Worth knowing:
The Sacred Fig, in India also known as Ashwattha Tree or Pippala Tree, belongs to the mulberry family, and is a fast-growing tree with distinct aerial roots. Compared to other Ficus species its heart-shaped leaves are as soft as silk. It’s referred name, Bodhi Tree, comes from the Buddhist story of Siddhartha Gautama, who achieved enlightenment while sitting under a Sacred Fig. In the Buddhist arts the Bodhi Tree (Bhodi = enlightenment) is a symbol for the Buddha. In the most temples of South East Asia, at least one Bodhi Tree can be found that is said to be a sprout of the original ancient ancestor. The tree is especially worshipped during the Vesakh festival full moon, usually in April or May.
Natural Location:
The natural habitat of the Pippala Tree is in India and Sri Lanka.
Cultivation:
Seed propagation indoors is possible throughout the year. Spread and gently press the seeds onto moist potting compost and cover the seed container with clear film to prevent the earth from drying out. Don’t forget to make some holes in the clear film and take it every second or third day completely off for about 2 hours. That way you avoid mold formation on your potting compost. Place the seed container somewhere bright and warm with a temperature around 20° Celsius and keep the earth moist, but not wet. The germination takes about four to eight weeks.
Place:
The Sacred Fig needs plenty of light and wants to be kept in a bright spot in the house. When the weather is continuously warm from the end of May, it can also be moved to a sunny and wind-protected place outdoors for the summer.
Care:
Water the plant regularly, but always let the upper layer of earth dry out before the next watering. From April until September, it is advisable to give fluid fertilizer for bonsai plants every two or three weeks - during winter every six weeks would be sufficient.
During the winter:
The Sacred Fig should be kept somewhere bright and warm during winter, otherwise it will cast the leaves. Be careful with the dry air due to a heater - it might cause spider mite infestation. It is best to spray the leaves of the plant regularly.
Picture credits:
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- © Frank Laue - © Saflax - http://www.saflax.de/copyright
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