Bonsai Varieties of the Bengal Ficus

Other Names

• Commonly known as Bengal fig or Bengal ficus, the ficus bengalensis is also called Indian fig, East Indian fig and Indian banyan. The English name is banyan, the common name used for many fig varieties. In Hindi, this tree is called barh or bargad, Bengali is bar, and Sanskrit is bahupada. Native to Sri Lanka, India and Bangladesh, the Bengal ficus is usually referred to as just the banyan tree.

Growth Habit

• The Bengal ficus is a fast-growing bonsai that will sprout its traditional aerial roots under the right growing conditions. In its native home, roots develop on branches and grow downwards, latching onto the main trunk or taking root in the ground below and creating a mass of trunks over a significantly sized area. As a bonsai, high temperatures and humidity, some shade and moist soil work together to promote the production of aerial root growth. While the roots develop, they become thicker as they approach the container soil level and grow into separate trunks on the same original plant, spreading the plant over time into a miniature forest of joined banyans.

Characteristics

• The Bengal ficus has large, dark green leaves that may drop from the plant with sudden temperature changes; consistent temperatures are essential to the health of this bonsai. Small white flowers bloom and turn to red cherry-like berries, eaten by monkeys and birds in their native land. Twig, branch or root cuttings will easily create new Bengal ficus bonsai trees. Figs will not grow well in poor conditions, but if treated right will grow strong and develop all the same characteristics as those grown in their native homeland.

Care

• Drought tolerant, the Bengal ficus needs to dry between each watering but enjoys plenty of water when its provided. This fig prefers a bright spot out of direct sunlight and misting will help provide the needed humidity and promote aerial root growth. Pruning will keep the tree looking as it should and will also help new shoots to develop. Repot the Bengal ficus each year, pruning no more than 20 percent of the root ball. After snipping the roots and transplanting the tree, let the plant rest for at least three months, avoiding any further branch pruning or wiring.