Many long leaf fig species have elongated leaves, but this particular species, Ficus maclellandii, is commonly referred to as the long leaf fig. In the horticultural context, the long leaf fig is most present in the form of a cultivar called ‘Alii’ and can be cultivated as a houseplant.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Ficus maclellandii (common name long leaf fig, Alii fig or banana-leaf fig, Ficus Alii) is a species of fig plant native to India, Southeast Asia and China. It is an evergreen often grown as a houseplant in temperate climates.
Ficus Alii (FY-kus ah-lee) has an upward growth, long, thick, slightly curved, and narrow olive green leaves hanging downward.
It prefers to be pot-bound and can grow to be up to 10’ feet tall with leaves around 3” to 10” long.
Regular pruning allows you to control the size. Its long slender dark green leaves provide an oriental look. This appeal makes it an extremely attractive indoor tree that appeals to both the interior plantscape industry and the homeowner.
As they mature, the leaves become a deeper dark green color. The plant will produce flowers and berries. They should be removed immediately.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
This Ficus plant prefers bright and indirect sunlight. Although it can do well in medium to low light, the growth slows down, which you won’t like as a plant parent. Though the plant loves bright light, keep it away from direct sun, or it will burn its foliage. The best location for this fig is the east-facing window, where it can receive appropriate light for its growth. As the plant grows in the direction of the light, the weekly rotation will maintain its shape.
Humidity and Temperature
This hardy plant can thrive well in normal household conditions. However, it prefers above-average humidity levels between 60% to 80%. If an environment is too dry, try increasing the humidity by misting the plant regularly, or installing a humidifier will also work. If the plant isn’t provided with the required humidity, it can result in slow growth, brown leaf tips, and leaf loss.
Coming to the temperature, the plant is relatively tolerant to temperature fluctuations. The ideal temperature range for its growth is 60⁰ F to 80⁰ F, but the temperature shouldn’t drop below 45F. Never place the plant near a heater or AC; sudden and frequent variations in temperature can also affect the plant’s growth.
Watering
While Ficus Alii is a low-maintenance plant and isn’t fussy about watering, it doesn’t like sitting in water. So be careful about the watering frequency of the plant; allow the water to get soaked in the soil and dry out, then water again. After watering, make sure to drain excess water. This Ficus plant likes a reduced watering frequency in winter compared to the warm season.
Overwatering may cause the leaves to turn yellow, which makes them unattractive. Whereas brown leaf tips are a sign of underwatering; therefore, it’s better to water it in intervals. First, wait until the soil is completely dry, then water it again. Soil moisture can be accurately measured using a moisture meter, helping to establish a perfect watering scheme for your plant.
Soil
Long leaf fig prefers fertile soil and cannot resist barren ground. It does not like sticky soil with poor drainage, so a plot rich in organic substances and not easily compacted is preferred. The soil should be slightly acid, with a pH of 6-6.5. When used as a potted plant, mix leaf mold, garden soil, and organic fertilizer at a ratio of 4:3:3.
Fertilizing
Long leaf fig planted in a garden does not require much fertilizer; apply compound fertilizer 2-3 times a year. For potted plants, in addition to the base fertilizer in planting soil, apply compound fertilizer once two weeks to support growth. Use fertilizer with lower concentration more frequently to avoid burning the roots.
Apply fertilizer in the evening of a sunny day to aid its absorption. Reduce fertilization in winter, as growth slows or stagnates in low temperatures. For mosaic or variegated varieties, use less nitrogen and more potassium fertilizer once a month to keep the variegation.
Planting Instructions
If your potted long leaf fig outgrows your home, transplant it to the garden. Seedlings bought in a garden center can also be planted directly in the garden; the best time for transplanting is late spring. If the garden soil is not fertile enough, you can add some organic fertilizer to the planting hole.
When transplanted to the garden, roots should be level with the ground and not buried too deeply. After transplanting, water thoroughly and slowly to prevent water from dispersing the soil. Water new plants twice a week to keep the soil moist.
