The banyan fig, also known as the banyan tree or Bengali fig (Ficus benghalensis), is native to the South and West Indies.
 In the wild it lives as a strangler fig. It develops epiphytically (perched) on a tree and over time releases aerial roots downwards. It lives on the substrates that are on the tree until the roots reach the ground. If it gets nutrients from the ground, it gives a growth spurt and the network of aerial roots becomes increasingly dense - until the strangler fig crushes the host plant.
 As a houseplant it can be cultivated in the normal way. In the course of time it forms aerial roots. This tree can grow to be huge in the wild. It grows up to 30 meters high. Over time, thick stems form from the aerial roots. There are trees that cover an area of several hundred square meters.
 The banyan tree is an optimal houseplant and is ideal as a bonsai. It loves a bright location, but shouldn't stand in the blazing midday sun.