need to know about the Ficus benghalensis or banyan tree. Growth forms, care, ideal location and our XXL Ficus benghalensis collection in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Ficus benghalensis or banyan tree comes from the Indian subcontinent and belongs to the Moraceae family
- Likes a bright spot with plenty of indirect light; harsh midday sun can damage the leaves
- Let the top layer of potting soil dry out before watering and avoid waterlogging
- A little easier and more forgiving than the related fiddle leaf fig
- Mildly toxic to dogs and cats due to the milky sap in the plant
- Available on a stem, branched and as a bush, from compact to XXL
About this Banyanboom planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Banyanboom that you may not have known yet.
A forest from one tree
Through its aerial roots, which grow down to the ground and form new trunks, a banyan tree can grow into what looks like an entire forest from a single plant.
Soft relative of the fiddle leaf fig
The benghalensis is closely related to the Ficus lyrata, but has softer, velvety leaves and is a little more forgiving to care for.
Banyanboom types and differences
On a stem
A straight trunk with a full crown on top. The classic tree shape and a stylish solitary for a bright corner.
Branched
Multiple branches together form a fuller, lush crown with plenty of natural volume.
Bush
Full from bottom to top, with leaves down to the base. Compact and dense, ideal for smaller spaces.
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Banyanboom care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Banyanboom healthy.
- 1
Watering
Let the top two to three centimetres of potting soil dry out before watering again. The banyan tree dislikes waterlogging, so always pour away excess water. In winter you water noticeably less.
- 2
Light and location
Give the banyan tree a bright spot with plenty of indirect light. Some morning sun is fine, but avoid harsh midday sun and cold draughts. The plant prefers a fixed spot.
- 3
Leaf care
Gently wipe the large, velvety leaves with a soft, slightly damp cloth. This keeps the leaves dust-free and lets the plant absorb more light.
- 4
Feeding
During the growing season from March to September, give plant food for green houseplants every two weeks. In autumn and winter the plant needs no feeding.
- 5
Repotting
Repot the Ficus benghalensis every one to two years in spring into a pot a few centimetres larger. Use airy potting soil with good drainage.
Frequently asked questions about the Banyanboom
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Banyanboom.
How often should I water my banyan tree?
Water as soon as the top two to three centimetres of potting soil feel dry. During the growing season that is on average once a week, less in winter. Make sure no water is left standing in the pot, because waterlogging leads to root rot.
What is the difference between the Ficus benghalensis and the Ficus lyrata?
Both are figs with large leaves, but the benghalensis has softer, velvety and more oval leaves with light veins, while the lyrata has glossy, violin-shaped leaves. The benghalensis is generally a little easier and drops leaves less quickly.
Why is my banyan tree dropping leaves?
Leaf drop is usually a reaction to stress from change. A new location, cold draught or irregular watering can be the cause. The banyan tree is more forgiving than the fiddle leaf fig, but also likes a stable spot.
Is the Ficus benghalensis toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the plant is mildly toxic to pets. The milky sap can cause irritation of the mouth and stomach if ingested. Therefore keep the banyan tree out of reach of cats and dogs.
Which location is ideal for a banyan tree?
A bright spot with plenty of indirect light is ideal, for example a few metres from a south-facing window or right next to an east-facing window. Avoid harsh midday sun, radiators and cold draughts.
How big does a Ficus benghalensis get indoors?
Indoors the banyan tree grows to one and a half to two metres tall. With us you choose the desired size directly, from a compact specimen to an XXL banyan tree of 200 centimetres.
Should I clean the leaves of my banyan tree?
Yes, the large leaves catch dust. Because the leaf is velvety, wipe it gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Clean leaves absorb more light, which helps the plant grow healthily.
Why is my banyan tree not growing?
In autumn and winter slow growth is normal. If growth stays absent in spring and summer, check whether the plant gets enough light, whether the pot is not too small and whether you feed during the growing season.
Plant concepts explained
- Aerial roots
- Roots that grow from the branches down to the ground and, in the banyan tree in the wild, form new trunks.
- Milky sap
- The white, sticky sap released when the plant is damaged. It is mildly toxic and can irritate the skin.
- Velvety leaf
- A leaf with a soft, slightly downy surface, characteristic of the Ficus benghalensis Audrey.
- Leaf drop
- The shedding of leaves, in figs often a reaction to stress from a change of location or watering.
- Growing season
- The period from March to September during which the plant grows actively and benefits from regular feeding.
- Drainage
- The drainage of excess water from the pot, essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
Resources and further reading
-
Kew Gardens
Scientific description and origin of Ficus benghalensis
-
Royal Horticultural Society
Care guidelines for Ficus benghalensis
-
Missouri Botanical Garden
Botanical description and origin
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