Alii Fig
Ficus maclellandii 'Alii'
Alii
About this plant
Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' is a popular indoor plant known for its slender, elongated leaves with a glossy green appearance. It has a graceful, upright growth habit and can grow into a small tree indoors. This plant is appreciated for its air-purifying qualities and its ability to add a tropical touch to home or office spaces.
Taxonomy
- Genus
- Ficus
- Family
- Moraceae
- Higher classification
- Rosales
- Plant type
- Houseplant
- Lifespan
- Perennial
Origin & Distribution
- Native region
- Southeast Asia
- Distribution
- Widely cultivated indoors worldwide, originally native to Southeast Asia.
Care
- Light preference
- Bright indirect
- Suitable locations
- Indoor, Balcony, Greenhouse
- Preferred window facing
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Watering frequency
- Moderate
- Watering interval
- 5–10 days
- Humidity
- Normal
- Minimum
- 15 °C
- Maximum
- 30 °C
- Optimal
- 18-24 °C
- USDA hardiness zones
- 10-12
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Soil type
- well-draining potting soil mix
Watering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid letting the plant sit in water to prevent root rot. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows.
Fertilizing. Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth slows.
Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' is a tough and easy-to-care-for indoor plant. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. Overwatering can cause root rot, so allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth.
Propagation
- Propagation methods
- Cuttings
- Care difficulty
- Easy
Ornamental features
- Flowering
- No
Glossy, narrow, lance-shaped leaves; elegant upright form; smooth bark.
Toxicity & Safety
- Toxic to humans
- Mildly toxic
- Toxic to pets
- Mildly toxic
- Weed potential
- Not considered a weed
Sap can cause mild skin irritation; keep away from children and pets to avoid ingestion, which may cause mild stomach upset.
Allergy information
- Allergy risk
- Low
- Allergy triggers
- Sap or latex, Skin contact
- Pollen level
- Low
Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' can cause mild allergic reactions in some people, especially those sensitive to plant sap. The main trigger is its sap, which may cause skin irritation or mild respiratory symptoms if exposed to pollen. To reduce exposure, avoid touching the sap and keep the plant in a well-ventilated area.
Common problems
Common problems include yellowing leaves from overwatering, leaf drop due to sudden changes in light or temperature, and occasional pest issues like spider mites or scale insects.
Uses
Primarily grown as an ornamental houseplant for its attractive foliage and air-purifying properties.
Notes
Prune in spring to control size and shape. Repot every 2-3 years to refresh soil and allow room for growth. Sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature changes.