Ficus maclellandii, a killer fig tree
Ficus maclellandii
- Exposures
- Sun, Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10b (1.7°C ≤ T° < 4.4°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Moraceae
- Genus
- Ficus
- Species
- Saber-leaf fig Ficus maclellandii
Other names:Ficus maclellandii var. rhododendrifolia, Ficus rhododendrifolia, Ficus thorelii Urostigma rhododendrifolium
Ficus maclellandii is a real threat. Not because of its saber-shaped leaves, but because of its roots. In the jungles of India and China, it grows by clinging to another tree, which it eventually strangles. But don't be afraid! In our part of the world, it's an almost harmless plant.
How can you recognize Ficus maclellandii, the sword-leaved fig tree?
Ficus maclellandii grows up to 20 meters tall in its natural habitat. It is a semi-epiphytic tree with a bushy, trailing habit. If you grow it in a pot indoors, it will not exceed four meters in height and two meters in spread.
The trunk is brown and speckled with white lenticels in young specimens. It turns completely beige as it ages. The trunk is single. However, aerial roots may develop and, in turn, give rise to a new trunk.
Ficus maclellandii is evergreen. Its foliage consists of narrow, oblong leaves with pointed tips. Leathery and drooping, they measure between eight and fifteen centimeters long. Their width varies depending on the variety. Ficus maclellandii 'Alii',' a cultivar often found in garden centers, has leaf blades 2.5 cm wide. Those of Ficus 'Amstel King' reach 4.5 cm.
The color of the foliage also depends on the hybrid. It is dark green with a paler underside in the botanical variety, while some cultivars have variegated leaves. This is particularly true of Ficus Alii Variegata and Ficus 'Amstel Gold'.
The sword-leaved fig tree produces green berries. They grow in the axils of the leaves and enclose the flower.
Fig plants are toxic to humans and animals. Their sap contains a latex that irritates the skin and mucous membranes upon contact. Ficus maclellandii is no exception. Keep it out of reach of your cat, dog, and young children.
Our care tips
The Ficus maclellandii don't like change. Once yours has been installed away from draughts, don't move it again. It could lose its leaves.
Watering
Before watering, make sure the substrate is two or three centimetres dry by dipping your fingers into the soil. If this is the case, moisten the root ball with non-calcareous water at room temperature.
To avoid drowning the roots, don't leave stagnant water in the dish.
Misting
Mist foliage to increase humidity and repel pests. Always spray with rainwater. Tap water is too hard and leaves white marks on the leaves.
Repotting
In spring, transfer your Ficus maclellandii to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.
In a pierced pot larger than the previous one, place a bed of clay balls, gravel or pebbles. Cover with the substrate. You can mix a special potting soil for green plants or houseplants with sand or compost.
Remove your plant from its container. To help the roots take hold, gently loosen the root bun. Plant in the center of the pot and top up with potting soil.
To improve humidity, place the pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls.
To improve humidity, place the pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls.
Fertilization
You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.
Add nutrients with a fertilizer for foliage plants.
Cleaning
Over time, dust accumulates on the leaves, slowing down photosynthesis. To remove it, clean the foliage with a clean, damp sponge.
Prune
Trim your Ficus maclellandii, whatever its size, to make it denser. Use a clean, sharp tool. Shorten each branch by at least five centimetres, cutting above a healthy leaf. Remove dead branches too.
Caution! Sap is toxic. Wear gloves for protection.
Planting
Once the last spring frosts have passed, you can plant.
Choose a sunny location sheltered from the wind.
Start by digging a hole two or three times as wide as the root ball. Leave the root ball to soak while you work.
Place some compost at the bottom of the hole. If your soil is heavy, add some pebbles to facilitate drainage. Plant your plant in the middle and fill in with a mixture of soil, potting mix and sand. Take care not to bury the collar.
Dig a trough around the shrub and water. The water will compact the soil and eliminate air pockets.
If you want to limit weed growth and preserve moisture, mulch the base of your plant with organic matter.
Taking cuttings
Propagation by cuttings is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
To take cuttings from your Saber-leaf fig, use a clean, sharp tool such as pruning shears to remove a branch about fifteen centimetres long.
Remove the leaves from the base, leaving only a few at the top. You can dip the other end in cuttings hormone.
Immerse your cutting in a clear glass filled with clear water at room temperature. Make sure the nodes are submerged: they are the ones that will give rise to the roots.
Choose a bright spot, away from direct sunlight and draughts.
Don't forget to change the water regularly to keep it clean.
Choose a bright spot, away from direct sunlight and draughts.
Don't forget to change the water regularly to keep it clean.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposures
- SunHalf-shade
- Substrates
- Humus soilSandy soil
- Planting methods
- Open groundIn potsIn tubs
- Tags
- BeginnerCold-sensitiveToxic
- Origins
- South AsiaSoutheast Asia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 10b (1.7°C ≤ T° < 4.4°C)
- Leaf color
- Dark green
- Fruit color
- Light green
Discover plants from the same family
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
