Description
The Long Leaf Fig is the New King of the Indoor Trees
The Ficus ‘Alii’ does not actually exist in the wild. It is a relatively new man-made hybrid that has become extremely popular as it makes for a rather handsome indoor tree. It has long, tapered leaves that have a wonderful natural gloss, and as the tree grows the lower trunk may shed its leaves to give a palm tree-like appearance. Experienced growers may want to experiment with braiding the trunks to give the Ficus ‘Alii’ an even bigger visual impact. Their stunning appearance more than makes up for the fact that they do not bloom indoors – their preferred environment – instead forming small yellow globular inflorescence’s, which have a similar appearance to berries.
More commonly known as the banana-leaf fig, is a hybrid of the ficus species that is native to Southeast Asia, India, and China. It is one of the more popular houseplants in temperate climates. The ‘Alii’ cultivar first emerged in Hawaii. The Ficus plant is a relative of the Ficus benjamina, and this variant of the plant is the perfect houseplant as it is very manageable and does not demand a lot of attention.
Caring for your Ficus ‘Alii’
The ficus is a very environmentally tolerant plant, and you can easily grow it without any hassles. It does not shed a lot of leaves and can flourish even if there is not a lot of light. Moreover, if you want to move it around, you do not have to worry about the plant going into shock, as the Ficus maclellandii is good at adapting to its environments.
Light
Typically, the Ficus maclellandii needs bright and indirect light to give the best output. But that does not mean that this plant will die if the light is not bright enough. The only thing light will affect this plant’s growth is if the light is too low. It is important for you to rotate it regularly so that you can easily maintain its shape.
Soil
To grow the plant, there are no specific requirements for the soil. You can use an all-purpose soil that is well aerated so that the soil gives your plant all the nutrients it needs.
Water
You shouldn’t water the plant regularly. Only water the plant if the first inch of the soil is completely dry. If you have kept the plant in a bigger pot, then you need to check at least the first two inches to make sure that it is dry before you water it. When watering your plant, be sure to let the water run deep so that the excess water drains out. Your soil should not be too wet. Do not let your plant sit in water, as that can ruin it.
Fertilizer
Liquid fertilizer is the best option, but it should be well balanced so that your plant grows actively. You do not need to add fertilizers in the colder months of the year. Moreover, it is best to avoid using any fertilizers that have the chemical boron in the composition as that can affect the growth of the plant.
Common Issues
It is very common for the Ficus Alii to go into shock during a transplant or because of sudden changes in the environment. Going into shock can make the plant drop its leaves. Other than that, leaves dropping is also a sign that your plant has a lot of water. Other common issues include root rotting and the yellowing of leaves.
Pests
Spider Mites and Mealybugs are very commonly found in the Ficus Alii. They usually roam around the leaves and look for chlorophyll to hide their eggs. It is very important for you to clean the plant and take care of it as these pests can cause severe damage to your plant. Whiteflies are also very common. They spread quickly but are not as dangerous as other pests.
Disease
Loss of lower leaves is a very common disease, and there can be many different reasons why that happens. If you overwater the plant or keep it in the dark, then the plant may get the disease.
Other than that, root rot is also common in the Ficus Alii. This happens when the plant stays in the water for longer than necessary. Make sure that the water drains so that your roots remain strong.
Pruning
If you want to prune the plant, then the best time to do it is during the winter. This way, you will be able to maintain its shape and get a bushier plant that looks even prettier.
Propagation
To propagate the plant, you can use the concept of branch cuttings and make sure that you cut the right branches so that the plant does not go into shock. It is best to cut the long and strong branches for the best outcomes.
Potting/Repotting
Suppose you want to repot the plant. You need to make sure that it has drainage holes at the bottom. This will help ensure that the roots of the plant do not get soggy and rot. These plants do not grow too quickly, and it is best for you to wait for the plant to get bigger before you plot it anywhere else.
