The fiddle leaf fig is one of the most well-liked plants. It seems to be continually popular on social media thanks to its easily recognizable big leaves. But do fiddle leaf fig trees cost more given their popularity? It differs, but in general you will spend a little bit extra for the reputation of this plant.
A mature fiddle leaf fig tree typically costs around $100. The plants can cost anywhere between $20 to $250, depending on their age, source, and health. The best place to look for a fiddle leaf fig tree on a budget is during regional plant swaps.
Let’s investigate why fiddle leaf figs are so costly and how to identify a good one.
What should I expect to spend on a fiddle leaf fig tree?
A fully mature fiddle leaf fig plant may cost around $200. However, you may obtain one for about $20 if you purchase a young plant.
Generally, the best approach to ensure that you are obtaining a healthy plant is to buy locally and in person. Fiddle leaf figs, once they reach maturity, can survive for up to 50 years. Therefore, if you can afford it, it is advisable to choose a healthy plant or a plant with a warranty.
Given the wide variations, cost should be taken into account when purchasing a fiddle leaf fig tree.
How To Get A Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree On A Budget
You can purchase a young plant if you wish to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. A young plant can be purchased for significantly less money even though it will take longer to reach maturity. Young plants will need a little more time and care, but you will be able to enjoy them for a longer period of time.
You might also ask a friend who has a fiddle leaf fig tree to start some seeds for you. Even though fiddle leaf figs are famously difficult to grow, it is the most affordable approach to produce a strong plant.
Check out Facebook or regional plant groups as well. Even if no one gives a free fiddle leaf fig tree, the plants given are typically more affordable and suited to your location.
Additionally, fiddle leaf fig trees do not require fertilization to survive, so you do not need to be concerned if your budget is limited. And although while they appreciate being slightly rootbound, if you are not fertilizing, you might want to think about aerating your plant once or twice a year.
What is the lifespan of fiddle leaf fig trees?
A tropical tree with fiddle-shaped leaves, the ficus lyrata is a native of the lowland rainforests of West Africa. It has a lifespan of 25 to 50 years (if cared for properly in non-tropical conditions).
What makes it so well-liked in the design community? Most people give the tree’s large, floppy spherical leaves, which resemble violins, credit. People anthropomorphize the plant by comparing these to babies’ huge eyes in an effort to make them desire to care for it.
Of course, the majority of designers would also mention how photogenic the plant is, which undoubtedly helps.
Is the fiddle leaf fig a healthy houseplant?
Ficus lyrata is one of our most popular plants at Flora Grubb Gardens, our nursery in San Francisco, and we almost always have it in stock. Come get yours right now! Continue reading for advice on how to grow and take care of these plants.
The fiddle-leaf fig, or Ficus lyrata, is the ideal interior specimen plant. The plant has erect, violin-shaped leaves that are enormous, densely veined, and tall. Our retail plant shop in San Francisco almost always has Ficus lyrata on hand.
These plants are indigenous to the tropics, where they flourish in hot, muggy weather. As a result, the home grower may find it difficult to replicate these steamy circumstances, making them a little more difficult. Fortunately, they are rather resilient plants that can endure less-than-ideal conditions for a fair amount of time. Last but not least, F. lyrata are really produced as larger specimen plants. If you can place them in a floor-standing planter that will allow the plant to grow to at least 6 feet, that would be ideal. In tropical settings, trees frequently reach heights of 40 feet or more. These are not naturally trimmed down to reasonable sizes due to their enormous leaves, though they can be shaped with light trimming.
Ficus lyrata plants don’t require much maintenance. Spotting on the leaves, which is particularly obvious in a plant with such huge leaves, is one of the most prevalent complaints about these plants. This spotting is typically brought on by a leaf injury, such as mechanical harm or a mite infestation. When exposed to air, the sap of Ficus lyrata can produce these brown patches. The plants are also vulnerable to a number of leaf-spotting and fungus diseases, which are often brought on by poor air circulation and an excessive amount of moisture that collects on the leaves. By keeping the plant well-trimmed and eliminating any dead leaves or twigs that you spot, you can assist stop this form of attack.
However, if your plant is dropping leaves, it’s probably due to inadequate moisture at the roots, low humidity, and cold, dry air. To raise the surrounding humidity, try spraying the plant frequently. Finally, because these plants are particularly sensitive to high salt concentrations, flush your potting soil completely on a regular basis, preferably once a month, to avoid salt buildup.
Pests include aphids, mealybugs, mites, scale, and whiteflies can harm Ficus lyrata. If at all feasible, locate the infestation as soon as you can and use the least hazardous remedy.
