Ficus Alii-How to Grow and Care for

Hi Louise,

Your plant is called a Ficus alii (also called a Ficus maclellandii of Ficus Amstel King).

Here is a picture of one in tree form with slightly wider leaves.

Care tips:

Light: Ficus Alii plants do well in bright, indirect light; however, they can survive in medium light. The lower the light, the longer a ficus Alii takes to produce new leaves. Rotate it weekly to maintain the plant’s shape.

Water: Water when the top 1″ of the soil has dried out. If the plant is in a container larger than 12″ wait until the top 2″ of soil has dried out. Water deeply so that the excess water drains out the drip holes in the bottom of the pot. Immediately empty excess water and do not allow a ficus Alii to sit in water. New growth turns black and green leaves fall off from over -watering. Leaves become brown and crunchy, drop off, and may turn yellow when the plant needs water.

Plant Food: Feed monthly in the spring and summer, when the plant is actively growing, with a balanced fertilizer. It is not necessary to feed the plant during the winter and fall. Avoid using any plant foods that contain the chemical boron.

Prune a ficus during the winter to maintain the shape of the plant and encourage a bushier plant.

You can read all my care tips in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.

https://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/ficus-alii-how-to-grow-care-guide-amstel-king-ficus