Pruning
Without timely pruning, the main branches of long leaf fig tend to grow quickly, but axillary buds cannot sprout side branches due to long-term restrained state, which greatly reduces the ornamental value since the plant has only one tall main stem. Therefore it is necessary to pinch it in time, that is, to cut off the terminal buds of long leaf fig when the plant grows to about 60 cm in height.
After that, the axillary buds will sprout quickly, and 3-4 side branches in different directions can be retained and cultivated as the lateral main branches of the plant while other excessive axillary buds should be cut off. When the plant grows to 80 cm in height after 1-2 years, it is necessary to pinch it again and cut off the small buds on the top of all branches, with the length of the side branches not exceeding 60 cm. 3-4 small branches can also be retained on each side branch of the plant, and the shape of the plant will become round and look better when they grow up.
As the tree grows many branches, air ventilation and light transmission become poor, so pruning is important. Regular pruning also produces more new leaves. When cut, the branches of long leaf fig leak milky sap, which eventually hardens and seals the wounds, so wear garden gloves when pruning.
Propagation
The propagation of Ficus Alii is possible at home, but it can be a bit difficult for beginners. However, the plant can be propagated through stem cuttings and air layering.
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. Most growers propagate Ficus Alii from stem cuttings or air-layering.
- Dip the cutting end in a rooting hormone and plant it in a container with fresh soil. Keep it in a bright location with indirect sunlight and water it thoroughly.
- Cut off a healthy branch with a few plant nodes on it, dip it in a rooting powder, and plant it in your potting mix.
- Cover the plant with plastic and ensure the soil is damp.
- Place your pot in a warm location with plenty of indirect light – no direct sun.
- The plant will take a few weeks for new roots to begin to form.
- Check by tugging lightly on the cuttings.
- If you feel resistance, it means the plant has developed roots
- If rooting, uncover the plant and care for it regularly.
- Both methods are equally successful. Propagation through cutting: Select a healthy plant branch with a couple of leaves.
Pests and Diseases
- Common Pests
Like all other houseplants, Ficus Alii can also be attacked by pests. Common pests that can damage this plant are mealy bugs, scales, and white flies. Common signs of pests outbreak are leaves turning brown to black. Upon identification, isolate your plant and apply insecticides and neem oil to the affected areas. In addition, you can prevent pests by cleaning the leaves regularly.
- Common Diseases
Regarding diseases, the most common enemy of Ficus Alii is root rot. It is caused by overwatering, so it’s important not to overwater and let your plant sit in water. Using well-draining soil, our root supplement, and an optimum watering schedule can prevent the disease.
Common symptoms of root rot are the yellowing of leaves and mushy roots. When you notice yellow leaves on the plant, remove them from the container and inspect the roots. In case of root rot, remove the affected areas and plant Ficus Alii in a new pot with fresh soil.
- Common Problems
The most common problems of Banana Leaf Figs are;
Yellow leaves: Yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering. The issue can be prevented by watering the plant only when it needs to, and the topsoil has become dry.
Leaf drop: This problem is caused by underwatering, which can be tackled by adjusting the watering frequency. An appropriate watering schedule is critical for the plant to thrive.
Brown leaves: The leaves of Ficus Alii turn brown due to overexposure to sunlight. Always place the plant in indirect or filtered bright light to maintain stunning foliage color.
III. Uses and Benefits
The Alii Ficus makes an excellent indoor plant for bright light areas in the home. With its growth, the Ficus Alii may divulge a very thick trunk with pronounced beautiful variegation, giving it a palm-like appearance.
Despite its toxicity, the plant is not a bad option for a house plant. The glossy finish of the leaves gives your home the aesthetic value you need.
You’ll find these upright-growing ficus trees as small tree forms and as braided plants at garden centers and nurseries. Look for the variety known as Ficus ‘Amstel King’ with its reddish new growth.
Find Where to Buy the Best Long Leaf Fig (Ficus maclellandii)
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