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.
What is the full name of the Ficus lyrata plant?
Small tropical trees like the fiddle-leaf fig are frequently planted as houseplants. When fully grown, it can create a stunning focal point in a living room or office. This plant is best suited for wide settings due to its hefty texture. They favor moderate humidity and bright light. They lose their leaves when overwatered since they are sensitive to it. Compared to a rubber plant, they are not quite as simple to grow.
Fast ID hints
- Large, leathery, and fiddle-shaped leaves
- The leaves lack shine and are bullate.
This evergreen shrub or tree can reach a height of 39′, standing upright with a spreading crown. It may have started out as an epiphyte in the wild and choked its host.
Their huge, leathery, fiddle-shaped (and -sized) leaves are highly desired. Fruit is rarely observed in interior locations; sap will flow and drip from damaged surfaces.
It prefers temperatures over 55 degrees Fahrenheit, medium to high light, dry soil, and medium relative humidity.
How large can you grow Ficus lyrata?
placing a fiddle leaf fig tree in a large, contemporary container. Garden tools, dirt, and a container of Ficus lyrata on a hardwood floor. New house tree planting procedure
Fiddle Leaf Fig 10106:21
The fiddle leaf fig, which has been a popular houseplant recently, adds a stunning architectural element to any room in the house. Although this lush plant is beautiful and has shiny, violin-shaped leaves, it can be challenging to maintain. But don’t worry—we have advice to maintain it flourishing in your area.
The good news is that the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), if acclimated, can grow to be at least 6 feet tall, making it an impressive statement piece. If you want a different look, there are also various cultivars of the plant, such “Suncoast” and “Compacta,” that don’t grow as tall and are bushier.
So, before taking one of these not-so-cheap houseplants home, read our in-depth care instructions and essential information if you want to get the most out of your investment for years to come.
Does Ficus lyrata grow outdoors?
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.
How is a ficus Lyrata recognized?
The Moraceae family, also known as the mulberry family, has roughly 40 genera and 1000 species of trees, shrubs, lianas, and occasionally plants. Nearly all of these species have milky sap, and they are primarily of tropical or subtropical origin (University of Hawaii, 2014). The vast genus Ficus has over 800-1000 species of trees and shrubs that are native to the tropics and subtropics and are frequently grown outside of their natural habitat for its fig fruits or as ornamentals. Although it is difficult to tell which members of this genus have flowers, you can tell by their habits, whether or not they are banyans, by the shape of their leaves, and by the fruits they produce (Whistler, 2000).
The fig tree F. lyrata is known for its milky sap, stipules that create a conical cap over the growth point of the stem, huge, lyre-shaped leaves that are made of leather, and large, berry-like fig fruits (Whistler, 2000). Due to the shape of its leaves—a broad, rounded tip and sinuate edges that narrow at the base—the species name “lyrata” originates from the Latin word “lyratus” (Stearn, 1992).
Can ficus lyrata be grown easily?
This West African native plant is planted inside because of its lovely semi-lobed and oval leaves, which all appear to develop to different proportions. This plant was given the name fiddle because of the fiddle-like (violin-shaped) shape of its leaves.
Although it may take this ficus up to 10–15 years to achieve full maturity, after 3–4 years of growth, it begins to resemble a beautiful tree or other ornamental house plant.
Trunk and leaves: As you can see from the picture on the left, the leaves have pronounced veins running through the middle and from the center to the edge. These lustrous leaves can reach a length of 12 inches and a width of at least 5 inches. Although sturdy, the trunk is rather peculiar and grows quite long and thin, giving the plant a bushy appearance at the top without lower leaves.
Displaying: Because they prefer bright lighting, they thrive in greenhouses and conservatories. Although sufficient light must be provided – wherever they are sitting – they are the kind of plant that looks wonderful near doorways, corridors, fireplaces, and other prominent sections of a room.
Flowering: Fiddle leaf plants will develop flowers and eventually fruits in their natural habitat and outside, but this rarely occurs indoors.
