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

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