About
Ficus benghalensis, the banyan, is one of the world's most iconic trees � a massive, spreading evergreen to over 20 m with widely spreading branches and aerial roots that hang down to the ground, forming secondary trunks that can create a canopy covering several acres in the tropics. Oval, leathery leaves are flushed bronze when young and rich green with paler veins when mature. The small, round figs ripen to bright red. A dramatic architectural specimen for a large heated greenhouse or tropical garden.
About the genus
Ficus, the figs, are a large, diverse genus of evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers producing leathery leaves and tiny flowers inside a hollow receptacle that develops into the characteristic fig fruit. They include important food crops, dramatic ornamental specimens and popular houseplants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1A
Plant details
Plant typeTrees, Houseplants
HabitSpreading branched
FoliageEvergreen
HeightHigher than 12 metres
Spreadwider than 8 metres
Time to full heightMore than 50 years
Suggested usesHouseplants
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass (minimum temperature 15°C), in a peat-free, loam-based compost with added bark chippings, in full or filtered light. Water moderately in growth and keep moist over winter
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, soaked for 12 hours and sown at 18-21°C in spring, or by semi-ripe cuttings with bottom heat in spring or summer. Plants bleed latex when cut, dip in charcoal powder to seal
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus