Mistletoe Fig

Ficus Deltoidea

Ficus Deltoidea

Plant Overview

Often called the Mistletoe Fig or the "Gold Coin Plant," Ficus deltoidea is a slow-growing evergreen shrub native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia. Unlike many of its giant Ficus cousins, this variety remains compact and charming, making it a favorite for indoor gardeners who want the look of a miniature tree without the massive footprint. In many cultures, it is kept as a "lucky" plant, believed to bring prosperity to the household.

🔍 How to Identify

  • 🍃 Delta Leaves: The most striking feature is the thick, leathery leaves shaped like a triangle or the Greek letter "delta," being wider at the tip than at the base.
  • 🫐 Ornamental Fruit: It produces small, pea-shaped "figs" (syconia) that transition from pale green to vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red throughout the year.
  • Golden Undersides: If you flip a leaf over, you will often find tiny black or reddish-brown spots and a subtle golden hue, which gives it the "Gold Coin" nickname.

🏡 In Your Garden

  • 🪴 Bonsai Potential: Because it has naturally small leaves and a woody, branching trunk, it is an excellent candidate for beginners looking to try their hand at bonsai training.
  • 🌬️ Stability is Key: Like most members of the Fig family, it is a creature of habit. Moving the plant frequently or exposing it to sudden cold drafts can cause "leaf drop," where the plant sheds its foliage in stress.
  • ☁️ Humidity Needs: It thrives in high-humidity environments. If your home is dry, placing it on a pebble tray or near a humidifier will prevent the leaf edges from turning brown and crispy.

⚠️ Safety & Toxicity

  • 🐾 Toxic to Pets: Ficus deltoidea is considered toxic to cats and dogs. Ingestion can lead to gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, or vomiting.
  • 🧤 Latex Sap: The stems contain a white, milky sap (latex). This can cause skin irritation or "contact dermatitis" in humans, so it is wise to wear gloves when pruning.

✨ Fun Fact

In Malaysia, the plant is known as Mas Cotek. It is a prominent fixture in traditional herbal medicine, where the leaves are dried and brewed into a tea believed to improve blood circulation and help women recover after childbirth.

Buy on Amazon

Detailed Care Instructions

ColorGreen
Soil Ph6.5-7.5
HumidityNormal
LightingPart Sun
ToxicityNon-Toxic
Soil TypeWell-Draining, Soft And Rich
Bloom TimeSpring (Sometimes Summer)
DifficultyEasy
Plant TypeLarge Evergreen Shrub
Mature Size6 – 12 Feet
Native AreaSoutheast Asia
Temperature16°C - 27°C
Sun ExposureFull Sun To Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones10-11

To grow Ficus deltoidea, also known as the "Mistletoe Fig" or "Mas Cotek" plant, you can follow these steps:

  1. Choose a suitable location: Ficus deltoidea prefers bright indirect light, so select a spot where it can receive filtered sunlight throughout the day. It can also tolerate partial shade.

  2. Provide the right temperature and humidity: Ficus deltoidea thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C). It prefers a humid environment, so misting the plant regularly or placing a tray filled with water near the plant can help increase humidity levels.

  3. Select the right soil: Ficus deltoidea prefers well-draining soil that retains some moisture. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil will work well. Avoid using heavy clay or soil that retains too much water.

  4. Watering: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as Ficus deltoidea is susceptible to root rot. Allow the excess water to drain out from the bottom of the pot to prevent waterlogging.

  5. Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Reduce fertilization during the dormant period (fall and winter).

  6. Pruning: Prune Ficus deltoidea regularly to maintain its shape and size. Trim any dead, damaged, or unruly branches. Pruning can be done throughout the year but avoid heavy pruning during the cooler months.

  7. Propagation: Ficus deltoidea can be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a 4-6 inch cutting from a healthy plant, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a jar of water or directly into moist soil. Keep the cutting in a warm, bright location until roots develop.

