How to Care for a Ficus Alii Plant

Ficus is a handsome indoor plant with thick, glossy leaves and an attractive, tree-like shape. Ficus includes several varieties with similar growing requirements. Ficus varieties include Ficus benjamina, also known as weeping fig, and Ficus elastica, also known as rubber tree. Ficus maclellandi is a new variety of ficus, commonly known as Ficus "Alii." Ficus Alii is similar to other ficus varieties, but the olive-colored leaves of Alii are longer, narrow and pointed.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid fertilizer for indoor plants
• Pruners

Instructions

1. Place your Alii in moderate to bright light. Avoid direct sunlight from hot windows, which may scorch the plant.

2. Water the Alii when the top of the soil feels slightly dry. Water the plant, using warm water, until the water runs through the drainage hole. Pour out any water remaining in the drainage saucer after five to 10 minutes. Never allow the soil to become soggy and never let it become bone dry.

3. Fertilize your Alii every three to four weeks during spring and summer, as long as the plant is growing and producing new leaves. Use a liquid fertilizer for indoor plants that has been diluted to half strength. Decrease fertilizer gradually in autumn and withhold fertilizer completely during the winter.

4. Trim the ficus with pruning shears any time if you need to control the size of the plant. Cut the stems just above a leaf or stem. Remove any dead branches or weak growth.

References

• University of Minnesota: Rubber Trees, Weeping Figs, and Other Friendly Ficus
• Texas A&M: Ficus maclellandii 'Alii'
• New Mexico State University: Fall Tree Planting