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 are the benefits of ficus lyrata?
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.
How is a ficus lyrata plant cared for?
Watering: Always keep the soil evenly moist. (about 2-3 times weekly) Avoid overwatering or letting the plant sit in water.
During the growing season, fertilizer should be applied every two weeks as a mild liquid solution for green plants.
Repotting: Every year, switch the soil and move the plant to a bigger pot. This plant needs both height and space for its roots to spread out because it naturally wants to grow big.
Other – A lot of people discover that their Ficus lyrata plant is losing leaves or developing brown spots on the foliage. As long as they don’t occur frequently, both of these traits are typical and part of a growing plant. The plant produces a sap that, when placed on top of leaves and exposed to air, induces browning. Be careful that incorrect air movement and a lack of humidity in the home can also lead to excessive browning and leaf-dropping. Humidity can be increased by placing a humidifier nearby or sprinkling the area around the plant (NOT directly on the foliage). Make sure to fully water the plant once every month to remove any salts, toxins, or contaminants that accumulate in the soil. Ficus are well known for being chemically sensitive. Use the least chemically strong insecticide if there is a danger of pests.
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.
Are fiddle leaf figs a good indoor plant?
Fiddle leaf figs can withstand the winter outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. However, because they can flourish in a variety of indoor conditions, they also make excellent houseplants. They favor constant temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels between 35 and 60 percent. Keep yours away from drafty areas, such as those near outside doors and HVAC vents.
Is the fiddle leaf fig considered a lucky plant?
Fiddle leaf figs stand for abundance, good fortune, and fertility. Additionally, according to feng shui principles, its big, rounded leaves are said to draw nourishing and positive energy while assisting in the neutralization of poison arrows and bad energy that enter your home through sharp edges.
What is so special about fiddle leaf figs?
Among fans of indoor gardening, fiddle leaf fig trees have become highly popular houseplants. Despite being generally durable plants, they can be a little challenging to keep completely healthy and attractive. However, a fiddle leaf fig can significantly improve the aesthetic and visual appeal of your home under the correct growth conditions.
Furthermore, fiddle leaf figs are now simpler to find than ever before because of their popularity. They are currently offered at reasonable costs in almost all home and garden stores.
Are fiddle leaf figs toxic?
The insoluble calcium oxalate crystals found in fiddle leaf fig plants are poisonous to people, dogs, and cats.
They can irritate the soft tissues of the digestive system and result in significant gastrointestinal distress if consumed. The plant’s calcium oxalate crystals can also burn and irritate the skin when handled without gloves.
Wear safety gloves if handling or repotting your fiddle leaf fig and be sure to place it in an area away from pets and young children.
Where should a fiddle leaf fig be placed in a home?
The best site for a fiddle leaf fig in your home is close to a south or east-facing window where it will get lots of bright, indirect sunshine all day long. A cold or drafty window or door, as well as any area near your heating and cooling vents, should be avoided while placing your plant there.
Fiddle leaf fig plants are susceptible to excessive environmental change. Therefore, after you choose a position for your fiddle leaf fig, be prepared to stay in that spot because relocating the plant after it has gotten used to a particular spot in your home could stress it out and impede its growth.
Is the fiddle-leaf fig considered lucky?
This might imply a variety of things, such as having overly nosy aunts inquire about your impending nuptials, obtaining ang pow (red money packets) if you’re still unmarried in 2021, and spending quality time with your loved ones while indulging in delectable meals.
But as Lunar New Year 2021 approaches and COVID-19 is still in effect (unfortunately), this looks like the ideal moment to clean up your house before the celebrations even get started.
One of the simplest, least complicated ways to begin your Lunar New Year decorations is with indoor plants. But what makes these plants unique is that they are also excellent for feng shui, an old Chinese philosophy that emphasizes the need for harmony between the things in a person’s home and the natural environment.
Money tree.
The money tree, also known as pachira aquatica, is a fantastic way to attract and enhance prosperity and abundance, as the name implies. For new plant parents, there is some good news: Given that it thrives indoors and has a strong tolerance for low light conditions, it is also very minimal maintenance.
Snake plant.
The snake plant is frequently incorrectly categorized as having “sharp” shapes, despite the fact that feng shui emphasizes avoiding them because they resemble poison arrows.
