Ficus Religiosa Care

Siting Outdoors

• The bo tree is a broadleaf, evergreen tropical tree that can be 60 feet tall in its native habitat, although cultivated specimens are generally smaller. The bo tree tolerates either full sun or partial shade. In areas with hot summers, the ideal site gets morning sun, followed by light shade in the hotter afternoon hours. As the tree grows, it develops smooth gray bark and may form aerial roots that hang down from the branches. When these roots reach the ground, they can attach and eventually form additional trunks.

Locating Indoors

• If your area is subject to cool winters, you could also grow a bo tree in a large container, bringing it outdoors when all danger of frost has passed and daytime temperatures remain above 60 degrees, and moving it back indoors in early fall before frost arrives. When grown indoors, the tree needs bright indirect light such as near a south- or west-facing window. During the winter, move the tree back a short distance from windows to protect it from drafts. In spring, wait until temperatures become warm during the day and night before moving the tree outdoors. Expose it to full sun gradually, one or two additional hours each day, to prevent scorching of its foliage.

Water

• The bo tree needs regular moisture during the spring and summer months, when it's actively growing. Adding a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch to the tree's root zone can help conserve soil moisture and prevent drying out of its soil. During dry spells, provide supplemental water, but let the top inch or two of soil dry slightly before watering to avoid soggy soil that might cause rotting of the tree's roots. During fall and winter, when the tree's growth slows, water the tree only every week or two, or whenever it's soil is thoroughly dry.

Other Care

• The bo tree is similar to most figs in needing little or no pruning, although you can trim its branches back by about 1/3 the first few years to encourage more branching and a bushy form. This is best done during the winter, when the tree is partially dormant. The bo tree can develop fungal problems such as rust or blight, especially when grown under constantly wet conditions. You can prevent these problems by using good cultural practices, including clearing debris from under the tree regularly and watering only at the root zone with a soaker hose or drip irrigation to keep foliage dry.