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Bright light with 4-6 hours of some direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute). Tolerates lower light but berrying slows significantly without adequate light. Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal outdoors.Light
Water liberally during the growing season until it drains from the bottom, then let the top 2-3 inches dry before watering again. Reduce watering in winter. Overwatering and root rot are the main risk.Water
Prefers high humidity (60-80%. Group your plants together, set them on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby). Daily misting (note: misting does not actually raise humidity meaningfully. A pebble tray or humidifier is more effective) is beneficial, especially in winter. Keep away from heating vents.Humidity
Prefers 65-75°F (18-24°C). Keep above 60°F year-round. Hardy in USDA Zones 10a-11b outdoors.Temperature
easyDifficulty
Ficus deltoidea plant

Mistletoe Ficus

Ficus deltoidea

Easy

Mistletoe Ficus earns its name from the small round berries it produces year-round, ripening from white to red just like mistletoe. The leaves are rounded and glossy on top, with a distinctive golden-yellow underside dotted with black spots — flip a leaf over and it's like a completely different plant. It is one of the more relaxed members of the Ficus family: slow-growing, tolerant of indoor conditions, and not prone to the dramatic leaf-dropping tantrums of its relatives.

Ficus deltoidea plant
Krzysztof Ziarnek (Kenraiz), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ficus deltoidea plant
Krzysztof Ziarnek (Kenraiz), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Mistletoe Ficus

Light

Bright light with 4-6 hours

Water

Water liberally during the growing

Humidity

60-80%

Temperature

65-75°F

Soil

Well-draining mix with perlite or vermiculite.

Propagation

Stem cuttings.

Common Problems

Mealybugs, aphids, scale, and thrips.

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Mistletoe Ficus produces small decorative figs year-round — a rare trait among houseplants — which start white, turn yellow, then mature to red or orange, giving the plant a perpetual holiday look.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses. Like other Ficus, produces milky white latex sap that is irritating to eyes and skin, and can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and appetite loss if ingested.

Sources

  1. Ficus deltoidea — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)Reference
  2. How to Care for Your Mistletoe Fig - The Houseplant Guru (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. How to Care for Your Mistletoe Fig — The Houseplant Guru (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Mistletoe Fig Care Indoors and Propagation - Home Plants Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Mistletoe Fig Care Indoors and Propagation — Home Plants Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Ficus deltoidea - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
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