Moraceae
Banana Leaf Fig: Complete Care Guide
Ficus maclellandii
Give your Ficus Alii bright, indirect light, water when the top 1-2 inches of soil dries out, and keep it away from cold drafts and sudden temperature swings. It rewards consistent care with fast, upright growth and glossy, banana-shaped leaves.
Every 7 days
Bright indirect
12° - 26°C
60% - 80%
Categories
What is Banana Leaf Fig?
Banana Leaf Fig (Ficus maclellandii) is a medium-care plant from the Moraceae family. Ficus maclellandii, widely known as the banana leaf fig or Ficus Alii, is an evergreen tree in the fig family native to Southeast Asia, India, and southern China. Its long, narrow, glossy leaves resemble banana foliage and give the popular 'Alii' cultivar an elegant, slender profile. Grown indoors a...
Banana Leaf Fig grows up to 3.0m, spread of 180cm, watering every 7 days, 12°C – 26°C, 60–80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and not safe for pets.
Without precautions, ingestion can cause irritation in pets. Keep out of reach of cats and dogs. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for Banana Leaf Fig?
TLDR: Banana Leaf Fig needs Bright indirect, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 12-26°C with 60-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Banana Leaf Fig?
Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry, roughly once a week during the growing season and less often in winter. Never let the pot sit in standing water -- soggy soil is the leading cause of root rot.
How Much Light Does Banana Leaf Fig Need?
Place in bright, indirect light such as near an east-facing window. It tolerates medium light but grows best and holds denser foliage with brighter exposure; avoid harsh direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
What Is the Best Soil for Banana Leaf Fig?
Use a well-draining, standard potting mix. Adding perlite or coarse sand improves drainage and helps prevent waterlogged roots.
What Pot Should You Use for Banana Leaf Fig?
A pot with ample drainage holes, ideally terracotta, helps excess moisture evaporate and protects against overwatering.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 30 days
Repot
Every 1095 days
What Is Banana Leaf Fig and Where Does It Come From?
Ficus maclellandii, widely known as the banana leaf fig or Ficus Alii, is an evergreen tree in the fig family native to Southeast Asia, India, and southern China. Its long, narrow, glossy leaves resemble banana foliage and give the popular 'Alii' cultivar an elegant, slender profile. Grown indoors as a striking floor plant, it forms a dense, upright canopy and adapts well to typical home conditions once established.
How to Propagate Banana Leaf Fig?
Stem cutting
Rooting is slow and can take 3-5 months; bottom heat and consistent humidity greatly improve success.
- 1 Cut a 4-6 inch section of healthy stem with a few leaves attached, just below a node.
- 2 Let the cut end callous over for a few hours to slow sap loss.
- 3 Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
- 4 Place the cutting in moist, well-draining soil or water and provide bottom heat and bright, indirect light.
- 5 Keep the medium consistently moist and wait several months for roots to form before transplanting.
Materials needed:
How Big Does Banana Leaf Fig Grow?
TLDR: Banana Leaf Fig can reach up to 3.0m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
3.0m
Spread
1.8m
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Evergreen
Warning: Toxic Plant
This plant can be toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of:
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Banana Leaf Fig?
TLDR: Banana Leaf Fig is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Root Rot
Root rot is a serious fungal disease that affects the root system of plants, causing them to decay and die. It is primarily caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or soil-borne fungi such as Pythium, Phytophthora, Rhizoctonia, and Fusarium. The disease thrives in waterlogged conditions where roots are deprived of oxygen, making them susceptible to fungal infection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
The cultivar name 'Alii' means 'king' in Hawaiian, and the plant is often associated with strength, resilience, and quiet elegance in the home.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | ⚠️ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | ⚠️ |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
| Wild Lettuce | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | ⚠️ |
