The Variegated triangle Ficus is a reliable and tough version of the smaller-leaf Ficus. Triangle Leaf Ficus is also known as the Sweetheart Plant, or by the scientific name, Ficus triangularis ‘Variegata’ and has unusually-shaped leaves, which are an angular heart shape. This variegated type has cream-white edges with random splashes of light green on each leaf. The Triangle Ficus is an easy-care addition to a beginning gardener’s houseplant collection.
Best Locations For Growing Variegated Triangle Ficus
The more compact growth habit of Triangle Ficus makes it a good plant to dress up smaller areas such as a protected entryway or the corner of a smaller office. Triangle Ficus is not as fussy about humidity as the traditional Ficus Benjamina but will lose its leaves when subjected to drafts and heating vents. Variegated Triangle Ficus is a popular plant for Bonsai and will be a long-lived specimen. All parts of Ficus plants are poisonous and should not be grown where pets and children will have access to it.
Variegated Triangle Ficus Sunlight Requirements
Bright indirect or filtered light will keep the variegation vivid and the leaves large. Medium-light levels are tolerable, but the leaves may start to grow smaller and lose some variegation. When light levels are too low, Triangle Ficus will drop its leaves. Moving the plant to a brighter location will resolve this problem and allow new leaves to grow over time. Variegated Triangle Ficus temporarily grows well under LED grow lights when light levels are lower in the winter.
Variegated Triangle Ficus Care
Ficus appreciates rich, well-draining soil. Use a soil-based indoor mix with perlite or vermiculite added to keep the soil loose. Temperatures need to be maintained at an even level year-round. Sudden drops of temperature below 60 degrees F will cause leaf drop. A humidity level of 40% or greater is sufficient for this plant. Extra humidity is only needed if the tips of the leaves begin to turn brown and dry, or the leaves drop off.
Watering Variegated Triangle Ficus
Ficus likes consistently moist soil that does not dry out too much. Once a week, check to see if the top 1 inch of soil has dried out. Water the plant thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes. Empty any saucers of standing water within 15-20 minutes. The need for watering will slow down during the winter. Water every 10-14 days to allow the soil to dry between sessions. Always use water that is not too cold or hot; room temperature water is best and will not shock the roots.
Feeding Variegated Triangle Ficus
Ficuses are hungry feeders during their main growing period of spring and summer. Use a balanced, liquid houseplant feed diluted to half the recommended strength. Fertilize once every two weeks from March to September, and stop feeding in the winter. Alternatively, a slow-release granular fertilizer can be added to the potting soil once a year in the spring. The granular fertilizer will slowly feed the plant every time it is watered.
Variegated Triangularis Ficus Information
Light Exposure: Bright Indirect Light
Care Requirements: Easy
Watering Requirements: Average – When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.
Pet Friendly: No
Kid Friendly: No
Air Purifier: Low
Habit: Upright
Growth Rate: Slow
Mature Height: 4-8 feet
Mature Spread: 2-4 feet
Flowering: No
Flower Color(s): None
Flower Shade/Description: Grown for Foliage
Fragrant: No
Foliage Type: Variegated
Foliage Color(s): Green, White, Yellow
Foliage Description: Bright Green Variegated Leaves with a Cream-Yellow Border
