Ficus religiosa
bo
An evergreen tree to 30m in the tropics, maybe a tenth of this when grown in a container. It has papery, heart-shaped leaves with long, tapering tips; the new growth is flushed bronze. Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment whilst seated beneath a bodhi tree. It makes an interesting and unusual houseplant for a large conservatory or sun room
Other common names
Hindu bo treepeepul
see morepipal
pipul
poplar-leaved fig tree
sacred fig tree
transparent leaves
Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Bronze | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Bronze | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Moraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Potentially harmful
- Skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Ficus can be evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs or climbers, with often leathery, simple, entire or lobed leaves and tiny flowers borne within a hollow receptacle which enlarges to form the fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- N India to SW China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in loam-based potting compost in full or bright, indirect light. Water moderately during the growing season and apply a high-nitrogen fertiliser monthly; water sparingly in winter. See ornamental fig cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required, but overly long shoots may be shortened in late winter
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Diseases
May be susceptible to honey fungus
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.