  8. Repotting: Repot Ficus deltoidea when the roots start to outgrow the current pot. Choose a slightly larger pot with good drainage, and use fresh potting soil.

  9. Pest control: Keep an eye out for common houseplant pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and spider mites. If infested, treat with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil.

    With proper care and attention, your Ficus deltoidea plant should grow and thrive.

Preferred Location
Place in a window with dappled sun or a spot in the middle of a room. Or directly in a window facing west or east.

When to Water
Ficus Deltoidea is a tropical evergreen plant that grows well in moist and well-draining soil. When watering it, you should always check the soil's moisture level before watering. Insert your finger into the soil to a depth of about one inch, and if it feels dry, then it's time to water the plant.

To water Ficus Deltoidea, use lukewarm water and water it slowly and evenly until the soil is moist. Avoid watering the plant too much or too frequently, as this can lead to root rot and damage the plant.

It's important to note that Ficus Deltoidea is sensitive to fluctuations in soil moisture levels. So, it's essential to maintain a consistent watering schedule. During the winter months, when the plant is not actively growing, you can reduce the watering frequency.

If you're planting Ficus Deltoidea in a container, ensure that it has drainage holes to prevent water from accumulating in the soil. Also, avoid soaking the plant's leaves while watering, as this can cause leaf drop and other issues.

In summary, always check the soil's moisture level before watering, use lukewarm water, water slowly and evenly, avoid overwatering, and maintain a consistent watering schedule.

To fertilize Ficus Deltoidea, use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season and reduce to once a month during winter. Dilute the fertilizer with water according to the instructions on the label and apply it to the soil around the plant, avoiding the leaves.

The relative humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent are ideal for these plants. They exhibit unpleasant symptoms when the moisture content in the environment is unfavorable. Avoid letting the air temperature rise too high or low and use a humidifier, whenever possible. Misting is also beneficial, although frequent watering is also necessary. The optimal relative humidity will promote plant growth.

For optimal growth of the plant referred to, it is recommended to use a well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. The soil should have a pH level that ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, ideally between 6 and 7.5. The soil should also retain moisture while allowing excess water to drain away easily. It is recommended to avoid using heavy clay soils that may retain too much water, as this can lead to root rot. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can be used to create a suitable soil mix. This ensures that the soil is rich in organic matter and provides good drainage. Additionally, this plant requires good aeration for optimal growth and health, so ensure the soil is not too compacted. Finally, it is important to provide adequate fertilization to the soil on which the plant grows, to help the plant thrive in its environment.

To propagate this plant, you will need to take a cutting of the stem around 6-8 inches in length. Make sure to cut just below the node where the leaves meet the stem. Remove the lower leaves, leaving two or three at the top. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder and plant it into a pot filled with moist, well-draining soil. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse effect and place it in bright but indirect light. Water the plant regularly, but be careful not to overwater it as this can lead to root rot. After a few weeks, the cutting should start to develop roots. Once the roots have established, you can remove the plastic bag and gradually expose the plant to more light.

Unfortunately, mistletoe fig are susceptible to a host of common pests and diseases. Common mistletoe fig diseases include Yellow leaves, black or brown spots on leaves, leggy plant. Prompt pruning of any dead or diseased branches should keep these common diseases under control.
Common pests of the mistletoe fig include Scale insect, mealybugs, spider mites, thrips. Make a habit of checking your mistletoe fig frequently for pests so that any infestations can be caught and managed early.

Google Link
Gbif Link
Wikipedia Link

Similar Plants You Might Like

Explore plants with similar care requirements

Desert-Rose

Desert-Rose

Adenium Obesum

Easy
Full Sun
View Details
Delta Maidenhair Fern

Delta Maidenhair Fern

Adiantum Raddianum

Hard
Part Sun
View Details
Urnplant

Urnplant

Aechmea Fasciata

Medium
Part Sun
View Details

Get Plantiary on Your Device

Identify plants, receive care reminders, and become a plant expert.

Plantiary App Download QR Code