Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
3 ratings

Thursday - October 06, 2005

From: Chandler, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care for non-native Indian Banyan Tree
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I was given a Ficus benghalensis (Indian Banyan Tree) cutting, rooted in water. I need advice on how to plant it, what kind of dirt, best type of pot ie. plastic, glass, etc. The cutting is 1 foot in height.

ANSWER:

The Indian Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is a tropical plant native to India. It has been introduced to North America and now grows in the wild in the tropical climate of Florida. Its recommended USDA Hardiness Zones are 10-12. It is drought tolerant and does have some tolerance to frost but isn't likely to do well outdoors in Arizona. It should function well as a houseplant, however. You can plant it in any container, with adequate drainage, in sterilized potting soil. It should be watered thoroughly and then the soil allowed to dry out before again saturating with water. You can read more about the Banyan tree and its care on the Floridata webpage.
 

More Non-Natives Questions

Frost damage to Mexican palm and non-native Sago palm in Austin
February 01, 2010 - I have frost damage to the leaves on my mexican palm tree which is about 12 feet high. Can I cut back all of the damaged leaves and what month? Also, Sago palms have some frost damage on the upper...
view the full question and answer

Beans growing under artificial light from Vernon CT
May 04, 2012 - What bean plant will grow the best under a flourescent,spot gro light,green transparent light,or Natural light and why.What caused it to grow like it did?
view the full question and answer

Wrapping a newly planted non-native Japanese maple from Fraser MI
October 01, 2013 - Does a newly planted Japanese maple need to be wrapped in burlap for the cold and snowy winter of Macomb County, Michigan?
view the full question and answer

Student project on non-native bush snap beans
October 30, 2006 - I am doing a science project for school that involves bush snap beans. For my research I am required to have at least one interview with a professional on plants. I was hoping that you would be able ...
view the full question and answer

Non-native Concord grapes in Hilo, Hawaii
September 10, 2009 - Hi, I live in a area that does not freeze over winter, and humidity is quite high. Do you think that Concord grapes will fruit?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.