Ficus binnendijkii 'Alii' (Alii Ficus, Long Leaf Fig)
Botanical Information
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Ficus |
| Species | binnendijkii |
| Cultivar | 'Alii' |
| Category | Tropicals, Woody |
| Type | Tree (evergreen), Shrub (evergreen) |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Among the best for improving indoor air quality. Removes toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from tainted indoor air. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 9a - 11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c - H4 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -10 - 10 |
| Temperature (°F) | 14 - 50 |
| Height | 1.5 - 4.5 m |
| Spread | 1.5 - 4.5 m |
| Growth | Slow |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | Fairly new cultivar that doesn’t exist in the wild. |
| Shape | Upright. |
| Landscape | Makes a handsome indoor tree. |
| Propagation | By tip cuttings and air layering, but is slow to root from either method. |
| Cultivation | Easier to care for than some of its relatives, and is less temperamental than Ficus benjamina. Best grown in full sun to partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Water thoroughly, then let top 2.5 cm of soil to dry out between waterings. Slow growing, so when pot-bound, it prefers to be in a pot with drainage holes to prevent soggy soil. |
| Pests | Resistant to most pests, but watch for whiteflies and scale insects. |
| Notable Specimens | Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Bark/Stem Description | As this plant grows, it may drop its lower leaves revealing a bare woody trunk, giving this tree a palm-like appearance. Sometimes its trunks are braided by growers making it look like a topiary. |
| Leaf Description | The leaves are long, narrow, and taper to a point. |
| Colour Description | Foliage is medium to deep green. |
| Texture Description | Foliage is naturally glossy. |
Photographs
Ficus binnendijkii 'Alii', form.
Ficus binnendijkii 'Alii', leaf.