Full Size Ficus Alii (maclellandii)

Sale price$180.00

What is a Ficus alii?

The Ficus alii was designed and bred for indoor use, so it’s way on the easier end of Ficus care when it comes to light, water, temperature, and movement. It’s still a bit particular (all Ficuses are), but it’s making a real effort to be easygoing because it’s so excited to live with you. Also called a banana leaf fig, the alii Ficus has long glossy leaves shaped just like flat bananas, but it’s not safe around your pet monkey (or cat). 

How tall is the Ficus alii’s height?

Our Full Size Ficus Aliis are about 5.5-7ft tall

Ficus alii benefits

In its efforts to be a good housemate, the Ficus alii tree promises that if you do the cooking, she’ll clean all the air. A little fertilizer in exchange for air-purifying plant magic is a pretty good deal.

The alii Ficus tree is beautiful, with its simple, long, glossy leaves draping to create an elegant treetop.

Is a ficus alii tree the right plant for you?

If you’re semi-experienced plant carer but don’t want to jump all the way in the deep end, the Ficus alii plant is a perfect medium-difficulty, maximum-height tree.

If you’re looking for a bathroom or kitchen plant, you found it! The alii ficus tree loves humidity (but it does ok other places, too, just mist it.)

If you like Ficuses but find them a little intimidating, pick alii—this is the Ficus that wants to be your best friend.

How to care for a Ficus alii plant

Ficus alii is a medium-difficulty big plant: If you’ve successfully kept a few plants alive but don’t want to stress over it, this is the level for you.

Does the Ficus alii like sun or shade?

Ficus alii needs lots of bright indirect light. If the light is too direct, poor alii will burn (sunscreen won’t work, we tried). To little light, and the leaves will turn brown and fall off.

Keep the Ficus Alii in indirect bright light, a spot that is naturally lit but doesn't necessarily need to be direct light hitting the plant. We recommend you rotating the plant every few days so that the whole plant can get an even spread of light.

To understand more about indoor lighting, refer to our ultimate indoor plant lighting guide. (coming soon)

 

How often does a Ficus alii need to be watered?

Ficus plants in general does not like to stay wet and the Alii is no exception. For watering, you want to water the Ficus Alii once every 3 weeks or so after you check and confirm that the first 2-3 inches of soil is dry across a few spots of the soil. When you do water, make sure to water the plant slowly and thoroughly, that translates to a continuous 3 minutes or so of watering.

*it is important to note that the watering described above is for this specific size of Ficus Aliis (Full Size 14" diameter pot), if you came through a google search looking for watering instructions for Ficus Aliis in general, please visit our Ficus watering guide for the most accurate watering info. (coming soon)

Does Ficus alii have any special requirements?

Fertilize once a month or every other month, spring through fall (that’s the trade—you cook, she cleans the air).

Repot every 2 years. Even if you don’t want it to grow bigger in a bigger pot, at least give it fresh dirt and put it back in its original container so it can stay healthy.

Alii Ficus really likes humidity—like, 60%-80%—so it thrives in kitchens and bathrooms. If you keep them somewhere else, try a humidifier, pebble tray, or frequent mistings.

Is a Ficus alii safe for pets?

Sadly, despite its best efforts, Ficus alii just isn’t a pet person. It causes significant irritation to the mouth and stomach if ingested.

Must know before buying a ficus alii

  • Dangerous for pets

  • Elegant in its simplicity

  • A bit fussy about needing bright indirect light, but less fussy than other Ficuses

  • Likes consistently moist soil

  • Needs natural or manufactured humidity

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