One of the most easy-to-grow indoor ficus plants is Ficus triangularis. The ficus triangularis isn’t in this category, despite the fact that it’s a notoriously picky indoor plant. The leafy plant gets its name from the leaves, which are shaped like a triangle and are often referred to as a triangle ficus.
The glossy dark green leaves that cover the woody plant’s stems are truncate in appearance. The triangular-shaped green leaves with creamy-white borders and veins give the ficus triangularis ‘Variegata’ a more dramatic appearance.
Outside in USDA zones 12 and 13, Ficus triangularis plants grow. The triangle ficus is a tropical indoor plant that should thrive in bright surroundings, which means that it is suitable for most people. Ficus triangularis is adaptable and succeeds in the domestic environment, despite its native habitat being hot.
The ficus triangularis is covered in this article from head to toe. You’ll learn how to provide this tropical houseplant with the optimal condition for keeping its green or variegated leaves alive indoors.
About Ficus Triangularis
The triangle ficus, also known as the little blooming fig tree, is a member of the Ficus genus. The low-maintenance tree, which grows to be 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall and 4 feet (1.2 meters) broad, is a triangular-leaved tree. The leaves of a ficus tree are triangular and have a lustrous sheen.
The little fig (syconia) flowers of Ficus triangularis are tiny berry-like blooms. The blooming of a ficus triangularis houseplant, on the other hand, is uncommon. The plant’s attractive triangle leaves, on the other hand, make up for the lack of any spectacular flowers.
When cultivated indoors in a pot, Ficus triangularis inflorescence (syconia) appears like little berries. The triangle ficus, on the other hand, will develop as a lovely tropical houseplant in your home if you choose a pot with enough space and prune it occasionally.
How to Care For Ficus Triangularis
Grown in bright light, shielded from direct sunlight, the leafy plant of a ficus triangularis houseplant requires attention. In temperatures above 55°F (13°C), a ficus triangularis thrives in well-draining fertile soil. During the growing season, water the plant every four to six weeks while the top layer of soil is dry. Fertilize it every four to six weeks.
About Ficus Triangularis ‘Variegata’ (Variegated Ficus Triangularis)
Due to its lovely green and white triangular leaves and minimal upkeep, Ficus triangularis ‘Variegata’ is a popular plant. Each one of the triangular leaves on the variegated plant is unique. The leaves are glossy green with a creamy white variegation. Green color in the center of each leaf contrasts with yellowish-white irregular borders. The variegated ficus triangularis can grow up to 4 feet (1.2 meters).
Truncate shaped Ficus triangular leaves are called Variegata. The triangle’s apex (petiole) is squared off, and the triangular part of the stem is narrow. The plant has a bright appearance due to the plentiful creamy-white markings around the leaf edges. All of the variegated leaves are triangular in shape. Leaves vary in size on the same plant. Green and white leaves are typically limited to 2″ to 3″ (5 – 7.5 cm) in width at the broadest point.
How to Care For Ficus Triangularis ‘Variegata’
To protect the variegation and avoid scorch, grow a tropical plant like a ficus triangularis ‘Variegata’ in indirect light. Plant in an organically rich potting soil that is well-drained. Only when the soil is sufficiently dry will water be present. During the growing season, fertilize houseplants every six weeks. The ideal temperature and humidity levels are both high.
How to Grow a Ficus Triangularis Plant — Ficus Triangularis Care Guide
The triangular leaves of the ficus triangularis are a striking bushy houseplant. In a brightly illuminated area, the variegated ficus plant looks amazing on a desk, table, or shelf. While the plant isn’t as picky as other ficus types, it does need some attention to keep its foliage healthy. The best care instructions for growing a ficus triangularis plant at home can be found further down.
Where to Grow Ficus Triangularis Indoors
If given enough sunlight, Ficus triangularis grows well. The waxy triangle leaves will be spared from sunburn thanks to indirect light. To keep the plant satisfied and the leaves glossy and healthy, however, adequate sunlight is required. A ficus tree should receive eight hours of sunlight every day. Despite the fact that a ficus triangularis may tolerate some shade, it thrives in bright conditions. If there isn’t enough light, move it to a sunny spot in a south- or west-facing room. Artificial light might alternatively be used to increase lighting circumstances.
A ficus triangularis ‘Variegata’ must receive adequate sunlight to maintain the gorgeous leaf variegation. The creamy white patterns on the dark green leaves are kept bright by the bright light. So, suppose you see that the variegated ficus plant’s leaves are becoming greener. Place the plant in a more exposuresite if possible. Rotate the ficus triangularis plant every few weeks to ensure that all of the foliage receives an equal quantity of light.
