How to Grow and Care for Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig Indoors


Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig, Ficus triangularis 'Variegata'

Botanical name: Ficus triangularis 'Variegata'
Family: Moraceae
Common names: Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig

Description

Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' or Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig is an evergreen, shrubby plant which bears glossy, triangular-shaped, dark-green-variegated leaves with creamy-white veins and edges.

Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' is considered easier to grow indoors than other plants in the Ficus Genus. It is more drought and frost tolerant.

Size

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig can grow to a height of 4-6 ft and about 4 ft wide when grown indoors and is ideal for a shelf or table-top in the early stages. A mature plant is perfect for floor placement.

Origin

Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' is native to South and West Africa

Toxicity

Like other plants in the Moraceae family, Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig (Ficus triangularis 'Variegata') is toxic to humans and pets as indicated by Pet Poison Helpline.

Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' produces a milky white latex which is an irritant to the eyes and the skin. If ingested it can cause irritation in the mouth, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and abdominal pains.

Where to Buy

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig is available online in various sizes at Etsy. Buy Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig from Etsy.

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig, Ficus triangularis 'Variegata'

Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' Care Indoors

Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' (Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig) prefers bright light with some direct sunlight, warm and humid conditions and moderately moist, well-drained soil which is rich in organic matter coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig requires regular pruning to keep it neat and also encourage a bushy growth. Repotting is only needed when it becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

Water Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig liberally during the growing season until water comes out through the drainage holes and allow the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings to maintain the soil moderately moist.

Lessen watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is reduced at this time.

Ascertain that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to leaf drop and root-rot.

Use room temperature water to water Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' as cold water can cause reduced growth and leaf drop.

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig is sensitive to chlorine and other chemicals dissolved in water. Use only chlorine-free water to water the plant to avoid spots on the leaves.

Light Requirements

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig grows best in bright light with 4 hours of direct morning or late afternoon sunlight to enhance variegation.

Avoid exposing Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' to hot direct sunlight as it can cause sunscorch (brown) marks on the leaves and eventual leaf drop.

It can adapt to lower light conditions but it will grow much slower and may lose its variegation. If light is too little it may cause yellowing and leaf drop.

Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth.

Temperature and Humidity

The best temperature for growing Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig indoors is an average warmth within the range of 16-290C. Keep it away from drafts to prevent sudden changes in temperature as they can cause leaf drop.

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig can grow in average room humidity but requires a humid environment to thrive. To raise humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.

Regularly clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and also discourage pest infestation.

Fertilizer

Feed Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' every 4 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Do not feed during the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can cause fertilizer burn.

Potting Mix

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig soil should be rich in organic matter and well-drained to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients.

Most multi-purpose potting mixes are ideal for this plant. Buy quality potting mix for Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' from Amazon.

Repotting

Repot Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig at the beginning of the growing season only when it has become root-bound. Repotting every 1-2 years is adequate for this plant.

Avoid frequent repotting as it prefers to be pot-bound. Repot only when it has outgrown its current pot; when roots begin to grow through the drainage holes.

Use a pot 1 size larger and one that has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy. Never allow the roots to sit in soggy soil as it can result in leaf drop and root-rot.

For a large Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' which may be difficult to handle, annually replenish the top 2-4 in. of soil with fresh soil while taking care not to injure the roots.

Pruning

Pruning Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig is easy. Remove dead and yellow leaves to maintain the plant neat and tidy.

When the Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' has reached maximum height or it has become leggy, cut back the branches to rejuvenate growth and also encourage a bushy, compact growth.

You can use the foliage emanating from the pruning to propagate new plants.

Propagation

Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' (Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig) can be propagated during the growing season by air layering or by stem and stem-tip cuttings.

How to Propagate Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig by Air Layering

Air layering involves notching the stem of a healthy Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig and coating the notch with a rooting hormone.

Surround the notched area with damp moss and cover the notch with a polythene film or clear plastic wrap.

Once the roots have formed, sever the stem just below the covered part. Remove the polythene or plastic wrap and carefully pot the rooted cutting in moist well-drained soil.

Ensure the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting. New shoots will sprout from the shortened stem of the old plant into a beautiful bushy plant.

