Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Tree

The Ficus 'Alii' is a beautiful plant with narrow, dark green leaves that add an elegant look to any room. This strong plant, native to Southeast Asia, is known for its air-purifying properties and decorative value. With the right care, the 'Alii' can grow into a long-lasting companion in the home. Due to its slow growth rate and forgiving nature, the Ficus 'Alii' is an ideal choice for both novice and experienced plant lovers. Place it in a bright spot in the living room and enjoy the beauty and green life that this special houseplant brings with it.

The Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom likes a sip of water

The Ficus 'Alii' is a plant that is not too demanding when it comes to watering. It is important to keep an eye on the soil and make sure it does not dry out completely. In the summer, you can usually water about twice a week, while in the winter once a week is enough. It is best to test the soil with your finger; if it feels dry, the plant is thirsty and can use a drink of water. Keep in mind that the frequency of watering can vary based on the amount of light and temperature the plant is exposed to. With the right water care, the Ficus 'Alii' will thrive and provide a green and lively addition to your interior.

Summer

During the summer it is very important that this plant, when it is outside, is kept well moist. Especially during the warm days it should be watered every day, so that the root ball is well moist. On the less warm days this can sometimes be skipped for a few days. This is so important because otherwise the plant 'drinks' moisture from its leaves, causing it to become dry and eventually die. This should of course be prevented.

Winter

When winter is just around the corner, the rules are reversed! If the Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom is outside, it must remain dry so that the moisture does not freeze and damage the plant. The Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom does not suffer from a dry root ball during this period, it is in a kind of hibernation!
When the plant is kept indoors during the winter it should be kept slightly moist, so not soaking wet (as in summer), but just so that the root ball feels slightly damp.

General rules

In addition to the above guidelines, it is best to follow these rules:

First, give the plant a little water. If the soil is dry within 2 days, it means it needs a little more water. Adjust the amount of water until it still feels slightly moist between 2 and 5 days after watering, and almost dry after 5 days. If it feels very wet after 5 days, wait until it is almost dry and water again, but reduce the amount.

Spraying

We recommend that you spray the Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom with water weekly. However, we do not recommend this during hot summer days, so that you do it either in the evening after sunset, or on days when the sun shines little, because the water droplets bundle the incoming sunlight into small points that become very hot. These cause the leaves to dry out, or even burn through.
Apart from the detrimental effect of bright sunlight on wet leaves, misting has beneficial effects for your Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom . Namely, it removes dust from the leaves, allowing them to better absorb sunlight and appear more beautiful, and it prevents certain types of pests.

Where is the best place to place the Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom?

The Ficus 'Alii' thrives best in a bright spot in the living room, but avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. This plant is not demanding and adapts quickly to its location, so it is best not to move it often. The Ficus 'Alii' originally comes from tropical regions, so it thrives at room temperature and cannot tolerate frost at all. Make sure that the temperature does not drop below 10°C to promote the growth of the plant. Simulating a rain shower by spraying the plant occasionally will also contribute to a healthy humidity for the Ficus 'Alii'.

Light

The Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom is a plant that likes a fair amount of sunlight. It likes to be in full sun or half shade, taking in all the light. Is it indoors? Then it wants a spot near a window or where there is some light. The Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom requires at least 1 to 3 hours of direct sunlight per day

Wind

Make sure that the Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom experiences as little wind as possible. Wind can damage the leaves, causing them to die off more quickly. A little wind is no problem.

Temperature requirements

Minimum temperature 16 ℃ during the day
At night minimum 24 ℃

Repotting, why and when?

The Ficus 'Alii' does not need to be repotted often, usually once every 2-3 years. If the potting soil dries out quickly or the roots come out of the hole in the bottom, it is time for a larger pot. Check the roots when repotting and choose a pot with good drainage. If necessary, add perlite for better drainage. Fill with normal houseplant potting soil and give the Ficus some fresh soil and space to grow after repotting. With the right care, this strong and decorative plant will continue to thrive and beautify your home.