The Best Potting Soil for Growing Ficus Triangularis
An organically rich, well-drained potting medium is ideal for Ficus triangularis. Mix equal proportions of sphagnum peat moss, pine bark, and perlite to create a suitable substrate for a ficus plant. You can alternatively improve drainage and avoid root rot by using a commercial potting soil supplemented with perlite.
The soil mix should drain well while retaining enough moisture. Permateal and peat moss, for example, work together to retain water while allowing it to drain quickly. That way, you can avoid potting mix that dries out too fast or has excess moisture issues.
How to Water a Ficus Triangularis Houseplant
Watering a ficus triangularis when the top layer of soil is dry is the best time. Dip the soil of a ficus triangularis in lukewarm water until the drainage holes in the pot are filled. Before watering again, wait until the top 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of soil is dried. In the summer, a ficus tree needs frequent watering, while in the winter it requires less.
The ficus triangularis should be watered approximately every seven to ten days. Instead, check the soil for dryness instead of having a watering schedule. You can avoid the soil from becoming waterlogged or drying out this way.
You can get by with watering on occasion throughout the winter. When it comes to watering the ficus triangularis, always follow the moisture levels in the soil. For caring for a ficus triangularis, here are some helpful tips:
- To allow any harmful chemicals to evaporate, leave water in a jar for 24 hours before watering.
- To avoid watering ficus plants with cold water, make sure the water temperature is at room temperature.
- Between watering sessions, let the soil dry partially.
- Always growth a ficus triangularis in a pot with drainage holes.
- Never let the ficus plant sit in a saucer of water for an extended period of time; it may cause root fungus.
- Compacted soil or the plant is root-bound might cause water to drain poorly.
Ficus Triangularis Temperature Range
In typical household temperatures, a ficus triangularis thrives. Between 60°F and 75°F (15°C – 24°C) is the optimum temperature for the plant. Between 55°F and 60°F (13°C and 15°C), the growth of a ficus tree will slow. Don’t let the plant grow below 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius). Ficus triangularis thrives in regular household temperatures. It is, however, important to make sure that the plant isn’t exposed to rapid temperature changes.
On freezing winter days, for example, cold breezes from an open window may kill a tropical plant. Stress can also be caused by cold air from an air conditioner unit. Similarly, the leaves of the plant may wilt if it is growing near a hot furnace or radiator.
How Much Humidity Does Ficus Triangularis Plant Need?
Ficus triangularis thrives in humidified conditions, with a bit of extra household humidity. You can put the pot on a pebble tray with water, use a room humidifier, or grow tropical plants together to raise humidity levels. If you water a ficus plant properly, it will adapt to typical home humidity.
Should you use a wet cloth to increase humidity levels by wiping the triangular ficus leaves? If the household air is excessively dry, a damp cloth will provide some moisture for the leathery foliage. But it’s a good idea to clean the leaves from dust and boost photosynthesis by periodically wiping them.
How to Fertilize Ficus Triangularis
A balanced all-purpose fertilizer is beneficial to a ficus triangularis plant. The nutrients required for a variegated ficus plant are supplied by a diluted houseplant fertilizer. Fish emulsion, compost tea, worm tea, and kelp are all examples of organic fertilizers. From late March through September, apply fertilizer, but don’t do so during the winter.
Ficus Triangularis Growth Rate
The growth of a little fig tree with triangular leaves is sluggish to moderate. The ficus plant should be placed in full sun, watered when the soil is approximately dry, and maintained at a constant humidity to ensure optimum development circumstances. Ficus triangularis growth can be harmed by the following factors:
- Becoming rootbound
- Growth gets dormant in the winter, resulting in seasonal changes.
- Pest or disease issues
Pruning Ficus Triangularis for Healthy Growth
Pruning a ficus triangularis is not often necessary. Yet, keeping a ficus triangularis looking neat and bushy development is simple by trimming leggy stems. Moreover, in the spring, you may clip stems just above leaf nodes to remove straggling growth. Stem cuttings and leaf cuttings for propagation may also be obtained by pruning the little tropical fig tree. Wearing protective gloves to protect your skin from the plant’s irritating milky sap is a good tip when pruning ficus triangularis.