Constance (verified owner) –
Great plant. Very good size. In wonderful shape.
Marcia N. (verified owner) –
This was my first purchase from PlantVine, and I’m sure it won’t be my last. I was so impressed by the expert packaging, and my new Ficus Alii arrived healthy and beautiful. Thank you, PlantVine!
Edythe Shore (verified owner) –
My Ficus Alii arrived in absolutely perfect condition. I was truly amazed at the care that was given to the wrapping and shipping. Thank you!
Victoria G. (verified owner) –
Patrick (verified owner) –
Fantastic. Quick shipping, excellent packaging, and the tree is spectacular.
Neville (verified owner) –
Great experience buying from Plantvine. Shipping was immaculate with no broken branches, leaf loss or soil displacement. Plant was healthy and strong !
Hannah (verified owner) –
Tree arrived in great shape and is larger than I expected.
Aaron C. (verified owner) –
The plant was packaged well for shipping. It arrived quickly and out of the box looked great. I liked the informational emails that came after the purchase letting me know how to care for the plant after arriving. I would definitely order another plant from PlantVine.
DERIK B. (verified owner) –
Wonderful! Just as hoped for – arrived safe/sound and really healthy; dropping a few leaves, expectedly, but a really great tree. Ours is 4’7″ (Extra Large size). We’ll transplant in 2+ weeks, as directed. Warmly recommend.
Olivia S. (verified owner) –
BEAUTIFUL tree, great packaging, care and customer communications! Very happy.
Lyndsey M. (verified owner) –
So impressed! Beautiful plant that came carefully wrapped & packaged. Seems to be very healthy and looks even better in person than I expected!
Stacey Case (verified owner) –
Great quality trees. They sent exactly what was requested.
Kimberly N. (verified owner) –
I’m thrilled. I love my plant. My plant actually looks exactly as the picture they showed. It is healthy and beautiful.
Taryl B. (verified owner) –
Cathy Lance (verified owner) –
Well, it’s lost some leaves. But I’ve started misting it. We have humidifiers in our home so it should benefit from that. I’ll feel more confident once I see new growth. Otherwise, it arrived splendidly.
Douglas W. (verified owner) –
My plant looks full and healthy and larger than I thought.
Dawn (verified owner) –
Extremely healthy and beautiful !!
Looks just as pictured!!!
john Masterson (verified owner) –
My Ficus arrived healthy and happy. It is currently getting accumulated to its new location.
James (verified owner) –
Arrived in great condition! Beautiful plant!
Michelle S. (verified owner) –
Tony (verified owner) –
Marcia Norman (verified owner) –
I was a little fearful as I’ve never purchased a plant thru the mail. Shipping was exactly as promised, Plant arrived in great condition and I would purchase another large plant
C –
What size is the extra large plant (average) and pot?
Anonymous (verified owner) –
My plant arrived in gorgeous condition! I followed the instructions for watering and light upon arrival, and it looks great! No leaf drop or discoloration, and the plant is tall, full, and lush!
Graham (verified owner) –
Tree and plant arrived safe and sound. Very pleased, thank you!
Lauren (verified owner) –
Arrived bigger than expected and full of new growth. Very happy planter!
Sharon McCants (verified owner) –
I just repotted it today, due to its snug fit and at your suggestion to wait a week. I made sure the 7 gallon plastic pot has pebbles at the bottom for proper drainage and miracle grow potting soil. At the moment it is being rained on until tomorrow. Then I will bring it inside to a west facing window where it will remain. If I have any questions or concerns about either plant, I will let you know. Thank you!
Carol –
Hi, if i purchase the 4ft tree will it grow taller And larger indoors With proper care or will it stay the same height? Also will you be having the extra large in stock anytime soon? Thanks
Erin Moseley (verified owner) –
The tree is very big and beautiful. Got a little cramped in the box but after a few days is looking full again
Nikki –
Does the braided Alii have denser/thicker foliage than the single stem?