Alii ficus is a popular ornamental tree grown both indoors and outdoors. With its tropical look and hardy nature, alii ficus adds charm and personality to gardens, patios, and living spaces. However, this ficus variety grows over 15 feet tall at maturity. So an important question for alii ficus owners is – how much space should you leave between each tree?
I’ve researched and gathered key factors to consider when deciding the ideal spacing between alii ficus trees. In this article, I’ll share my tips and recommendations so you can space out your alii ficus trees perfectly.
An Overview of Alii Ficus Trees
Before getting into the spacing guidelines, let’s first understand some basics about alii ficus.
The alii ficus is a cultivar of the common fig tree (Ficus maclellandii). It’s native to the rainforests of India and Malaysia. Some key traits of this ficus variety:
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Grows up to 15-20 feet tall at maturity. Has a bushy, spreading canopy.
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Features glossy violin-shaped leaves that are 8-10 inches long. New leaves have a reddish tint.
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Does well in bright, indirect light indoors and full sun outdoors. Can tolerate partial shade.
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Prefers average room temperature and humidity. Not frost hardy.
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Does not produce fruit indoors. Outdoors, it may yield small figs in ideal growing conditions.
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Requires well-draining, fertile soil. Is sensitive to overwatering.
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Makes an excellent container plant if given a large enough pot.
Knowing the mature height and spread of alii ficus trees is key to determining the right spacing between them. Next, let’s look at the factors to consider.
Factors to Consider When Spacing Out Alii Ficus Trees
Properly spacing out alii ficus trees allows each tree adequate room to reach its mature size. It also prevents overcrowding and competition for resources like light, water and nutrients.
Here are the key factors to keep in mind:
Mature Size
As mentioned earlier, alii ficus can grow over 15 feet tall at maturity with an equally wide, spreading canopy. Make sure to accommodate this potential mature size when planting alii ficus trees.
Purpose
Are you growing alii ficus as a hedge, border or freestanding specimen trees? Trees planted as a hedge or border can be spaced closer than standalone specimen trees.
Location
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Indoors – Space alii ficus trees in pots at least 2-4 feet apart near windows. Give more space if using large containers.
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Outdoors – Gardens allow more room than patios. Space trees 8-15 feet apart depending on garden size. For patios, plan for 5-8 feet between containers.
Light Exposure
Alii ficus needs bright, indirect sunlight indoors and full sun outside. Make sure each tree has access to adequate sunlight without being overshadowed by neighboring trees.
Root Spread
Consider the root spread of mature alii ficus trees, which extends far beyond the canopy drip line. Space trees accordingly to prevent competing root systems.
Drainage and Irrigation
Allow enough space between alii ficus for proper drainage and irrigation access to each tree. Prevent root rot from overly moist soil.
Aesthetics
Space trees to create your desired look – a lush, filled-in hedge or specimen trees standing alone in the landscape. Frame views, create privacy or define spaces with proper spacing.
With these key factors covered, let’s get into some specific spacing recommendations.
Recommended Spacing for Alii Ficus Trees
Based on the above considerations, here are my general guidelines on how much space to leave between alii ficus trees in various settings:
Indoors
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2 to 4 feet between trees in pots – Allows air circulation and light penetration for ficus trees near windows indoors. Adjust distance based on container size.
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4 to 6 feet between trees in atriums or large, well-lit indoor spaces – Gives ample breathing room for these large tropicals to reach mature dimensions.
Outdoors
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3 to 6 feet apart for hedges and screens – Plant alii ficus trees densely for tight hedges and privacy screens. Trim as needed to contain size.
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6 to 8 feet apart in garden beds and borders – Provides reasonable space for growth while allowing some overlap between canopies for a lush look.
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8 to 12 feet apart for specimen trees – Gives each alii ficus room to grow to its full size and form its natural canopy shape.
