Maintenance Landscaping Design

Ficus maclellandii is an evergreen tree that is native to southern China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. The tree can grow up to 30 m tall and has a spreading canopy. The leaves are alternate, oblong-elliptic to lanceolate, and measure 10-20 cm long and 3-7 cm wide. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are borne in clusters. The tree is found in a variety of habitats, including forests, scrublands, and riverbanks.

Also called

• Ficus gibbosa
  
• Ficus obliqua
  
• Ficus septica
  
• Ficus subpinnata
  
• Urophyllum gibbosum

Basic info

• Ficus maclellandii is a small to medium sized evergreen tree.
  
• It is native to Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia.
  
• The tree can grow up to 20 meters tall.
  
• The trunk is usually densely covered with aerial roots.
  
• The leaves are simple, oblong-shaped, and glossy green.
  
• The tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers that are borne in clusters.
  
• The fruit is a small, dark-colored fig.
  
• Ficus maclellandii is commonly used as an ornamental tree.
  
• It is also used in traditional medicine.
  
• The tree is considered to be sacred by some cultures.

Related plant:
Ficus Variegata

Growing Steps

1. For ficus maclellandii, first step is to choose the right spot to grow your tree. Make sure you have enough space and that the location gets plenty of sunlight.
   
2. The second step is to prepare the soil. Ficus maclellandii prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. You can amend the soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.
   
3. The third step is to plant your tree. When planting, make sure to plant at the same depth as it was in the pot. Backfill the hole with amended soil and water thoroughly.
   
4. The fourth step is to provide support for your tree. Stake the trunk of your tree with a wooden or metal stake to prevent it from toppling over.
   
5. The fifth step is to water your tree regularly. Ficus maclellandii is a drought-tolerant tree, but it will need regular watering during its first year of growth. Once established, it will only need watering during periods of extended drought.
   
6. The sixth step is to fertilize your tree. Fertilize your tree once a year with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-
   
7. The seventh step is to prune your tree. Prune your tree annually to promote new growth and to shape it the way you want.
   
8. The eighth step is to protect your tree from pests and diseases. Watch for common pests such as aphids and scale. Treat with an insecticide if necessary.
   
9. The ninth step is to enjoyed your tree. Ficus maclellandii is a beautiful tree that can provide shade and beauty to your landscape.
   
10. The tenth and final step is to take care of your tree. With proper care, your ficus maclellandii will thrive for many years to come.

Related plant:
Ficus Benghalensis

Soil Condition

About soil condition, ficus maclellandii like well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade. It's adaptable to different soil types, as long as the drainage is good. It's also drought tolerant once established.

Light requirement

Similar to other ficus plants, the ficus maclellandii prefers bright, indirect sunlight. To prevent the leaves from scorching, it's best to avoid placing this plant in direct sunlight. The ficus maclellandii is a fast-growing plant and can quickly become too large for its space if not pruned regularly. When pruning, be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for a Ficus maclellandii is between 68-86 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate lower temperatures as long as they do not go below freezing. When the temperature gets too hot, the leaves of the Ficus maclellandii will start to turn yellow and fall off.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is at or around 50%. If the humidity gets too low, the leaves will start to turn brown and crispy. If the humidity gets too high, the leaves will start to turn yellow and drop off.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this plant is not a heavy feeder. It does best with a light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring, followed by another light feeding in late spring or early summer. Be sure to water thoroughly after applying fertilizer. Also, remember that too much fertilizer can result in excessive leaf growth and reduced fruit production. The roots of a fig tree are very sensitive to changes in their environment. If the tree is moved, it can take up to two years for the roots to adapt and begin producing fruit again.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of caring for your Ficus maclellandii. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or dying leaves and branches. It is also important to prune back any branches that are growing too close to the main trunk of the tree.

Plant Propagation

Propagation is best done by taking leaf cuttings in late spring or early summer. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, young leaves and should be about 6 inches long. The leaf cuttings should be inserted about 2 inches deep into a pot of moistened sand or vermiculite. The pot should be covered with plastic to help retain moisture and placed in a warm, bright location but out of direct sunlight. After a few weeks, small roots will begin to form and new leaves will appear. Once the new plants are well-rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 1 and 2 feet per year, with a mature height of between 30 and 40 feet. However, this growth rate can vary significantly depending on the growing conditions. For example, trees grown in full sun will typically grow faster than those grown in shade. Additionally, trees that are well-watered and fertilized will also tend to grow faster than those that are not.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf drop, yellow leaves, and stem dieback. These problems are often caused by too much water, too little light, or too much fertilizer. To fix these problems, make sure to water your ficus maclellandii only when the top inch of soil is dry and give it bright, indirect light. Avoid over-fertilizing by using a fertilizer that is specifically made for ficus plants.

Tips on Growing

• If you are growing your ficus maclellandii in a pot, make sure to choose a pot that is at least twice the size of the plant's root ball.
  
• Use a well-draining potting mix that contains peat moss or coco coir.
  
• Water your ficus maclellandii regularly, but do not allow the soil to become soggy.
  
• Place your ficus maclellandii in an area that receives bright, indirect light.
  
• Fertilize your ficus maclellandii every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
  
• Prune your ficus maclellandii as needed to remove any dead or dying branches.
  
• Repot your ficus maclellandii every two to three years, or as needed.
  
• Keep an eye out for common pests and diseases,

You May Like

• Ficus malacocarpa Hook.f.
  
• Ficus malacodendron (Roxb.) Gasp.
  
• Ficus maleus Miq.
  
• Ficus malaccensis Miq.
  
• Ficus macrocarpa Desf.
  
• Ficus macrantha Bull.
  
• Ficus maclureana C.C.Berg
  
• Ficus macropoda Miq.
  
• Ficus macrorrhiza Vahl
  
• Ficus macrophylla Salisb.

Source:
Ficus Diseases - Penn State Extension
(PDF) Ficus species in Nepal: A review - Academia.edu
| Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants | University of Florida, IFAS