Ficus maclellandii aka Banana Leaf Ficus
Taxonomy
Ficus maclellandii, also known as Alii fig or banana-leaf fig, 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, with long leaf blades pointed at the top and a bark-covered trunk that can reach up to two meters at home. All varieties have narrow leaves on the lower, sterile branches and broader leaves on the higher branches; the average length is 8-13 cm. All Ficus plants produce figs, which are pollinated by tiny wasps, and contain a milky sap that makes them toxic, so one must be careful when handling them.
Common names
Banana Leaf Ficus, Amstel King, Ficus, Banana Leaf Fig, Alii FicusHow to care for Banana Leaf Ficus
Difficulty
Caring for Banana Leaf Ficus can be demanding, requiring a deep understanding of its unique needs and a commitment to provide optimal care.
Water
Banana Leaf Ficus should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Banana Leaf Ficus loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Banana Leaf Ficus prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it's common for Banana Leaf Ficus to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
No verified data on the toxicity of this plant exists within Ploi's records. Should you, someone in your family, or your pet ingest plant material with an unknown toxicity level, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
Humidity
The Banana Leaf Ficus does not demand additional humidity levels. Water is mostly absorbed by the roots of plants, rather than their leaves, and the best way to provide humidity to your plants is through watering the soil.
Fertilizer
Once the Banana Leaf Ficus has doubled in size or after a year has passed, it should be moved to a new pot. By replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the vital nutrients, your plant will receive all the sustenance it needs, negating the requirement for fertilizer. It's important to remember that plants get their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Banana Leaf Ficus’s native range is worldwide Tropics.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Ficus Genus
Ficus ampelas Ficus Ampelas
Ficus sarmentosa Pu Jing Rong
Ficus deltoidea Mistletoe Fig
Ficus variegata Variegated Fig
Ficus abutilifolia Large Leaved Rock Fig
Ficus umbellata Umbrella Tree Fig
Ficus benjamina Weeping Fig
Ficus thonningii Small Figtree
Ficus erecta Erect Fig