However, according to feng shui experts, the snake plant can actually deflect negative energy depending on where it is put. Basically, it serves as a protection wherever you place it. Snake plants are advised for placement on balconies or in any outdoor area. In this manner, the “protection” it offers will function at its best.
Monstera plant.
Due to their attractive appearance and broad range of growth, monstera plants have become extremely popular among both novice and seasoned plant parents. There are varieties that stand taller than their human caregivers and ones that fit nicely on a tabletop.
Monstera are true climbers as they develop, which represents enlargement, connection, and upward growth all year round.
Sage plant.
The sage plant is a symbol for long life, wisdom, and the fulfillment of wishes. And in order to develop into their greatest forms, sage plants, like many other living things on Earth, need a lot of light.
in fact, six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. Therefore, it’s preferable to keep these adorable little creatures close to a window.
Fiddle Leaf Fig tree.
A lot of care must be taken with the fiddle leaf fig tree. But according to feng shui experts, it fosters benevolence by giving the plant the care and attention it requires. The plant’s supple, bowl-shaped leaves also aid in fostering a feeling of comforting calm and solid support.
It is preferable to keep them in a pot of moist soil in filtered bright to full sunshine, avoiding overwatering.
Bonsai tree.
Given the right care, bonsai trees have been known to thrive for hundreds of years, and they are regarded as the ideal plants for reestablishing energy balances in a home. Additionally, they make it easier to introduce the element of wood into the house than is possible with other plants.
Even though you may have hardwood furniture, a bonsai tree’s life force is unmatched.
Bonsai trees should be positioned in the east, south, and south-east corners of the area you live in, according to feng shui experts.
Philodendron plant.
Philodendron leaves have a flame-like form, which helps introduce the fire element into your home. Philodendrons can contribute to bringing light into the dim regions of your home, especially in low-energy spaces.
Philodendrons may help warm up chilly places, much like fire, and thrive in artificial lights. It’s better to put them there so they can replenish the warmth in the rooms that are darker and cooler in your house.
Jade plant.
It is lucky to have a jade plant in your home or place of business. Other names for it include the money plant, the lucky plant, and the friendship tree.
Its lush, brilliant green leaves stand for rebirth and growth. Additionally, they have a physical resemblance to jade coins or stones, which stand for wealth and prosperity. Since they’re thought to bring success, you can frequently find them positioned near the entrances of shops and restaurants if you look carefully.
For family peace and health, south-east for prosperity, west for children’s creativity and luck, and north-west for mentors and teaching figures’ good fortune, feng shui experts advise planting the plant in east-facing places.
Lucky Bamboo plant.
The lucky bamboo plant actually belongs to the lily family, despite its name. They bring wisdom into the home because of their adaptable growth pattern and hollow “structure.” In essence, they stand for flexibility and openness.
The meaning of lucky bamboo plants varies according to how many stalks you combine:
Is a fig tree lucky?
The Bible’s emblem for wisdom, the fig tree, today serves as a selling point for real estate.
Figs are popular with consumers who believe in its legend. According to sources, they can also improve the terms for vendors.
“According to a folktale, fig trees are considered lucky, according to Adelaide Polsinelli, an investment sales broker with Eastern Consolidated.
The Orthodox Jewish buyer was drawn to the multi-family buildings on East 36th Street by the fig trees on the property, and Polsinelli closed on a roughly $6 million sale of them last month.
Many Jewish buyers place great importance on the fig tree: Given that it is the first tree to be mentioned in the Torah, it is probably the “Along with barley, wheat, wines, olive oil, honey, and pomegranates, the tree of knowledge of good and evil is mentioned as one of the seven species that fed the Israelites during biblical times and one that brought prosperity. It successfully tempted Adam and Eve, driving them from the Garden of Eden.
“According to Robert Sambone of Brooklyn-based residential firm Galeano Real Estate, planting fig trees is a tradition among Italian families meant to bring them luck and success. The existence of the trees that his culture values “symbolize the fertility of the land.
Fig trees are in the yard of Ariel Shwedel’s listing with the Corcoran Group at 327 Clinton Street in Cobble Hill, but no potential buyers have yet noticed them.
“He replied, “I knew fig trees had special significance in Judaism, but here they didn’t appear to have much of an impact.” ” Perhaps the narrative would have been different if we had pomegranates.