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Ficus binnendijkii
Scientific names: Synonyms: Common names: Ficus binnendijkii Ficus maclellandii, Ficus binnendiykii. Sometimes incorrectly named as Ficus longifolia and Ficus alii (which is a variety of this species). Long-leafed fig.

Light Low Medium-low Medium Mediumhigh High <250 lux 250 - 750 lux 750 - 1500 lux 1500 - 2500 lux > 2500 lux Unheated

Temperature 1 C - 8 C 34 F - 45 F 8 C - 16 C 45 F - 60 F 16 C - 22 C 60 F - 72 F > 22 C > 72 F Tiny Small

Size <20 cm < 8 20 cm - 1.2 m 8 - 4 ft 1.2 m - 2.5 m 4 ft - 8 ft 2.5 m - 5.0 m 8 ft - 16 ft > 5.0 m >16 ft

Cool Warm Hot

Medium Large Huge

Shape / style / colour Bushy

Ground cover

Jungly

Bushy palm

Climbing / trailing

Spiky

Tree shaped

Unusual

Upright

Palm shaped

Coloured/ variegated

Description A tree of dense growth and pendant habit which may grow to several metres in height. The shiny, deep green leaves are up to 25 centimetres long and tapering to a slender point. Leaf width depends on variety and ranges from two to three centimetres (Alii) to five to six centimetres (Amstel King). In common with most fig species, the leaves and bark exude a milky-white liquid when damaged. This may cause minor skin irritation in some individuals. Uses Like its close relative, Ficus benjamina, this is a plant that looks attractive as a stand-alone specimen or as part of a mixed display. Larger specimens are especially useful as feature plants in warm, well-lit atria, shopping malls and offices. It can be used as a clipped standard, but its long internodes make it less suitable than other Ficus species. History and origins There are over 800 species of the genus Ficus, named after the Latin for fig. Ficus binnendijkii is a native of the tropical rain forests of Java, the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia. It is relatively new in cultivation, but is rapidly establishing itself as an alternative to the more familiar Weeping fig, Ficus benjamina. Perhaps because of difficulties with pronunciation (Fy-cuss bin-en-dye-kee-eye), the scientific name is rarely used; more often than not, the plant is referred to as Ficus alii or Ficus longifolia, though strictly speaking neither is botanically correct. Maintenance Temperature: Prefers intermediate to warm conditions with a minimum of 13 C (55 F). Draughts or a sudden change in temperature may cause leaf drop. Does best in high light. The plant tends to thin out dramatically in anything less. Direct sunlight may cause leaf scorch. The growing medium should be kept moist under good growing conditions, but allowed to dry out slightly during the winter months. Tolerates quite dry atmospheres, but benefits from a regular spray with tepid water. Prone to attack by mealybug, scale insects and the Two spotted (red) spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). In good growing conditions the plant will require regular pruning to maintain a compact shape.

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Availability A readily available plant in most countries. Newer, variegated varieties may be less common.

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