Ficus religiosa 'Bodhi Tree'

Ficus religiosa is one of the most culturally significant trees in the world, famous as the Bodhi Tree under which Siddhartha Gautama is said to have attained enlightenment. Native to parts of South and Southeast Asia, it is loved for its elegant heart shaped leaves with long tapering tips that flutter beautifully in the breeze. When grown young in containers, it makes a fascinating collector plant with strong bonsai potential and a rich story behind it.

Light 🌞
Ficus religiosa grows best in very bright light with several hours of direct sun. Indoors, place it near your sunniest window. The more light it receives, the stronger and fuller its growth will be.

Watering 💧
Water thoroughly when the top portion of the soil has dried out. Do not keep it constantly wet, but do not let it stay bone dry for too long either. A steady watering rhythm works best, especially during active growth.

Soil 🕳️
Use a loose, well draining potting mix. A chunky blend with potting soil, perlite, and bark works well. Good drainage is important to keep the roots healthy.

Fertilizing 🧪
Feed during spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer at a mild strength about once a month. Reduce or stop fertilizing during cooler months when growth slows.

Repotting 🪴
Repot when roots begin crowding the pot or circling the bottom. Move up only one pot size at a time. This plant can grow quickly in warm bright conditions, so check the root system yearly.