Chinese Bot Indoor Decorative Live Plant

Chinese Banyan / Ficus microcarpa. Several Indian plant sellers use “Chinese Bot” and “Chinese Banyan” interchangeably for Ficus microcarpa.

🌿 Chinese Bot Plant — Details

Common names: Chinese Bot, Chinese Banyan, Small Leaf Banyan, Indian Laurel
Botanical name: Ficus microcarpa
Type: Evergreen tree, commonly trained as a bonsai
Appearance: Thick woody branches with compact, glossy green leaves
Growth: Can be kept small with pruning or allowed to develop into a larger tree

🪴 How to Grow Chinese Bot in a Pot

1. Pot size

• Small plant: 8–10 inch pot
• After the roots fill the pot: shift to 12–16 inch pot
• Make sure the pot has good drainage holes.
• For bonsai-style growth, use a shallow, wider pot.

2. Soil mix
A simple mix works well:

• 40% garden soil
• 30% compost/vermicompost
• 20% cocopeat
• 10% sand or perlite

The important thing is that excess water should drain quickly.

3. Sunlight ☀️

• Give 4–6 hours of bright sunlight for strong growth.
• Morning sunlight is excellent.
• It can tolerate bright indoor conditions, but growth is generally better with good natural light.

4. Watering 💧

• Water thoroughly when the upper 1–2 inches of soil becomes dry.
• Don’t keep the soil continuously soggy.
• During rainy weather, reduce watering if the soil is already wet.

5. Pruning ✂️
This plant responds well to pruning, which is why it is popular for bonsai.

• Trim long shoots to maintain a compact shape.
• Remove weak or crossing branches.
• Regular light pruning encourages a bushier appearance.

6. Feeding 🌱
During active growth, give compost/vermicompost every 30–45 days. A small amount is enough for a potted plant.