# I have a baby ficus tree - help! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [December 17, 2012, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-baby-ficus-tree-help/644360 "2012-12-17T21:59:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 2\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Spice\_Weasel](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spice_weasel/32/5435_2.png) [@Spice\_Weasel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spice_Weasel)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-baby-ficus-tree-help/644360/1 "2012-12-17T21:59:44Z")
In honor of Bodhi day I ordered a Bodhi tree, or ficus religiosa. It arrived in the mail today, with a 4’’ pot and appears to be very much alive. I had my doubts it would arrive in one piece. It has between 8-10 leaves right now if that means anything. The soil inside is very moist. I live in New Jersey, so this little fella needs to stay indoors. Right now it’s on my bedroom window-sill, and my cat is pissed because he’s not allowed in the bedroom anymore. I just… want it to live. I don’t have any gardening experience. I tried to raise some spider plant cuttings once, and they struggled on for months but ultimately died. I know ficus religiosa is a finicky tree. Eventually I’d like it to grow to be tall and strapping. I feel like these initial stages of life are very important for it to thrive. So… what do I do? Any pro tips you have to offer? I want to do everything humanly possible to make this work. Thanks, Christy ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [December 17, 2012, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-a-baby-ficus-tree-help/644360/2 "2012-12-17T22:43:15Z")
You might find [this discussion](http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/houseplt/msg1204065723648.html?34) helpful.