Place the new Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' in a warm, brightly-lit spot and maintain the soil moist until the plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

How to Propagate Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig from stem cuttings

Take non-woody stem or stem-tip cuttings about 6 in. long from a healthy Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig. Strip off the lower leaves from the cutting and retain 2-3 leaves on top.

Allow the sap to dry and then dip the lower cut end cutting in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.

Insert the cutting in moist rooting soil. Ensure that the rooting container has adequate drainage to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting of the cuttings.

To enhance rooting of the cutting, create a mini-greenhouse by covering the set up with a clear polythene bag or sheet.

Ensure the leaves do not touch the bag or the sheet too much by propping it up with sticks.

Place the set up in warm, brightly-lit spot and maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges.

New growth indicates that the cutting has rooted. In about 3-4 weeks, rooting will have taken place.

Gradually over a period of two weeks, remove the plastic cover to acclimatize the new plant.

In 4-6 months, there will be adequate root development and you can transplant the new plants into individual pots after which you can begin Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' routine care.

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig, Ficus triangularis 'Variegata'

Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' Problems

Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' (Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig) problems include leaf drop, brown leaves, drooping leaves, diseases and pests among others. Keep on reading on for more details on these problems and how to fix them.

Leaf drop (loss)

There are many and varied causes of leaf drop in Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig. One possible cause of leaf drop is sudden changes in the growing conditions.

This is likely to occur when you bring the plant home or when you move it to a new location in the home.

When you bring the Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig home, place it in bright light with 4 hours of direct morning or late afternoon sunlight and warm conditions.

Water it liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings. It may loss a few leaves but will eventually settle.

If you need to move the Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' to a new location in your home, do so gradually to acclimate it to the new conditions.

For instance, if you want to take it outside, move it to a shaded place first before you can take out under bright light.

The second possible cause of leaf drop in Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' is extremely cold or hot temperatures due to drafts. The plant requires average room temperatures within the range of 16-290C inorder to thrive.

Extreme temperatures; either too high or too low (outside the above range) will affect the normal functioning of the plant systems.

Too high temperatures will cause excessive loss of water leading to wilting and leaf drop while too low temperatures cause the plant to stop growing and begin to die. Leaf drop is one of the signs of a dying plant.

The third possible cause of leaf drop in Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig is too little light The plant requires bright light with some direct sunlight for optimum growth.

Move the Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' to a brighter spot and ensure it is receiving bright light with some direct sunshine. Read more on understanding light for houseplants.

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig is very similar to Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant) in its requirements and is thus affected by similar problems.

Read more on 14 reasons why Rubber Plant is dropping leaves and how to fix them

Loss of lower leaves

Loss of lower leaves is a normal occurence in Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig. As it matures, it losses the lower leaves leaving a bare stem with a crown of leaves at the top.

Cut back the stem at the desired height to rejuvenate growth. New growth should sprout just below the cut into a new bushy Ficus triangularis 'Variegata'.

Drooping leaves

Drooping leaves in Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig are due to a number of varied reasons. One reason is incorrect watering; either underwatering or overwatering.

Water the Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' liberally during the growing season while allowing the top 2-3 in. of soil to dry out between waterings.

Reduce watering during the cold season but do not allow the soil to dry out completely; maintain the soil moderately moist.

Read more on 13 Reasons Why Rubber Plant Leaves are Drooping & How to Fix Them

Brown leaf tips and edges

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig will grow in ordinary room humidity but when the temperatures are too high it may develop brown leaf tips and edges due to too low humidity.

Too low humidity (little air moisture) results in dehydration which causes the leaves to develop brown leaf tips and edges.

Set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.

You can also grow Ficus triangularis 'Variegata' in the moist areas in the home like the bathroom and laundy area if the lighting is adequate.

Pests

The common pests in Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig are Aphids, Mealy Bugs, Scale Insects and Spider Mites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants. Read on how to identify and get rid of pests in houseplants.

Diseases

Variegated Triangle Leaf Fig is prone to root-rot disease which is enhanced by soggy soil. Ensure there is free drainage of both the soil and the pot and also reduce watering during the cold season. Read more on how to treat root-rot disease.

You liked it? Share on social media.

Recommended

Amazon Associates Disclosure


Homeplantsguide.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.