Indian Banyan Bonsai Tree - Bargad / Pakad Bonsai

🌿 The Majestic Banyan: Ficus Benghalensis Bonsai

The Indian Banyan, known as Pakad, Badgad or Bargad, is one of the most revered trees in Indian culture—symbolizing longevity, stability, and prosperity. This 2–3 ft tall trained Banyan Bonsai brings the same sacred energy into modern homes, making it an excellent choice for spiritual corners, outdoor balconies, terraces, or garden landscapes. Each tree is artistically shaped and nurtured over years, ensuring a powerful trunk, graceful aerial roots, and a sculpted canopy that reflects true bonsai craftsmanship.

Hardy and adaptable, the Banyan thrives outdoors with ample light and occasional pruning. It is perfect for plant lovers seeking a majestic, low-maintenance bonsai with a meaningful presence. Whether you are buying it for your home, gifting it to someone starting a new journey, or enhancing your outdoor décor, this Bonsai offers beauty, blessings, and a timeless living art form.

The Ficus Benghalensis, commonly known as the Banyan Tree, is one of the most revered and iconic fig species in the world, and a fantastic choice for bonsai enthusiasts.

1 Native to the Indian subcontinent, its dramatic growth habit and cultural significance make it a stunning and rewarding specimen to cultivate in miniature form.

Key Features and Identification

☀️ Light and 💧 Watering Requirements

• Light: Ficus Benghalensis requires bright light to thrive.2 Place your bonsai outdoors in full sun during the summer months for the best, most vigorous growth. Indoors, it needs a south-facing window or supplemented grow lights. Insufficient light will lead to weak, leggy growth.
• Watering: Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. They are tolerant of some occasional dryness but prefer consistent moisture. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Mist aerial roots frequently, especially in dry environments, to encourage their development.

🌡️ Temperature, Humidity, and Feeding

• Temperature: This is a tropical species. It must be protected from cold and cannot tolerate freezing temperatures. The ideal temperature range is between 60°F and 85°F (15°C to 29°C). Bring it indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).
• Humidity: Prefers high humidity, which is crucial for the formation and development of the iconic aerial roots. Use a humidity tray or place it near a humidifier, especially when kept indoors.
• Feeding: Fertilize regularly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid bonsai fertilizer. Reduce or stop feeding during the dormant winter months.

✂️ Pruning and Wiring

• Pruning:Shoot Pruning: Prune back new shoots when they have developed 6-8 leaves, cutting back to 2 leaves to encourage ramification (branching).Leaf Pruning/Defoliation: Partial or complete defoliation in late spring or early summer is key to reducing leaf size and stimulating a new flush of growth.
• Wiring: Branches are flexible and easy to wire when young. Older branches become stiff and brittle, so it's best to shape them early. Protect the bark, as Ficus species can grow quickly and the wire can bite in. Wiring can be used to direct the growth of the main branches and the initial aerial roots.

🪴 Repotting and Pests

• Repotting: Repot every 2-3 years in the spring as the tree is breaking dormancy. Prune the root ball to maintain balance. Use a standard, well-draining bonsai soil mix.

Pests: Generally resistant, but can occasionally be bothered by common indoor pests like scale, mealybugs, and spider mites, especially when kept indoors or in low-humidity conditions. Treat immediately with an appropriate insecticide or neem oil.