Repotting: Healthy specimens have vigorous, quickly developing roots (which is pretty typical for any ficus). Try to repot the plant once a year, increasing the pot size by two to four until the plant is the required size or you can no longer handle the container. After placing plants in large containers, remove the top few inches of soil and replace it once a year with new potting soil.
Advice: Avoid often turning or moving this plant. The plant should be placed permanently, and to keep it clean, use an old T-shirt to dust it. As necessary, stake and prune. Only leaves facing the light will remain on Ficus lyrata; ones facing a darker wall or corner will wither away. If you move or reposition your ficus, be prepared for leaf loss.
Ficus lyrata need strong, filtered light. Even a little sun won’t kill them, especially if they’re in an eastern-facing window. When housed in a too-dark environment, plants won’t develop quickly.
Water: Keep it moist, but don’t let it stand in water because that will cause it to lose leaves and develop root rot.
Fertilizer: For plants that are not in ideal conditions or are recuperating from stress, apply Maxsea All Purpose Fertilizer seasonally and up to monthly.
A fiddle leaf fig tree is it a true fig tree?
The evergreen tropical tree species known as Ficus lyrata, sometimes known as the fiddle leaf fig, is indigenous to the tropical lowlands of western Africa. It is a member of the Moraceae family, which includes fig and mulberry plants, and gets its common name from its enormous, elongated fiddle-shaped green leaves. The Fiddles and other members of its family are notable for having alternately oriented leaves that display foliar polymorphisms (encompassing trees, shrubs, and lianas). In plainer language, this indicates that the forms of the leaves might vary depending on the stage of life. In reality, the majority of other plants’ leaves maintain the same forms over their whole lives.
Floppy Leaf Fig trees can be challenging to maintain: They are temperamental and highly susceptible to environmental factors, especially the cold, like the majority of figs. Because of its lush and bushy appearance, this plant has earned its reputation as the “it” plant of the design world. However, with a few simple tips, you may care for it successfully.
How much sunlight does a Fiddle Leaf Fig need?
From Sierra Leone to Cameroon, where this plant originally came from, the lowland climate is hot and humid, with frequent but light rain and drying sun. By putting your Fiddle in bright indirect light with sporadic full sun exposure, you may mimic these conditions. Put it in a window, rather than next to or a few feet from one, for example.
Keep in mind that the Fiddle uses the energy from the sun to fuel its cells, just like any other plant. Its leaves, which are much larger than those of most other plants, will require more sunshine than you would generally give a plant. Drooping leaves are a clue that it needs more light if you are unclear whether you are giving it enough.
How often should you water a Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Watering should be done every one to two weeks, depending on the light and temperature in your house or office. Consider yourself to be the rain and the sun for your plant. Be a downpour when the soil is dry and water with 1/4–3/5 of the pot’s volume to soak the soil just enough before allowing it to dry out. Be like the sun when something is wet and wait for it to dry. In brighter light, water more frequently, and in less-bright light, less frequently.
Overwatering is indicated by yellow leaves and damp potting soil, and a need for additional water is indicated by crispy, curling leaves.
Do Fiddle Leaf Figs need humidity?
Although a normal level of room humidity is adequate, the Fiddle Leaf Fig will benefit from higher humidity; in fact, leaf crispness may indicate that more humidity (as well as more regular waterings) is required.
How big does a Fiddle Leaf Fig get?
In the open, this plant will eventually grow to a height of roughly 30 feet (10 meters) with a spread of roughly 10 feet (3.2 meters). It will be smaller as a houseplant and reach a maximum height of about six feet (1.8 meters).
Are Fiddle Leaf Figs easy to care for?
Although fiddles require a lot of attention, as we’ve mentioned above, they aren’t any more difficult to care for than many other plants. Leaf drop is always a possibility because they require strong sunlight, humidity, stable temperatures, and little to no drafts. Additionally, compared to other plants, fiddles are more vulnerable to plant pests and diseases. They are quite easy to infect, and they draw the majority of pests. They require relatively little upkeep in other areas, like as watering, and they frequently let you know when they need something by dropping leaves.
Fiddles are one of the most distinctive and fashionable indoor plants, as we’ve already discussed, so taking the extra time to care for and monitor the environment in your home is well worth it.
Are Fiddle Leaf Figs safe for pets?
Fiddle Leaf Figs are dangerous to animals. If swallowed, they are poisonous to both people and dogs and cats. The best course of action is to always keep houseplants out of tiny children’s and animals’ reach.
