Bodhi Tree Care

Ficus religiosa, commonly called bo tree, Bodhi tree, peepul and sacred fig, is native to Southeast Asia, southwest China, India and the Himalayan foothills. The oldest tree known to have been planted by a human rather than by natural seeding is a 2,300-year-old sacred fig or bo-tree (Ficus religiosa) that has been named Sri Maha Bodhiya, and stands in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It was planted there in 288 BC. The mother tree from which this specimen was propagated was none other than the famous Bodhi tree under which Siddhartha Gautama the Lord Buddha was sitting when he gained enlightenment.  Several other sacred figs worldwide are also thought to be descendants of the original Bodhi tree and are often called Bodhi trees themselves. Prayer beads made of sacred fig seeds are highly esteemed. 

Sacred fig trees can indeed produce figs, but they’re tiny and have questionable color and flavor sometimes reaching only 1 to 2 centimeters in size. 

Ficus Religiosa or Sacred Fig can grow up to a height of 30m (98 ft). The diameter of the trunk can grow up to 3m (9.8 ft) in width. 

Plant your bodhi tree in the sunniest available spot in the garden with rich, free-draining soil. Avoid areas prone to over-saturation. Ficus Religiosa does well in loose, fertile soil with good drainage. Water young trees as soon as the surface of the soil around their trunks is dry. Do not water bodhi trees if their soil is already wet due to rain. Fertilize every three months, during the warmer months of the year, with granular, slow-release fertilizer. It likes to grow in direct sunlight but can do equally well in partial shade. This plant will only require water in minimal amounts. The optimum growing temperature is between 77-95°F (25-35°C). 

Grow bodhi trees as container plants or indoor potted plants in cold areas. Plant them in heavy ceramic pots in potting compost mixed with 30 percent sharp sand for drainage. Place your potted tree in a sunny or lightly shaded location in the garden. Put indoor plants on a south- or west-facing windowsill. Water your potted bodhi tree as soon as the surface of the soil is dry to the touch. Fertilize during the warmer months of the year with a low nitrogen fertilizer.

Light

The Bodhi tree likes to grow in direct sunlight but can do equally well in partial shade. If planting outdoors, plant the tree in an open space that receives direct sunlight all day. If growing indoors, make sure it receives bright indirect light by placing it next to a window.

Vigorous growth is only triggered when this tree receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you want your Sacred Fig plant to grow into a big tree really quickly, you better give it the sunlight it needs. 

But even if this plant does not receive direct sunlight, it can still stay healthy in bright indirect light or shade. If you decide to bring the plant indoors, give it a place next to the window or under a grow light. 

The Ficus religiosa is not one of the low-light tolerant Ficus species. It sheds all its foliage pretty quickly if it doesn’t get enough light. 

Watering

Ficus religiosa plants are not heavy drinkers and will only require water in minimal amounts. These plants can survive severe dry spells. Water the plant in moderation only when the soil is dry. Make sure excess water does not stand in the soil but flows out from the drainage hole. 

Diseases and Pests

Ficus religiosa tree is a tough plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, there are a few things that can harm this plant. These include:

• Aphids – These small insects can suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and eventually drop off.

• Mealybugs – These white, fuzzy insects can also suck the sap out of the leaves, causing them to wilt and die.

• Scale – This hard-shelled insect attaches itself to the stems and leaves of the plant, sucking out its nutrients. This can cause the plant to weaken and die.

If you notice any of these pests on your ficus religiosa, it’s important to take action immediately. The best way to get rid of them is to use a pesticide that is specifically designed for the type of pest you have. You can also try making a homemade insecticide by mixing water and dish soap together.

Planting Instructions Here