HydroCare plants are planted in hydrogranules instead of using soil.
Hydrogranules are manufactured from clay pellets that are baked at high temperatures to make them expand, a process a bit like making popcorn.
The open structure of the hydrogranules allows water and nutrients to be stored and released, creating the optimum conditions for indoor plants to thrive as well as simplifying maintenance requirements.
The brighter the better! Ficus Alii is more robust than its cousins, but will drop some leaves if it doesn’t get enough bright light.
Leaf drop may also occur due to a poor watering schedule. Adjust as necessary and your plant should quickly recover.
Trim to maintain the desired shape for your Ficus, but be aware that sticky latex will ooze from the ends of the cut stems! This can be an irritant so make sure to wash your hands afterwards.
Ficus Alii prefers bright, indirect light, but can tolerate partial shade. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves. It is less likely than other Ficus to drop its leaves when moved.
Keep an eye on the water meter. Water when the meter has been on minimum for 7 to 10 days. See our HydroCare set up guide for more information.
The Ficus Alii does well in normal household temperatures but prefers slightly warmer conditions: between 16-24°C. Avoid cold draughts.
This Ficus has no specific humidity requirements, although the occasional misting wouldn't go amiss.
Add a Hydroculture liquid feed every 2 to 3 waterings during the spring and summer months.
This Ficus is fast-growing in optimum conditions, usually reaching an ultimate height of 3 metres. Prune to maintain desired height.
Please note: each plant is unique so available heights are approximate and the plant you receive may vary by ±10%
Considered poisonous due to the latex in the sap, therefore keep away from children and animals. Avoid this plant if you have a latex allergy. Contains allergens that may result in asthma symptoms.
This plant filters airborne toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde and is part of our clean air plant collection.
Ficus maclellandii Alii originates from South East Asia, India and China.
HydroCare plants have a lot of benefits over soil plants:
Moisture Levels: The open structure of the hydrogranules creates optimum moisture levels around the roots of the plant. Water stored in hydrogranules below the roots will be gently drawn up through capillary action for the roots to absorb. No more dried out roots or root rot.
On Demand Nutrition: Adding a HydroCare liquid feed to your watering regime allows the plant to draw in nutrients at its own pace. No more scorched leaves or stunted growth from over-fertilisation.
Watering: A water meter on the side of the grow pot indicates the amount of water left in the hydrogranule reservoir below the roots. When it reaches the minimum level wait for 1-2 weeks then simply top it back up to the optimum level. The plant will pull water from the hydrogranules according to its needs so there is no risk of over or under watering and watering is less frequent.
Root Health: The open structure of our pH neutral hydrogranules allows air to circulate around the roots keeping them healthy and because they do not compact over time there is no need to top up.
HydroCare plants are adapted to these conditions and develop a smaller more fleshy root system making the plant more hardy and in a smaller grow pot meaning you have a wider choice of decorative planter styles. The requirement to repot as the plant grows is also significantly reduced.
Pest Control: Hydrogranules are an inert medium that is less susceptible to pests, fungi and bacteria which means healthier plants with less risk of disease.
When you buy a HydroCare plant, you need a few other bits and pieces to assemble the plant in your chosen planter or plant pot. Think of getting a HydroCare plant as a solution that needs to be assembled rather than just a plant.
We have a simple step by step video guide to assembling the HydroCare plant in a plant pot but essentially you need 5 things for hydro heaven:
1. The HydroCare plant in its hydroculture grow pot.
2. A water meter to slot into the side of the hydroculture grow pot.
3. A waterproof plastic liner for your decorative pot. Each HydroCare plant has an associated hydro kit that includes a waterproof liner to fit the hydroculture grow pot of the plant and a size tip to help you choose a decorative pot that will accommodate the specified waterproof pot liner for the plant.
4. Extra hydrogranules to fill around the grow pot and make a nice finish on top.
5. Hydroculture plant food, specifically formulated for use with hydrogranules.
"Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better."
~ Albert Einstein ~
We believe in the power of plants to lift the spirit, calm the mind and clean the air.