banana leaf fig (Ficus maclellandii)
Ficus maclellandii is an evergreen woody perennial that may grow as a tree or shrub and is often grown as a large indoor potted plant in temperate regions.
Overview
Ficus maclellandii is an evergreen woody perennial that may grow as a tree or shrub and is often grown as a large indoor potted plant in temperate regions.
Origin and habitat
Its native range includes eastern India, Bangladesh, Indochina, including Thailand and Vietnam, the Malay Peninsula, and Yunnan in China. It is reported from streamside and lowland habitats, with records also describing its elevation.
Characteristics
Reported mature height is about 183–305 cm and mature spread about 122–183 cm; these ranges come from few sources. It is generally reported to grow quickly. Sources differ in their descriptions of the leaves: they are simple, leathery, entire, hairless, green to olive green, and may be oblong, ovate, or lanceolate; 'Alii' has particularly narrow, elongated, somewhat drooping leaves, while the species is also described as having dimorphic foliage, with narrower leaves on lower sterile branches and broader leaves on upper branches. The flowers are reported to be very small and inconspicuous inside the fig, while the small paired figs occur in the leaf axils and may change from green to yellow, red, or burgundy, with the opening at the base becoming flat or enlarged at maturity.
Light
Bright indirect light is generally preferred, though the plant is reported to adapt from dappled, canopy-filtered light to deeper shade.
Watering
It is generally watered after the surface of the potting medium has dried, while prolonged waterlogging or excessively wet, sticky conditions are avoided.
Temperature and dormancy
A hardiness-zone classification is reported for this plant.
Growing medium and mounting
A well-drained potting medium is generally used, and the plant is reported to adapt to acidic through neutral soils across a stated range of soil pH categories.
Feeding
Annual feeding is generally reported.
Propagation
It is reported to be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
Common problems
Reported pests include whiteflies, scale insects, fig mealybugs, and greenhouse thrips. The plant is reported not to tolerate prolonged waterlogging of the potting medium; good drainage is maintained and watering is done after the surface has dried.
Identification
'Alii' is distinguished mainly by narrow, elongated, olive-green, slightly drooping leaves, while the species also has dimorphic foliage in which leaves on lower and upper branches differ in width.
Photos
.jpg){kind=link}