Pocket BotanistPlant guide
Bodhi tree.
Ficus religiosa
Pronounced FY-kus reh-li-jee-OH-suh
Also known as Bodhi tree, Peepul Tree, botree, peepultree, sacred fig
The Bodhi tree is a beautiful, sacred fig known for its heart shaped leaves and long, slender tips. It grows into a massive tree in its native habitat, so it needs plenty of room if you are keeping it indoors. It is a spiritual symbol in many cultures and makes a striking statement plant.
At a glance
- Care level
- Moderate
- Plant type
- Tropical tree
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Indoor light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Every 5 to 10 days
- Mature size
- Up to 100 feet in nature
- Growth rate
- Fast
Care
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering or poor drainage. It loves high humidity, so misting the leaves or using a pebble tray helps keep it happy.
- Watering
- Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
- Feeding
- Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
- Pruning
- Trim back long branches to maintain a manageable shape and encourage fullness.
- Repotting
- Move to a larger container once the roots begin to circle the bottom of the pot.
- Soil
- Well draining potting mix
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 7.5
Safety
- Pets
- This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
How to identify it
- Heart shaped leaves with long drip tips
- Smooth gray bark on mature trunks
- Small round figs ripening to purple
- Prominent light colored leaf veins
Common problems
Science
- Family
- Moraceae
- Genus
- Ficus
- Order
- Rosales
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.
Also in
Is your bodhi tree looking unwell?
This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.
This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.