Saber-leaf Ficus in pot

Credit: Luca Bove

Ficus Maclellandii leaf

Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek

Ficus Maclellandii in the ground

Credit: Alialb

Saber leaf Ficus fruit

Credit: Chiuluan

Ficus maclellandii, a killer fig tree

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 leaning on another tree, which it eventually strangles. But fear not! In our latitudes, it's an almost harmless green plant.

How to recognize Ficus maclellandii , the saber-leaved fig tree?

Ficus maclellandii grows up to 20 meters tall in its natural environment. It's a hemiepiphytic tree with a bushy, drooping habit. If grown indoors in pots, it will not exceed four meters in height and two meters in spread.

The brown trunk is spotted with white lenticels on young specimens. It becomes completely beige as it ages. The trunk is single. However, aerial roots may appear and give rise to a trunk in their turn.

Ficus maclellandii has evergreen foliage. It consists of narrow, oblong leaves with pointed apices. Coriaceous and drooping, they measure between eight and fifteen centimetres in length. Ficus maclellandii 'Alii, a cultivar often found in garden centers, has blades 2.5 cm wide. Those of Ficus 'Amstel King' reach 4.5 cm.

Foliage color also depends on the hybrid. The botanical variety is dark green with a paler underside, while some cultivars have variegated leaves. These include Ficus Alii variegata and Ficus 'Amstel Gold'.

The sword-leaved fig produces green berries. They grow in the axils of the leaf blades and enclose the flower.

Fig trees are toxic to humans and animals. Their sap contains a latex that irritates skin and mucous membranes on contact. Ficus maclellandii is no exception. Keep it out of reach of cats, dogs and small children.

Our maintenance tips

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.

Spray

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.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Add nutrients with a green plant fertilizer.

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.

Plantation

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.

Cutting

Cutting 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.

Diseases / Threats

Whiteflies

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Moraceae - Moraceae
Type	Ficus - Ficus
Species	Saber-leaf fig - Ficus maclellandii
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposures	Sun Half-shade
Substrats	Humus soil Sandy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Categories	Tree Interior
Tags	Beginner Fritillary Toxic
Origins	South Asia Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	10b
Leaf color
Fruit color