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12 to 15 feet apart in open yards and parks – Maximizes space between trees for sweeping canopies. Creates an open, uniquelook with each tree standing alone.
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5 to 8 feet between containers on patios – Allows you to enjoy the tropical flair of alii ficus on small outdoor living spaces. Use larger containers to restrict root and canopy growth.
These spacing guidelines may vary slightly depending on your specific growing conditions. I suggest starting at the lower end of the spacing range and increasing distance between young trees as needed.
It’s easier to move small ficus trees closer together later on than it is to move large, mature trees that outgrow their space!
Tips for Planting Well-Spaced Alii Ficus Trees
Follow these handy tips to help put the spacing guidelines into practice:
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Study the dimensions of your planting area and make a planting plan to scale. This will help visualize proper spacing.
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Measure and mark out spacing intervals before planting. Use marking paint or stakes to denote spots.
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Place containers or dig holes for trees based on expected canopy spread, not just trunk location.
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For hedge rows, first plant one or two trees at desired intervals. Use them as “spacers” for lining up remaining trees.
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Stand back periodically and observe trees from all angles. Adjust spacing if canopies begin to overlap excessively as trees grow.
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Control size through pruning and container restriction. This allows planting some trees closer together than suggested guidelines.
With smart planning and informed spacing, your alii ficus trees will thrive and look amazing without overcrowding issues. Just be patient – leave ample room between young trees knowing they will eventually grow into the space over time.
Common Questions About Spacing Alii Ficus Trees
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about spacing alii ficus trees:
How close can I plant small alii ficus trees?
2 to 3 feet apart is fine for young ficus trees in 1-2 gallon pots. But be prepared to move them further apart as they reach mature dimensions.
Can I plant a hedge with alii ficus trees?
Yes, space small alii ficus 3 to 6 feet apart to create a lush, tropical hedge screen. Trim regularly to maintain the hedge shape and thickness.
What if I don’t have much room between my alii ficus trees?
Prune and restrict container size to control the growth of closely spaced alii ficus. Focus on maintaining the trees’ health in cramped conditions.
How far should I space specimen alii ficus trees in my yard?
10 to 15 feet apart allows ample space for specimen alii ficus to showcase their full form and canopy spread.
Should I space trees according to trunk or canopy location?
Space according to the canopy drip line rather than trunk location alone. This prevents inner canopy overlap as trees grow.
Proper spacing is important for the health and appeal of alii ficus trees in any landscape. Follow these spacing guidelines tailored specifically to alii ficus growth needs. With room to spread out, your alii ficus trees will thrive for years to come.
How to fertilize Ficus Alii
Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.
By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.
To replenish this plants nutrients, repot your Ficus Alii after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.
Ficus Alii prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.
Ficus Alii requires abundant, bright and direct light. Place it less than one foot from a window to ensure it receives enough light to survive . Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home .
Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.
Ficus Alii prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.
Ficus Alii does best in well-draining soil. A good soil will contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir as well as perlite or vermiculite to help with drainage. Adding a handful of perlite to regular store-bought potting soil should do the trick!
Ficus Alii should be repotted after it doubles in size or once a year, whichever comes first. Fresh potting soil has all the nutrients your plant needs, so as long as it’s refreshed yearly, you shouldn’t need to use fertilizer. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not fertilizer!
It’s common for Ficus Alii to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.
Ficus Alii is native to worldwide Tropics.
Ficus Alii can be propagated by the stem method. To propagate:
- Make a cut just above the node. The node is the break in the stem where the leaf emerges.
- To get the cutting to root, you can either:
- Place the cutting in water until roots emerge and are ~2” long and then transplant into well-draining soil, or
- Place the cutting directly into well-draining soil and water when dry.
When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.
Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.
Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.
Finding light for Ficus Alii in your home
Ficus Alii love being close to bright, sunny windows .
Place it less than 1ft from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.
Ficus Alii does not tolerate low-light .
Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Ficus Alii in your home .