Photo: Ong Jyh SengCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped
Common Fig Plant Care
Ficus deltoidea Jack
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its unique triangular-shaped leaves, which give it a striking appearance. Originally from Southeast Asia, Ficus deltoidea is highly sought after by plant collectors for its distinct foliage and easy care requirements. Its vibrant green leaves and compact growth habit make it a desirable addition to any indoor plant collection.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect
65–85°F
50–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Common Fig?
Water Common Fig every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–85°F (18–29°C) and 50–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Common Fig Native To?
What Is the Common Fig?
Common Fig (Ficus deltoidea) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Common Fig is native to Southeast Asia, and widely naturalized in other parts of the world. Common Fig is also known as Delta Fig, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Mas cotek.
Common Fig displays a climbing, vining growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft.
Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Common Fig?
Ficus deltoidea requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Common Fig Need?
Common Fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Common Fig in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Common Fig Prefer?
Ficus deltoidea grows best at temperatures of 65–85°F. Common Fig prefers humidity levels of 50–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–85°F
Humidity
50–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Common Fig?
Well-draining mix with perlite and peat. Good drainage is essential for Common Fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Common Fig?
Feed Common Fig every 4 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Propagate a Common Fig?
Common Fig can be propagated through stem cuttings or division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to weeping fig plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Common Fig Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Common Fig?
Common Fig is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Common Fig Need?
Common Fig grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Common Fig is native to Southeast Asia, and widely naturalized in other parts of the world. In cooler regions, grow Common Fig as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Common Fig is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Ficus genus — compare its care with other Ficus species on PlantoScan.
Ficus is part of the Moraceae plant family — browse all Moraceae genera and species.
Common Fig thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Ficus Species
Other Ficus species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ficus deltoidea Jack, family Moraceae (first published in Malayan Misc. 2(7): 71 (1822)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Common Fig is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Ong Jyh Seng, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
Identify Plants Like the
Common Fig Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species