Precautions
Fiddles should always be placed directly in or close to a window because they thrive in steady environments. Avoid using heaters, air conditioners, and drafts. Following our aforementioned advice, if you do detect leaf drop, treat the leaves cautiously and be patient—they take a while to regrow.
The plants should be maintained out of tiny children and animals’ reach, as was previously specified. If consumed, the species is hazardous, including its latexy sap.
Can dogs eat fiddle leaf figs?
You want to liven up your home and demonstrate to your pals that you are “hip to the newest interior design trends (hint: indoor rainforests are trendy)” so you want to add some greenery. Before you buy that fancy fiddle leaf fig, huge cactus, or cut-leaf philodendron at the neighborhood nursery, keep in mind that your cat or dog will also be residing with and probably attempting to consume your newest plant-child. We conducted research to assist you in making plant selections that are secure for your pet family members!
Unexpectedly, some of the most common and accessible house plants are harmful to your dogs. Among many other plants, this list includes ficus, snake plant (mother-in-tongue), law’s philodendron, and the majority of cacti.
The most common offenders when it comes to chewing on indoor plants are cats. But pets are also in danger. Dogs can be poisoned by many of the same plants that can harm your cat. In addition, there is a chance that dogs will dig up and consume potentially harmful horticultural bulbs.
If consumed by cats or dogs, aloe vera is toxic and can result in vomiting, diarrhea, depression, and tremors.
Mother-in-Tongue law’s (Snake Plant)
If consumed by cats or dogs, it is toxic and can result in diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Philodendron
If consumed by cats or dogs, this substance is toxic and can cause oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, excessive drooling, and trouble swallowing.
Anguished Fig Tree
Toxic to cats and dogs; when consumed, it can result in oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting as well as dermatitis when the plant is in touch with the animal’s skin.
Fig, Fiddle Leaf
If consumed by cats or dogs, this substance is toxic and can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, and oral irritation.
LiliesThe majority of lily cultivars are hazardous to your pet. A freshly cut spring bouquet on your dining table may be lovely, but your cat or dog can view it more as a meal than a decorative item. For your pets, even a small nibble of the leaves or blossoms or a smell of the pollen from some types can be lethal.
Even though some lily kinds, like Peace and Calla, are not fatal to animals, they can nevertheless produce mild to severe poisoning symptoms in your cat. Excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, pawing at the mouth, loss of appetite, and mouth irritation are among the symptoms.
Easter, Tiger, Day, Japanese, and Stargazer lilies are examples of lilies that can cause renal failure. Vomiting, loss of appetite, excessive drooling, lethargy, dehydration, increased or decreased thirst and urination, stomach discomfort, and kidney failure are all symptoms of poisoning.
Get your pet to a veterinarian right once for treatment if you believe they may have ingested some harmful plant material or if you observe these symptoms in them.
What is a pet and plant lover to do then? There are several animal-safe plants available that can give your decor that contemporary, lush jungle feel!
Here are a few nice illustrations:
Majesty PalmA sizable indoor palm that prefers moist soil and 6 to 8 hours of bright light.
Fern in maidenhair
It needs consistent hydration (not sloppy dampness) and oblique morning or afternoon light to grow because it is delicate and picky.
Spider Plant is versatile and simple to grow. Your spider plant will thrive if you give it well-drained soil and bright indirect light.
Orchids
For an orchid to bloom, strong, indirect light, high humidity, airflow around the roots, and alternating periods of drying soil and heavy watering are desired. This varies based on the type.
Ferns, Staghorn
usually fixed on a piece of wood to allow air to circulate around the roots. This epiphyte benefits from humidity, bright indirect light, and consistent, but not soggy, wetness.
BambooA fast-growing plant, bamboo prefers moist soil with good drainage, lots of water, and five hours of direct sunlight each day.
Cast Iron Works
This plant, a member of the lily family, is not harmful to your pet. Maintain consistent soil moisture and expose it to bright to semi-bright light. It dislikes exposure to direct sunshine.
BromeliadAn ancestor of the pineapple, bromeliads appreciate monthly irrigation and bright, indirect light.
Perhaps you already have some of the listed hazardous plants, and your dogs get along just fine. Or perhaps, despite your pets’ interest, you lack the heart to give away your collection of cacti. Growing pet grass is one method for diverting your pets’ attention away from any potential threat. Once it has grown, put the grass next to your pet’s bowl to reward good behavior. The idea behind a pet herb garden is that some animals will intuitively consume plants that have medical benefits, such as peppermint to calm an upset stomach.
Another choice is to purchase a plant spray that is suitable for pets and has a harsh taste to discourage nibbling.