Ficus Triangularis Care & Growing Guide

Scientific Name: Ficus Triangularis

Common Name: Triangle Fig

A unique and non-fussy Ficus plant! Yes, you read that right, a non-fussy ficus plant. Any plant in the ficus family is notorious for being fussy and finicky. Ficus Triangularis care will make you think twice about ficus plants. The Ficus Triangularis has distinct triangle shaped leaves with green waxy leaves or creamy green variegated leaves on the Ficus Triangularis Variegata. Before you purchase a Ficus Triangularis, read on to see if this is the right plant for you.

Quick Care Overview

Common Name	Triangle Fig
Scientific Name	Ficus Triangularis
Family	Moraceae
Origin	Africa
Identification	Triangle shaped waxy leaves
Height	4-8 feet tall
Soil	Equal mixture of peat moss, pine bark, and perlite
Water	Allow top two inches of soil to dry out before watering
Temperature	60-75F
Sunlight	Bright sunlight
Toxic to Cats & Dogs	Yes
Toxic to Humans	Yes
Pests	Aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, thrips, whitefly
Diseases	Root rot, leaf spot, botrytis blight, powdery mildew, rust, southern blight

Below we will dive deep into how to care for Ficus Triangularis.

Ficus Triangularis History

Ficuses make trendy houseplants, and Ficus Triangularis, more commonly known as the triangle fig, is one of the easiest plants in the Ficus family to grow! However, unlike other Ficuses, this plant could not be categorized as fussy. Discovered by botanist Cornelis Christiann Berg in Africa in the 20th century, this leafy ficus is named after its cute, triangle-shaped leaves.

Ficus Triangularis Identification

The triangle fig presents with triangle, or truncate-shaped, waxy dark green leaves. This woody Ficus also comes in a shiny green variegated plant with creamy white veins and irregular margins. Foliage grows to reach varying sizes.

Ficus Triangularis Growth Facts

Although classified as a small fig tree, this plant will not reach tree-like proportions and makes a lovely tropical focal point for the home when grown indoors.

How Big Does a Ficus Triangularis Get?

Ficus Triangularis will typically grow upright to be between 4-8 feet tall and up to 4 feet wide.

Ficus Triangularis Care

Ficus Triangularis care is easy with this complete care and growing guide. This small Ficus tree is considered a slow to moderate grower. However, you can give your plant optimum care by giving this ficus bright sunlight and keeping the air humid—a great, non-fussy plant for beginners.

Searching for a new houseplant?

Take our houseplant quiz to see what your next plant should be based on the room it’s in, the specific lighting the room receives, if you want it on the floor or on the table, and much more!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Best Soil for Ficus Triangularis

The Triangle Fig requires a rich, well-draining potting mix. A suitable substrate mixture includes equal parts peat moss or coco coir, pine bark, and perlite or sand. However, a standard potting mix with perlite incorporated will work just fine.

Ficus Triangularis Fertilizer

This leafy Ficus will enjoy an all-purpose liquid fertilizer dosing around every six weeks during the growing season. Be sure to follow all label instructions and not pour concentrate fertilizer onto dry soil as this can burn the plant. Also, do not fertilize in winter.

Ficus Triangularis Watering

Ficus Triangularis enjoys a deep watering and then being allowed to dry out before watering again. Water only when the top third of the soil is dry. Depending on growing conditions, watering will need to be done around twice weekly during the warm growing season. Less watering will need to be given in the fall and winter. Do not overwater this Ficus or allow it to sit in standing water. Be aware that this Ficus is sensitive to very cold or very hot water and prefers room temperature to lukewarm temperature.

Ficus Triangularis Light Requirements

The Triangle Fig loves sunlight, as long as the light is not too intense to cause leaf burn. Proper amounts of sunlight are required to keep the leaves shiny and in good health. A southern-facing window that will provide this fig at least eight hours of light daily is preferable. When lacking proper sunlight, leaves will fade in color and intensity, especially the variegated varieties. Leaf drop is a sign that your triangle fig is not receiving enough light. If you experience this, adjust where the plant is located and provide bright sunlight.

