Chinese Banyan Plant Care

Chinese Banyan (Ficus microcarpa) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Chinese Banyan is native to China, tropical Asia, Caroline Islands, Australia. Chinese Banyan is also known as Indian laurel, Indian fig, Curtain fig.

Chinese Banyan displays a tree, shrub growth habit, reaching up to 25 ft tall with a spread of approximately 15 ft. Chinese Banyan produces produces unisex, stalkless flowers..

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chinese Banyan every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chinese Banyan thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Chinese Banyan in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ficus microcarpa tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Chinese Banyan prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Chinese Banyan to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chinese Banyan every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chinese Banyan is suited to USDA Zone 10a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chinese Banyan can spread to about 15 ft (4.6 m) and reach about 25 ft (8 m) tall. Space plants about 15 ft (4.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Chinese Banyan while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Chinese Banyan is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chinese Banyan can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to creeping fig plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chinese Banyan is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chinese Banyan grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Chinese Banyan is native to China, tropical Asia, Caroline Islands, Australia. In cooler regions, grow Chinese Banyan as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.