How to Care For Ficus Triangularis

Last Updated on October 17, 2022 by Plant Mom Care

Ficus Triangularis is indigenous to South Africa and named for the plant’s eye-catching triangular-shaped glossy green leaves. It develops into an upright bush or tree with radial, upward-facing stems.

It can attain heights of 4 to 8 feet and widths of 2 to 4 feet although it grows smaller in containers and can be pruned down if it grows too big. Some varieties produce small semi-round fruits that are pale red. 

It can be grown outdoors in gardens or on patios in USDA zones 12 and 13 but it should be moved indoors in winter if temperatures drop below 55°F.

Growth is somewhat slow to moderate and it won’t need repotting for some time. Choose an ideal permanent spot indoors for the plant as it does not like being moved.

Ficus Triangularis Light Requirements

This plant likes plenty of bright light but doesn’t like to be exposed to direct sun. Hot direct sunshine can burn its leaves and make their color fade. 

Pick a location near south, east, or west-facing windows ideally with a curtain that can be closed to block it from direct sun. 

The plant will start dropping its leaves under low lighting. If this happens, move the plant to a brighter area as fast as possible.

Ficus Triangularis Watering

This is a general guide and depends on how fast the soil dries – water the plant twice every 7 or 10 days in summer and reduce watering to once in 10 days in autumn and winter.

This plant must be thoroughly watered with the soil allowed to become dry before you water it again. 

Ficus Triangularis Humidity

It prefers a slightly humid environment of 40 – 50% humidity. Average room humidity will also suffice with supplemental misting or a humidifier. Growing it in a humid room like a bathroom or kitchen will be ideal since humidity is usually higher. 

Ficus Triangularis Temperature

This plant thrives best in warmer temperatures between 60 – 75°F. If possible, the temperature should not drop below 55°F. Avoid keeping it near cold draughts or heating vents. 

Ficus Triangularis Soil

It thrives best in regular, well-draining soil. Drainage capacity can be helped by adding perlite or vermiculite or making a mix of equal parts of coarse sand, moss, and bark. Adding organic compost will also give the plant a good boost, providing valuable nutrients that the plant needs.  

Ficus Triangularis Repotting

Should only be repotted when needed, particularly when roots appear from drainage holes, as mentioned this plant doesn’t like being disturbed so the best time for repotting is the growing season in spring and/or early summer reducing stress.

Use a clay or terracotta pot with plenty of drainage holes at the base and a suitable soil mix. A flatter and lower pot suits this plant better than a tall one. 

A layer of crushed stone placed first at the base will help drainage and airflow. Put the plant in the center of the pot and fill the empty spaces with soil. Make sure to give it plenty of water, and fertilizer and keep it away from the sun.

Ficus Triangularis Propagation

Cuttings are used to propagate this plant. Prepare some pots with suitable moist soil for the cuttings and wear gloves since the sap is irritating. Take 15-inch cuttings with some leaves on them, insert the cuttings in the pots and make sure they are supported properly.

Keep the pots in temperatures above 77°F under bright filtered light. Increase humidity by covering the pots using plastic bags. Mist the cuttings regularly and after 2 weeks, remove the bags when the roots start growing. After 1 to 2 months, the roots will be strong enough to transfer the new plants into their permanent pots.

Additional Care

Feed the plant every month in spring and summer with a diluted balanced fertilizer after watering the plant. Apply the fertilizer after watering as the roots will get burned if you apply it on dry soil.

Stop feeding the plant in autumn and winter. Never over-fertilize the plant as this will cause damage to the roots in fact, less fertilizing is much better than more. 

This plant normally doesn’t need heavy pruning other than removing dead stems and leaves. Pruning can help you control its shape or size if necessary. 

Ficus Triangularis Common Problems

This plant can be attacked by aphids and mealybugs. Spraying the plant with neem oil will eliminate these pests. You can also use a cloth soaked with neem oil to wipe the leaves to remove the pests. 

Yellowing leaves are generally caused by overwatering. The soil might not be draining properly and retaining too much water. You should only water the plant when the topsoil becomes dry. Make sure the pot has enough drainage holes and freely drains away excess water.

Underwatering will make new leaves emerge in dull blain dull black regular green. Make sure you water the plant properly and always wait for just the topsoil to dry before you water it again. Dry air could also create this problem so check humidity levels and raise them by placing a humidifier nearby to maintain proper humidity.

Leaf drop can be attributed to many issues. This plant can get stressed if it is moved to a different location or environment. Choose an appropriate spot for it to grow right from the start and avoid moving it. Repotting can also be a cause for leaf drop. Try not to disturb the plant’s roots too much when repotting it and only repot it in spring. 

Leaf drop can also be caused by overwatering. Make sure you water the plant well and always wait for just the topsoil to dry before you water it again. Low lighting conditions can also result in leaf drop. This plant needs to grow under bright light but not in direct sunlight.

Types of Ficus Trees

• Ficus Umbellata
• Creeping Fig (Ficus Pumila)
• Ficus Elastica Ruby
• Ginseng Ficus (Microcarpa)
• Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
• Rubber Plant (Ficus Elastica)