Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Features
Create a bold, dramatic look in your home with fiddle leaf ficus (also called fiddle leaf fig, or Ficus lyrata, if you prefer botanical names). One of the trendiest houseplants available, it’s loved for its bold, dramatic texture. It sports big leaves in a rich shade of dark green that add a lush, tropical look to any room you grow it in.Fiddle leaf figs are perfect for bright living rooms and dens. These dramatic houseplants act like a piece of living (and ever-changing) art. Enjoy them in other large spaces (including foyers, bright bedrooms, and sunrooms) you spend time. That way, you can take advantage of their air-purifying power. Scientific studies show that fiddle leaf fig, like other ficus varieties, efficiently pull unhealthy volatile organic compounds from our indoor air. Other research shows that being around indoor plants can help us feel happier, calmer, and more relaxed.
Learn more about how plants clean the air.
In the right spot, caring for fiddle leaf fig is easy. If you don’t have the right spot for it, that this houseplant tree can behave like a diva.
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Fiddle Leaf Fig Growing Instructions
Keep your fiddle leaf fig happiest by growing in a bright spot. The more light it gets, the faster it will grow and the better it will look. Unfortunately, this trendy houseplant is not a good choice for low-light spots. If your space doesn’t have enough light that the plant casts a strong shadow most of the day, you’ll be more successful with a houseplant with lower light needs. Look for corn plant or Madagascar dragon tree instead.After light, watering is the most important thing to know when caring for your fiddle leaf fig tree. Water yours when the top couple of inches of the potting mix dry. Both over- and underwatering a fiddle leaf fig can cause it to develop yellow or brown leaves that drop from the plant prematurely. Note: If in doubt, it’s usually better to err on the side of keeping your plant a little too dry than consistently too wet.
Fiddle leaf fig prefers average to above-average relative humidity levels. If the air is especially dry in your home or office, augment moisture levels by grouping other houseplants around your fiddle leaf fig. Or place a small humidifier nearby. If the air is too dry, you may find your plants’ big, bold leaves show crispy brown edges.
Fertilize fiddle leaf fig at least once or twice a year in the warm months of spring or summer to keep it growing. You can feed it more if you wish; doing so will cause this plant to grow faster. Use any general-purpose fertilizer formulated for houseplants. You should find a variety of choices, both synthetic and organic, available at your local garden center or online. Follow directions on the product packaging.
Don’t be afraid to prune your fiddle leaf fig if it gets too large and grows out of bounds. You can safely prune it back at any time of year. If you find yours becomes spindly, pinch the new growth off the ends of the branches. This encourages them to grow thicker and bushier.
Note: This trendy houseplant has a milky-white sap that drips from the cuts after pruning. Use a rag or soft cloth to absorb the sap to prevent it from dripping on the floor.
Fiddle leaf figs are not meant for human or animal consumption. Keep them out of reach of pets or children that may nibble.
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Water
Medium water needs
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Light
Indoors: High light
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Colors
Green
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Special Features
Purifies the air
Complement your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Chinese EvergreenAccent fiddle leaf fig's bold, dramatic foliage with the elegance of variegated Chinese evergreen. Plus, Chinese evergreen is ultra-easy to grow!
Ficus
Other ficus varieties, such as rubber tree (Ficus elastica) are natural partners for fiddle leaf fig if you're looking to create the look of a lush jungle in your home.
Snake Plant
Snake plant is one of the easiest houseplants to grow; it thrives anywhere and its texture is the perfect complement to your fiddle leaf fig.
Q&A
I just bought a fiddle leaf fig online and the leaves have tiny brown spots. What do I do?Good news! It may be nothing to worry about. When the plants are enclosed in a box for several days, it's common for the newly developing growth to show a little bit of stress. It's quite possible that with good care, your fiddle leaf fig's future leaves will be just fine.