How to Propagate a Ficus Triangularis Plant
The propagation of Ficus triangularis is rather simple. Taking a few healthy stem cuttings 3″ to 4″ (7.5 – 10 cm) long is the fastest way to grow a new fig tree. After that, gently remove the cutting’s lower leaves. Next, in a well-draining moist potting mix, place the ends of the woody stems. By placing a plastic bag over the pot and sealing it tightly with an elastic band, you may create a humidity dome. Mist the soil every few days throughout the propagation process to keep it moist.
It takes three to four weeks for a ficus tree to root. It’s critical to keep the cutting wet at this stage. You may repot the newly developing ficus tree into a bigger pot after roots have developed.
How to Repot Ficus Triangularis
Roots protruding from the pot’s drainage holes, water that drains slowly, or sluggish development are all indications that you should repot a ficus triangularis. Pick a larger container than the one you have now. Always use peat moss and perlite in fresh, well-draining soil.
You can inspect the fibrous roots for signs of deterioration or rot throughout the repotting process. Next, remove any excess. You can cut the roots back by one-third if you want to refresh the soil but reuse the same pot. By allowing the tiny tree adequate space to develop, youEnable it to flourish. You, on the other hand, restrict its growth and prevent it from becoming an indoor tree.
Pests Affecting Ficus Triangularis Growth
A ficus triangularis plant may be affected by houseplant pests such as spider mites, whitefly, and mealybugs. A neem oil spray may be used to eliminate plant bugs. Add 2 tsp. to combine the ingredients. 1 tsp. neem oil A spray bottle containing 1 quart (1 liter) of water and liquid dish soap.
Spray the homemade pesticide liberally on all sides of the triangular leaves to treat your ficus tree for pests. It is permissible to dry the hair. Every seven days, until all traces of the pests have vanished, repeat the natural insect treatment. To deal with a pest infestation properly, it’s important to be able to recognize the symptoms.
An insect problem might be indicated by yellowing leaves or black sooty mold on the foliage. On your ficus plant, there are a few ways to detect harmful bugs:
- Spider mites: The thin web-like strands of web that hang from leaves can be used to identify spider mites. Webbing on leaves and stems can be an indication of a severe spider mite infestation.
- Whitefly: When you disturb the waxy foliage, little white-colored flies will begin to flee from the plant.
- Mealybugs: On stems and the underside of leaves, this kind of scale insect resembles little flecks of soft white cotton. The cottonwool-like substance left by mealybugs on foliage is also visible.
Diseases Affecting Ficus Triangularis Growth
Root rot, leaf spot, botrytis blight, and powdery mildew can be caused by incorrectly watering a ficus triangularis plant or insufficient air circulation. Ficus disease symptoms include yellowing of leaves and brown patches on the leaves. Suppose you see discolored leaves on a tree.
Any contaminated leaves must be eliminated and destroyed in that scenario. Next, examine the earth for moisture. It is recommended to repot the plant in fresh potting soil if the soil appears soggy. Only water the ficus when the top layer of soil is dry in the future.
Ensure the growing conditions are ideal before attempting to help restore a ficus plant’s health. Place the pot in a bright location. Thinning out the leaves with a little light pruning can also help to improve air circulation if the foliage is too thick.
Caring for Ficus Triangularis — FAQs
Does ficus triangularis flower?
Under the correct circumstances, a ficus triangularis plant blossoms. Flowers, which resemble tiny fig-like berries in the shape of syconia, bloom in the spring and summer. Up to 0.8″ (2 cm) in diameter, the reddish berry-like blooms bloom. Unfortunately, indoors, ficus triangularis rarely blooms.
How do you make ficus triangularis bushy?
To encourage a ficus triangularis to develop bushy growth, prune the stems just above a leaf node. The stem will produce new leaves. You can also make a tiny tree with thick green and white leaves by removing some of the lower stems. With the proper trimming and training, you may also grow a variegated bonsai tree from a ficus triangular Variegata bush.
Why are the leaves on my ficus triangularis turning yellow and falling off?
If a plant is exposed to a cold draft or sits near a hot radiator, Ficus triangularis leaves may turn yellow and drop. Yellow leaves can also be caused by a lack of moisture or overwatering. A lack of bright light or insect damage to the foliage are other factors to consider. A ficus triangularis plant leaves may succumb to environmental changes, despite their apparent robustness.
Is ficus triangularis toxic?
The poisonous sap of plants in the Ficus genus can cause irritation if it gets on the skin or is ingested. To avoid poisoning, it’s best to keep the tropical houseplant out of reach of pets and children. Additionally, when trimming the plant’s triangular leaves, it’s a good idea to wear protective gloves.