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.
What uses does Ficus lyrata have?
You’ve probably heard that many indoor houseplants can filter out formaldehyde, ammonia, and benzene from indoor air more effectively than any technology while also increasing the amount of oxygen in the air through their respiration. Although this study was carried out in conditions more akin to those on a self-contained space station, plants may nevertheless offer some of these advantages in our homes.
It is real! This NASA study found that many plants, especially ficus trees like ficus lyrata, are efficient in purifying the air and removing dangerous pollutants. Fiddles may also get fairly big, and as bigger plants breathe more air than smaller ones do, they are better at purifying the air inside buildings.
A ficus lyrata tree: what is it?
Africa is the home of the fiddle-leaf fig, often known as the banjo fig. In its natural habitat, this broadleaf evergreen tree can reach heights of 60 to 100 feet. It is occasionally planted as an attractive shade tree in the tropics. This is a common indoor plant that normally reaches heights of 2 to 10 feet in cooler regions.
Snake Plant (sansevieria trifasciata)
The snake plant, often known as “mother in law tongue,” is undoubtedly something you’ve seen in posh offices and shopping malls. Its sleek lines (which also come in a few different colors and varied patterns) go well with edgy decor. I once thought it was unattractive, but after learning that it removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene, I want one in every room!
Since the snake plant produces oxygen well, it is highly suggested for bedrooms. many snake plant selections.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (ficus lyrata)
Fiddle leaf figs are known for their broad leaves, which give them their common name. They are excellent oxygen producers and air purifiers. It also aids in humidity regulation. Because they are so attractive, you frequently encounter them in interior design. It does a great job of eliminating formaldehyde and xylene.
To keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy, only water it once a week (or even once every other week). They dislike damp soil, and I’ve seen a lot of these fellas perish due to overwatering on social media. purchasing fiddle leaf figs
Red-Edged Dracaena (dracaena marginata)
The leaves’ slight red borders on the outside also give them the appearance of being from the palm family. So the dracaena is ideal if you prefer palms but lack space. The benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene removal facility. Red-edged dracaena for sale.
Peace Lily (spathiphyllum)
This pretty plant is known for its ability to neutralize toxic cleaning product VOCslike ammoniaand also for its high transpiration rate, which makes it an all-natural humidifier. They are effective at eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia from the air. Buy peace lilies.
Areca Palm (dypsis lutescens)
This wonderfully stunning tropical plant not only looks amazing in any space, but it also has incredible air purifying abilities. The benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene in the air are removed by the Areca palm. Areca palm stores
Golden Pothos (epipremnum aureum)
Another name for golden pothos is devil’s ivy. It may grow up to 8 feet long and thrives in a range of environments. For eliminating formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from indoor air, it is also regarded as one of the most effective air purifiers. Golden Pothos for sale.
Split Leaf Philondendron (montsera deliciosa)
Although the Split Leaf variant, sometimes known as the “swiss cheese plant,” is not a true philondendron, it is closely linked to it. There are many different varieties of philondendrons. Philodendrons generate a lot of oxygen while absorbing a lot of formaldehyde from the air. philondendron split leaf for sale.
Rubber Plant (ficus elastica)
A fascinating and attractive plant. It has thick leaves that resemble succulents. The soil of the rubber tree needs to be maintained moist during the growing season, but while it is dormant, it is better to water it only once or twice a month. gets rid of formaldehyde inside the house. rubber plant store
Light and Location
Of fact, light is necessary for all plants to grow. But for the Ficus Lyrata to flourish and develop into a large mature plant, it needs a specific kind of light. The ideal sunlight is indirect. You can make sure your Lyrata has adequate light in your space by placing it close to a window or skylight. Steer clear of any direct sunlight because it could impede the plant’s growth or possibly kill it.
Rotation is also crucial. Your Lyrata will soon start to bend and reach for the light, as you will soon observe. Turn the plant so that it must bend the other way. It will grow straight and tall as a result of this.
Watering
Another obvious choice… Of course water is necessary for the survival of your fiddle leaf fig. But if you give it too much water, it’ll die. The best method for determining how moist or dry the soil is is to stick your fingers a few inches into it. Water your Lyrata if the soil is dry a few inches below the surface. Delay watering until the earth is dry if you feel the soil is moist. Keep your Lyrata out of water for no more than a day or two at a time. The ideal way to water is with warm or room temperature water.
Fertilizer
The Lyrata should be fertilized once or twice a year. especially with peaty soil that is rich and well-drained. The roots of your Fiddle Leaf will start to gather together once it has outgrown its pot or container, and they may even start to push through the drainage hold. This may result in circulation problems or possibly root rot. Make a new habitat for your Lyrata so it can develop to its full potential!
Cleaning
Cleaning your Lyrata is a requirement! The plant may be unable to absorb sunshine and essential nutrients as a result of those large leaves’ excellent dust-gathering abilities. Once each month, clean the leaves on your Lyrata using a moist cloth. This will guarantee that it not only looks wonderful but also that it is healthy.
Can you grow Ficus lyrata outside?
Ficus lyrata, also known as the fiddle fig or fiddle-leaf fig, can be grown outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 10 through 12, however it may thrive best in zones 10b through 11. It may be grown indoors anywhere. Although the fiddle fig can handle full daylight outside, it thrives in medium light indoors, so pick a window that doesn’t receive a lot of afternoon sun.
Air Purifying Properties
Plants absorb a range of molecules, including carbon dioxide, and release other chemicals, including oxygen, during the process of photosynthesis, through the gas exchange of their leaves and roots.
Although NASA’s study on clean air didn’t directly assess Ficus lyrata, it did assess Ficus elastica (rubber tree plant) and Ficus benjamina, two of the fiddle leaf fig tree’s close relatives, for their capacity to cleanse the air (weeping fig).
According to the study, hazardous formaldehyde particles are successfully removed from the air by rubber tree plants, and toluene, xylene, and toxic formaldehyde are also removed from the air by weeping fig plants.
The fiddle leaf fig is probably also a useful plant for removing typical toxins from your indoor air while replenishing the oxygen in your home because of its extraordinarily broad leaves that permit a great rate of gas exchange.
Use in Feng Shui
Fiddle leaf fig plants are thought to provide a number of advantages in feng shui. Their rounded, delicately edged leaves draw good, nourishing energy into an enclosed area. They are therefore an effective way to counteract the bad energy that dark areas, blocked corners, and sharp edges might emit in a building or place of business.
Fiddle leaf fig plants can represent luck and abundance. You can attract luck and wealth in these areas of your life by positioning one in the wealth (southeast) or career (north) quadrant of your Bagua map.
Fiddle leaf fig trees are a representation of fertility and fruitfulness since they can produce fruit in the wild. One will attract favorable energy into your family (east) or love/marriage (southwest) corners of the Bagua map of your home.