Ficus triangularis (Triangle Fig)


  • TropPlant Accession Number (TPAN): 0048
  • Botanical Name: Ficus triangularis, syn. Ficus natalensis subsp. leprieurii
  • Common Name: Triangle Ficus, Triangle Leaf Fig, Triangle Fig
  • Cultivar: N/A
  • Family: Moraceae
  • Native To: Tropical Africa
Ficus triangularis 
Photo by Matthew Gaston

Landscaping Information

    • Plant Type: Shrub, Tree, Indoor Plant
    • Texture: Medium
    • Form: Upright-broad to Weeping/Pendent and Irregular
    • Height (on average, in landscape use):  8'-10' (outdoor), 3'-5' (indoor)
    • Height to Spread Ratio: 1:2
    • Growth Rate: Medium-Fast
    • Landscape Values: Accent, Background, Edging, Facer, Filler, Indoor, Lanai, Patio, Quick Effect, Sculptural Form, Specimen
    • Outstanding Quality: Form/Silhouette, Foliage Characters
    Ficus triangularis grown from a cutting as a houseplant
    Photo by Matthew Gaston

    Botanical Descriptions

    • Figs: 0.25", orange to scarlet.
    • Foliage Color: Young/immature: Medium bright green. Mature: Bright medium green to dark green,
    • Foliage Tip: Truncate
    • Foliage Base: Acute
    • Petiole: 0.5"
    • Stipules: Yes
    • Margins: Smooth
    • Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
    • Leaf Shape: Obovate (Triangle shaped)
    • Leaf Type: Simple
    • Leaf Texture: Smooth, glossy, waxy, purely sexy
    • Leaf Special Notes: Dark top surface (adaxial surface) of the leaf, with a significantly lighter underneath (abaxial surface).Unique leaf shape makes this a peculiar plant.
    Ficus triangularis adaxial leaf surface
    Photo by Matthew Gaston

    Ficus triangularis abaxial leaf surface
    Photo by Matthew Gaston

    • Bark and Trunk: Smooth, grey to light brown.

    Horticultural Information

      • Light Preference: Semi-Sun
      • Light Tolerances: Shade, Full Sun. 
      • Soil Preferences: Slightly Acidic, Loam, Sand, Organic, Moist, Dry (Mesic).
      • Tolerances: Submerged Roots, Humidity, Regular Watering
      • Water Requirements: Enjoys moderate watering. allow to dry between watering. Tolerates the soil going dry for a short while, but thrives with moisture.
      • Notes on Maintenance: Relatively low maintenance. Not much need for pruning as its natural form is often a good portion of its appeal. Considered a tender plant, so it should not be subject to great fluctuations in temperature. Great as houseplant for its ability to thrive in the bright light conditions of a window. 
      • Propagation: Seeds, Cutting, Layer
      • Minimum USDA Hardiness Zone: 10a
      • Weed Risk Assessment Score (WRA): -1, Evaluate

      Most Popular Plants

      Bucida buceras 'Variegated' (Dwarf Variegated Geometry Tree)

      Graptophyllum pictum (Caricature Plant)

      Pseuderanthemum carruthersii var. carruthersii (Variegated False Eranthemum)

      Ficus microcarpa var. crassifolia (Wax Fig)

      Breynia disticha (Snow Bush)

      Jatropha integerrima (Peregrina)