Sabre Leaf Fig (Alii Fig) - Ficus maclellandii 25cm / 10L Large
$65.00Ficus maclellandii 'Alii', also known as the Sabre Leaf Fig, is an elegant, low-maintenance alternative to the more common Fiddle Leaf or Rubber Plant. Its long, narrow leaves—often compared to sabres or willow blades—create a soft, cascading canopy that brings a touch of tropical refinement to modern interiors. Unlike many ficus varieties, ‘Alii’ is less prone to dramatic leaf drop, making it an excellent choice for homes and offices alike.
This species typically grows upright with a central woody stem, though it’s sometimes sold as a braided or multi-stemmed specimen. Over time it can reach 1.5 to 2.5 metres indoors, responding well to pruning and shaping.
Toxic if ingested. Irritating sap.
Comprehensive Care Instructions for Ficus maclellandii 'Alii' (Sabre Leaf Fig)
Lighting Requirements
Indoors: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate medium light. Too much direct sun may cause leaf scorching, while too little can slow growth.
Outdoors (in warm climates): Grows well in shaded patios or courtyards protected from wind and hot afternoon sun.
Watering Regimen
During the Growing Season (Spring to Early Autumn):
Water when the top 3–5cm of soil is dry. Avoid overwatering—let the soil drain freely and never leave it sitting in water.
Cooler Months:
Reduce watering frequency, allowing soil to dry out more between waterings while avoiding total dryness.
Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in warm, stable indoor temperatures between 16°C–28°C.
Tolerant of average household humidity but prefers slightly elevated moisture in the air. Mist occasionally or group with other plants.
Fertilizing
Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser. Do not fertilise in winter unless actively growing under lights.
Pruning & Maintenance
Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth. ‘Alii’ tolerates harder pruning if needed.
Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves at the base. Clean leaf surfaces regularly with a damp cloth to remove dust.
Repotting
Repot every 2–3 years or when rootbound. Use a free-draining potting mix. Choose a tall, stable pot as the plant becomes top-heavy with growth.
Pests & Troubleshooting
Watch for scale, mealybugs and spider mites, especially in warm indoor environments. Treat promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Sudden leaf drop is usually due to overwatering, cold drafts or changes in light. Allow the plant to adjust gradually when relocating.
Important Note: Adaptable and Reliable
Ficus ‘Alii’ is more forgiving than many other figs. Its upright shape, graceful leaf form and low drama make it a standout choice for busy plant lovers or design-conscious spaces.
Toxicity: Moderately toxic. Don't let anyone or anything eat it. The sap is a skin irritant so do not touch.
Plant Size Guide
The plant in the photos is an example and an approximate guide only however we try to show an average sized example. Sizes, flowering state and colours change throughout the seasons and variation will occur. In summer & autumn, plants are often larger or the same size as than the example picture but around winter and spring, they can be a little smaller but still at a size similar to the example. We aim to update the pictures to reflect significant differences.
Plant Heights - because the plant's foliage must fit inside our Plant Cartons, the actual height of a plant's central trunk (meristem) will be shorter than the box it fits in.
Small Plants - 14cm wide nursery pot - 1 Litre volume - Plants fit in a 50cm tall box.
Medium Plants - 17cm wide pots either 2L hanging pot or 2.5L nursery pot - Plants fit in a 75cm tall box.
Large Plants - 25cm wide pot, 10L volume. Plants fit in a 100cm tall box.
XL Plants - Plants over 100cm tall in pot sizes specified, 25cm/10L or greater and are hand delivered within Auckland/Northland only.
Dispatch Times
Plant courier orders are processed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.
North Island orders are targeted overnight delivery, South Island orders are sent on a 2-day target but these are not a guaranteed delivery timeframe.
Add 1 extra day after a public holiday as well as for rural addresses or remote towns.
Monday - We send orders placed on previous Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
Tuesday - We send Weekend orders from previous Saturday & Sunday.
Wednesday - We send orders placed from Monday & Tuesday.
XL Plants are delivered only within urban Auckland & Whangarei and this service is for non-urgent orders. This excludes satellite destinations such as Beachlands, Pukekohe, Piha, Helensville etc and Whangarei Heads. We may deliver at any time Sunday, Monday, Wednesday or Thursday in Auckland and you need to have a sheltered accessible position for us to deliver to.
Plants in Transit
Each Small, Medium & Large plant is individually contained within its own protective cardboard Plant Carton which may be joined to other cartons in your order.
Plants typically take just a day or two to arrive, however they are usually fine in their cartons for 1-2 weeks, and many can go longer, so a few extra days are not usually cause for concern.
Whether it takes 1 or 7 days, let your plant recover from its journey by placing in gentle light and adding a little water and it will be back to its best within a couple of days. Let us know if there are any major issues via the contact page.