Ficus Triangularis Temperature & Humidity

Ficus Triangularis enjoys living in average household temperatures, between 60 to 75F. Do not submit this plant to temperatures below 55F. While not overtly damaging, growth will slow down significantly when kept in temperatures between 55 to 60F. Keep in mind that this plant does not like sudden temperature changes. Regarding humidity, this Ficus will thrive in an environment that has slightly above average humidity, especially Ficus Triangularis Variegata. Investing in a small humidifier or a pebble tray is a great way to make this tropical plant happy. However, this plant will grow in average home humidity just fine.

Repotting Ficus Triangularis

The triangle fig will need to be repotted when roots are observed poking through the container’s drainage holes. Select a pot that is one to two sizes larger than the current container and repot with fresh well-draining soil. To keep this Ficuses growth confined, you may alternatively trim the roots back by a third, utilize the same pot, and refresh the soil. Be sure to use a well-draining growing medium such as perlite and peat moss mixtures.

Ficus Triangularis Maintenance & Pruning

Ficus Triangularis typically do not need much pruning. However, any discolored leaves or leggy stems may be trimmed with clean shears to encourage bushy growth. Additionally, lower stems may be removed to create a more tree-like appearance. Gloves should be used when handling Ficus Triangularis, as the milky sap is irritating to the skin.

Propagating Ficus Triangularis

Propagating the triangle fig is easy and may be done through stem cuttings. Take sterilized shears and take a stem cutting that is several inches long. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting. Next, insert the cutting into the potting mix and water. Keep the soil moist. A plastic bag may be kept over the pot to help trap in humidity while the roots are growing.

Ficus Triangularis Toxicity

Ficus Triangularis is toxic to humans, cats, and dogs. This plant should be kept out of reach of children and pets.

Toxicity to Humans

This plant is classified as toxic. Ingestion may cause vomiting, nausea, and may require medical assistance. Therefore, do not consume any portion of this plant. Additionally, this plant should be handled with gloves as the milky sap can irritate the skin. Wash hands after touching this plant.

Toxicity to Cats & Dogs

This plant is considered toxic and should not be consumed by pets. Contact your veterinarian or animal poison control if your pet has ingested any portion of this plant.

Ficus Triangularis Problems

Ficus Triangularis Leaves Turning Yellow

Yellowing of the leaves is often due to overwatering or too little light. However, in some cases, yellowing of the leaves can be due to dehydration from overexposure to the sun and high temperatures. Additionally, leaves that turn from yellow to brown may signify disease.

Ficus Triangularis Leaves Turning Brown

Leaf browning will occur in Ficus Triangularis when the plant lacks water or receives too much sunlight. Although enjoying bright light, plants that are not acclimatized may show signs of sun scorching or may undergo browning due to extreme light intensity. However, leaves that suddenly turn yellow, then brown, or brown spots on foliage may signify disease.

Ficus Triangularis Diseases

Poor air circulation and incorrect watering are the number one cause of disease for the triangle fig. In addition, Ficus Triangularis can be affected by root rot, leaf spot, botrytis blight, powdery mildew, rust, and southern blight. If a plant disease is suspected, isolate your plant, and treat it with a fungicide following all label instructions.

Ficus Triangularis Pests

The triangle fig can be susceptible to infestations from aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, thrips, and whitefly. These pests like to hide on the undersides of leaves, in crevices, and cubbyholes. Upon identifying an infestation, isolate the plant, and treat it with a pesticide following all label instructions.

FAQ

Is Ficus Triangularis Rare?

Ficus Triangularis and Ficus Triangularis Variegata is a very popular and sought-after houseplant. It can be hard to find at nurseries and local plant shops as it is a pretty rare houseplant.

How Do You Make Ficus Triangularis Bushy?

To make your Ficus Triangularis bushy, prune the plant evenly all around to promote new growth where pruned. Only prune 1/4 of your plant at a time then wait a few months before pruning again.