General rules

When the Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom has taken root (often every 2-3 years) we recommend repotting it in the spring. If it is always inside, it does not matter. If it is outside, it is not a problem to repot it in the summer, but we advise against it in the autumn and winter, because it will not grow and take root optimally. This can make it somewhat weak, and possibly suffer damage from frost.

When you choose to repot your Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom, choose a nice pot that is twice the size of the root ball. Place a layer of hydro grains at the bottom of the new pot for better moisture management. It will be grateful for that. Fill this layer with some Mediterranean potting soil. This type of soil ensures that the Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom roots optimally and is fed. Then you can place the root ball on the ground. Make sure that the top of the root ball is slightly below the edge of the pot. Aim for a difference of 2 to 6 cm. This difference ensures that the water does not run off the root ball when you water it.
Every year you should replace the top layer of soil, because it hardens and 'wears out' in nutrients, due to regular watering and because of the sunlight on the upper edge of the root ball.

Provide the Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Tree with good nutrition

The Ficus 'Alii' needs plant food during the growing season, that is, in spring, summer and early autumn, to thrive. It is not a plant that grows quickly, but a monthly dose of liquid houseplant food when watering can help to provide the 'Alii' with the necessary nutrients. This Ficus does not need extra food in the winter, as growth slows down then. By regularly adding plant food, you ensure that the Ficus 'Alii' receives sufficient nutrients to remain healthy and strong. It is important to follow the recommended dosage and distribute the food evenly over the waterings for optimal absorption by the plant. With the right food, this beautiful plant can grow even better and beautify your living space for a longer period of time.

Diseases and pests

Diseases and pests can unfortunately also pose a threat to the beautiful Ficus 'Alii', but with the right knowledge and preventive measures you can ensure that your houseplant stays healthy.

A common problem with Ficus is aphids. These small insects feed on plant juices and can cause leaves to wilt and deform. To combat aphids, you can regularly inspect the Ficus 'Alii' and spray it with a mild soap solution or neem oil if necessary. It is also important to keep the plant well ventilated and to regularly wipe the leaves to prevent any pests.

Another common problem is spider mites. These small mites thrive in dry environments and can be visible as small white dots on the leaves. To combat spider mites, you can regularly spray the Ficus 'Alii' with water to increase humidity and remove spider mites. You can also use natural enemies such as predatory mites to keep the population under control.

Root rot can be a serious problem for houseplants, including the Ficus 'Alii'. This is often caused by overwatering and poor drainage. To prevent root rot, it is important to plant the plant in a pot with drainage holes and to maintain a good balance between watering and allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Fungi can also cause damage to the Ficus 'Alii', especially when humidity is high and the plant has insufficient air circulation. To prevent fungal infections, it is important to keep the plant in a well-ventilated place and keep the leaves dry. If fungus does occur, you can use fungicides to treat the plant.

It is essential to regularly check the health of your Ficus 'Alii' and take preventative measures to avoid diseases and pests. By giving your houseplant the right care and attention, you can ensure that it stays healthy for a long time and you can continue to enjoy its beautiful narrow dark green leaves and air purifying effect.

How and when should you prune the Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom?

The leaves of the Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom will eventually wither. If this is the case with a leaf, you can simply cut the stem near the trunk. It is not a problem to cut off an entire leaf with the stem of the plant. This is the way the plant forms its trunk.

How can I propagate the Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' - Jungle Boom?

The Ficus 'Alii' can be propagated by taking cuttings of at least 10 cm long with a few leaves on them. These cuttings can be placed in water in a warm, bright place until they develop roots. Another option is to dip the cuttings in rooting powder and place them in potting soil in a warm, bright place. Patience is important, especially in the winter. Over time, the cuttings will develop roots and can be repotted. Propagating Ficus 'Alii' by cuttings is an effective and viable method for expanding your plant collection.