Peepal Tree (Ficus religiosa): How to Plant and Care for It in Jaipur
Ficus religiosa
The peepal, or sacred fig, is a long-lived shade tree that feeds birds and bats and is revered across India. Here is how to plant it in Jaipur, care for it in its first three years, and why it needs plenty of space.
Toxicity
Cautions and safety
- Roots and buildings. Peepal seeds sprout in wall cracks and roofs, and the roots can split masonry. Plant it at least 15 m from buildings, walls, borewells, tanks and pipelines, and check nearby structures every year for self-sown seedlings, which birds spread.
- Space. It needs a large open area and is not suited to narrow avenues.
- Milky latex. The sap can irritate skin and eyes, and may cause skin reactions in sunlight. Wear gloves when pruning.
- Pets. The ASPCA lists Ficus species as toxic to dogs, cats and horses. This listing is for the fig genus in general, not peepal specifically, but it is worth keeping pets from chewing it.
- A permanent tree. Cutting or heavily pruning a mature peepal is socially sensitive in India. Plant it only where it can stand for good.
Plant a peepal in someone's name with GreenEye: Gift a Tree
- Humans
- Mildly toxic
Affected parts: latex, sap
- Pets and animals
- Mildly toxic
Affected animals: Cats, Dogs, Horses
This article was prepared with AI assistance. Please check important details against the sources shown in each section.
Plant a tree you can track
GreenEye plants trees like this one on our land. Track yours as it grows.
Share this article