Ficus benghalensis 'Roy' – Growth, Care and Essential Insights
Ficus benghalensis 'Roy', also known as the Bengal banyan, is a striking cultivar of Ficus benghalensis, renowned for its expansive growth habit and broad, leathery leaves. This majestic indoor tree boasts rich green foliage with prominent veining, creating a bold, tropical statement in any space. Its aerial roots and spreading canopy add to its architectural appeal, making it a centerpiece plant for those looking to cultivate a lush indoor jungle. Given the right conditions, this banyan cultivar develops into a stately, upright houseplant with a strong presence while maintaining a manageable size indoors.
Distinctive Traits and What Sets Ficus benghalensis 'Roy' Apart

 
Impressive Foliage: Large, elliptical leaves with a deep green hue and prominent veins.
 
Fast Growth: One of the quicker–growing Ficus species when provided with ample light.
 
Aerial Root Development: Can form roots that add to its unique, tree–like structure over time.
 
Airy, Spreading Canopy: Develops a broad, elegant form, ideal for open indoor spaces.

Essential Facts About Ficus benghalensis 'Roy'
Ficus benghalensis originates from India and Southeast Asia, where it thrives in warm, humid conditions with temperatures around 22–30°C and high annual rainfall. As a spreading, self–supporting tree, it can grow into a massive banyan outdoors, but indoors, it remains upright and compact, reaching around 1.5–3 meters in height. Given space, it will develop an extensive canopy. The plant is toxic to pets and humans due to its sap, which may cause irritation if ingested.
How to Care for Your Ficus benghalensis 'Roy'
Caring for this banyan cultivar is straightforward, making it an excellent option for those wanting a statement indoor tree.

 
📍 Placement: Prefers a bright, well–lit location with some direct sunlight. A south– or west–facing window works well.
 
🌞 Light: Requires bright, indirect light to full sun for optimal growth. Insufficient light may slow growth significantly.
 
💦 Watering: Allow the top 3–5 cm of soil to dry out before watering. Avoid overwatering, as this species is prone to root rot.
 
🌫️ Humidity: Adapts to average indoor humidity but benefits from a slightly more humid environment.
 
🌡️ Temperature: Thrives in 22–30°C; avoid placing near cold drafts.
 
🪴 Soil: A well–draining, peat–free aroid mix or high–quality potting soil with added perlite works best.
 
↕️ Repotting: Repot every 2–3 years to refresh the soil and support its rapid growth.
 
🌿 Fertilizing: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing season.
 
🌱 Propagation: Easily propagated through stem cuttings in water or soil.
 
✂️ Pruning: Trim as needed to control shape and remove lower leaves for a more tree–like appearance.
 
🫙 Semi–Hydroponics: Adapts well to inert substrates with proper acclimatization.

Ficus benghalensis 'Roy' – Common Issues and How to Solve Them

 
🟡 Yellowing Leaves: Often caused by overwatering. Ensure the soil dries slightly between waterings.
 
🟤 Brown Leaf Tips: Can result from low humidity or fluoride buildup in tap water. Use filtered water when possible.
 
🍂 Drooping Leaves: Typically a sign of underwatering or sudden environmental changes. Check moisture levels and ensure consistency in care.
 
🐜 Pests: Watch for spider mites, mealybugs, thrips, and scale insects. Treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil if necessary.

Additional Considerations for Growing Indoors

 
May develop aerial roots over time, which can add to its sculptural appeal.
 
Requires good airflow around the foliage to prevent fungal issues.
 
Responds well to training and shaping for a desired growth habit.

The Name Behind the Plant: Etymology
Ficus benghalensis was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in Species Plantarum. The species name "benghalensis" refers to its origins in Bengal (now India and Bangladesh), where it is one of the most iconic and revered trees. The cultivar 'Roy' is a cultivated variety known for its vigorous growth and broad foliage.
FAQs About Ficus benghalensis 'Roy'
❓ Can I grow Ficus benghalensis 'Roy' as a bonsai?
Yes, with regular pruning and root management, it can be shaped into a bonsai–style tree, though it naturally prefers larger growth.
❓ Is this plant difficult to care for?
Not particularly! If provided with bright light and consistent watering, it thrives with minimal maintenance.
❓ Will this plant drop leaves when moved?
Yes, like many Ficus species, it may shed a few leaves when adjusting to a new environment, but it will recover once settled.
👉 Ready to bring home this stunning banyan cultivar?
Order your Ficus benghalensis 'Roy' today and enjoy its impressive growth and bold foliage!