Care level: This ficus seems to require a little more attention than the rubber plant, F. elastica, primarily because of its demand for light and sensitivity to losing leaves. Overwater is the worst thing to do. Additionally, excessive soil drying and low humidity levels will render leaves dark and unsightly. The majority of growers will be alright because it’s not nearly a novice plant and doesn’t require an expert.
Is the fiddle-leaf fig a plant of luck?
Sharing space with a fiddle-leaf fig, a symbol of plenty, fertility, and good fortune, can help clear your environment of bad energy and improve your mood. Calathea: Calathea, also referred to as a “Prayer Plant” or “Living Plant,” brings harmony and clarity into any setting.
Ficus lyrata: a philodendron or not?
The popular name “Fiddle leaf fig” can apply to either a “Philodendron bipennifolium” or a “Ficus lyrata.” Quite sometimes, more than one plant will share the same common name, as is the case in this instance. The Ficus lyrata, which is more frequently found in our retail stores and is offered as a Fiddle Leaf Fig houseplant, is what is covered in the information that follows.
Figs with fiddle leaves are picky. They require a specific amount of light and humidity. They dislike drafts, too-dry or too-wet soil, and both. The secret is to develop the ability to “listen” to your plant and make modifications as soon as any problems arise. You can give them the attention they require to be at their best by giving them the proper placement in your home and the information mentioned below will assist you in doing so.
Location, Location, Location: Fiddle leaf figs need to be in a sunny area since they enjoy the morning sun. They frequently become big and tall when they are delighted. If they are unhappy, they will appear spindly, leggy, have yellow, brown, or dull leaves, drop their leaves, and their general health will deteriorate. It could be time to find a new home for your fiddle leaf if you don’t have a really bright environment for them to reside in. Drafts are not their thing. A fiddle leaf fig tree in good health and happiness can reach heights of ten feet. You can relocate your outgrown fiddle leaf to a protected outside space, like a patio, in our coastal region. Keep it out of the wind, the sun, and the cold.
The second most crucial component to do right is water. Problems can arise from both overwatering and underwatering. Yellow or brown leaves that fall off early are signs. When watering, it is best to use caution. When should I drink water? When the top two inches are dry, add water. Don’t let the pot remain submerged in the drained water. Root rot results from letting plants sit in too much water.
Fertilize: Burnt leaf margins can also result from overfeeding your plants. At least once or twice a year, in the spring and the summer, fertilize your fiddle leaf. Use a fertilizer designed for indoor plants. Remember that “more is not better” while you read the instructions. Use half of the indicated strength, but never more than the label advises, to be safe and prevent burning your plant.
Since it is a native of the tropical rainforests of Africa, the fiddle leaf prefers relative humidity levels that are higher than typical. A browning of the leaf border would be a sign that they are missing dampness. Avoid placing your plant near a heating source because the relative humidity is lower there. Plants should be grouped together to improve humidity, or if it’s a beloved plant, a tiny humidifier could be placed next to it.
Cleaning: To eliminate dirt and dust, mist leaves with water and clean with a soft cloth. Trim using scissors while maintaining the shape of the leaf if the margins of the leaves have turned brown. Take out any fallen and dead leaves. Every time you water, keep an eye out for insects and disease. Establish this as a routine each time you water to handle problems as they arise. Visit our website’s House Plant page for details on insects and diseases.
Pruning: Fiddle leaf can indeed be pruned. A plant will become thicker and bushier if the new growth at the ends of the branches is pinched off. A milky-white sap will leak from the wounds made during trimming. To avoid dripping on the floor, make sure to blot and mop up any spills. If you prune the trunk back, it will produce new leaves.
Start by placing a cutting of the stem tip that is 6″ long and attached to a leaf in water to allow the roots to form. Another approach would be air layering.
Yes, this plant is poisonous; keep children and dogs away. Visit our website’s Poisonous Plants page for details on dangerous plants.