Ficus Deltoidea

🌿 The Ficus deltoidea, commonly known as the Mistletoe Fig, is a compact evergreen shrub belonging to the Moraceae family. Native to Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines, this slow-growing fig thrives in tropical forests where it often grows as an epiphyte on tree branches. It's an intermediate-level plant that rewards patient growers with a unique, bonsai-like appearance. Here's a fun fact: the Ficus deltoidea produces tiny yellow and red fruits year-round that resemble miniature figs, though they're generally not consumed by humans.

FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
The Mistletoe Fig grows as a bushy, upright shrub with a naturally compact form that rarely exceeds 60 centimetres indoors. Its leathery, spoon-shaped leaves are deep green on top with bronze or tan undersides, creating subtle visual contrast. The foliage has a waxy texture and grows in dense clusters along woody stems, giving the plant a full, sculptural appearance that works beautifully as a living accent piece.

FLOWER DETAILS
Unlike typical flowers, the Ficus deltoidea produces small, rounded structures called syconia that function as enclosed flower clusters. These develop into pea-sized fruits that start yellow-green and mature to orange-red, appearing continuously throughout the year. While not fragrant, the fruits add unexpected colour and charm to the plant. The species flowers and fruits readily indoors without special treatment, making it more rewarding than many other ficus varieties. Simply maintain consistent care and the plant will continue its natural cycle without much coaxing.

CARE INSTRUCTIONS

🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays. Can survive in moderate light but growth slows considerably.
💧 Water: Water when the top 3-5 centimetres of soil feel dry, roughly every 7-10 days in summer and every 10-14 days in winter. Bottom watering or slow, thorough top watering works best. Reduce frequency in cooler months.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-70% humidity but adapts to average home conditions around 40%. Occasional misting helps during dry winter months.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining mix with bark, perlite, and peat or coco coir. Slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred.
🏺 Potting: Use a sturdy ceramic or terracotta pot with drainage holes, sized to fit the root ball snugly. Repot every 2-3 years in spring, moving up only one pot size.
🌱 Growth rate: Slow-growing. Expect 5-10 centimetres of growth per year. Reaches mature size of 45-60 centimetres indoors after 3-5 years.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Pause feeding in autumn and winter.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. The plant contains milky sap that can cause mild stomach upset and skin irritation in cats and dogs if ingested or contacted.


WHERE TO PUT IT
The Ficus deltoidea fits perfectly on side tables, shelves, or desks in living rooms, home offices, or bedrooms where it receives ample natural light. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces like condos or apartments. Place it near east or west-facing windows for best results, or a few feet back from south-facing windows. Avoid dark corners, cold drafts near exterior doors, or spots directly above heating vents where temperature fluctuations stress the plant.

RARITY ASSESSMENT
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