The blog Gardenista’s editor in chief, Michelle Slatalla, described it as “comparable to a baby houseplant.
New York-based interior designer Brad Sherman believes they have a “Prehistoric, to quote Dr. Seuss.
Chicago-based designer Summer Thornton said they are great for bringing a sense of youth and vitality to a space “not a ficus from your mother.
And blogger Daniel Kanter of Manhattan Nest said, “They appear to be a planted comment.
What are they discussing? The lowland rainforests of western Africa are home to the Ficus lyrata species. But its more popular name is the fiddle-leaf fig “the hottest potted plant around.
Each period has its own popular houseplant. It was the African violet in the 1950s and 1960s. Spider plants trailing out of macram hangers were popular in the 1970s. It was the potted ficus in the 1980s and the early 1990s. Mossy plants in terrariums and glass jars were popular in the 2000s.
If you open the most recent edition of Architectural Digest or Elle Decor, you probably see a fiddle-leaf fig. These plants are frequently planted in white lacquer boxes and displayed in sparsely furnished rooms with white walls. You may find one inside any Cline boutique because the fiddle-leaf has evolved into the unofficial symbol of the French luxury company.
Large fiddle-leaves, which can reach a height of ten feet, were put by Marimekko in its Finnish headquarters. When the business supplied its first office, Casper, an online mattress retailer, did the same.
The fiddle-leaf fig was spotted for the first time five years ago on interior design blogs, according to Mr. Sherman, who built the Casper headquarters. The slim trunk, large, luxuriant foliage, and the harmonious mix of structure and whimsy struck him as having sculptural qualities. He started utilizing the plants for each undertaking.
“According to Mr. Sherman, finding attractive plants for interiors has never been easy. “Some of them lack character and are overly waxy. The fiddle-leaf defied convention.
They do have size, work with a variety of design aesthetics, from modern to granny chic, and seem to magically change any room, which is why designers adore them.
“According to Miles Redd, who decorated the solarium of a California home he designed that was featured in Architectural Digest with six-foot-tall flanking fiddle-leaves, you can plunk it in a dead corner and all of a sudden everything comes to life.
Ms. Thornton stated: “That distinguishes them from a palm or ficus, in my opinion. These plants lack the fiddle-leaf fig’s dramatic impact and pop.
Fiddle-leaf figs have existed for a long time. But something Mr. Kanter found might be the best way to explain why the plant is currently famous. He wrote on his blog in 2012 to declare, “After seeing them online and in social media, “I was incredibly eager to join the Fiddle club.
At an upscale nursery in Brooklyn, Mr. Kanter did spend $100 for a five-foot-tall fiddle-leaf fig plant. He delivered it to his Kingston, New York, residence. He soon understood why fiddle-leaves are so popular among bloggers, Instagram users, and Pinterest users: They are organic materials made specifically for digital sharing.
“They look great in pictures, said Mr. Kanter, who also noted that he comes across fiddle-leaves far more frequently online than in person.
The gardening editor, Ms. Slatalla, finds a fiddle-leaf fig more appealing on a fundamental level. She previously compared the enormous, glossy leaves to a baby’s big, round eyes in a Gardenista piece.
“According to Ms. Slatalla, it makes you want to take care of it. “With this plant, people often anthropomorphize it in ways they don’t with others.
The fiddle-leaf fig is a picky, delicate organism, just like a newborn. Despite what some would have you believe, many owners—including Ms. Slatalla—have discovered that they are not hardy or simple to care for.
She remarked, “It’s funny that a plant that is so difficult to maintain has become so famous, adding that her fiddle-leaf fig “died of neglect” since it couldn’t find the perfect position in her house.
The fiddle-leaf Mr. Sherman installed at the Casper offices perished after a few weeks and was replaced by 11 more before a successful care regimen was discovered (indirect light, away from the radiators).
“They don’t react well when you move them, according to Mr. Sherman. “The leaves will scorch and fall off if they are exposed to direct sunlight. They are extremely sensitive plants.
The fiddle-leaf fig in Hadley Peterson’s New Jersey house has been maintained alive for ten years, and she has watched as it grows lush and tall. However, following a transfer she almost lost it, and she knows passionate gardeners who couldn’t keep them alive.
“Ms. Peterson responded, “I think it has a lot to do with the air in the room.” “My home is always kept at 68 degrees. But there’s also the light. It receives sheltered indirect light from a sun porch.
She continued, as if discussing a youngster with a fidgety nature: “If you leave it in water, it won’t thrive. You must allow it to drain.
Ms. Thornton informs her clients that having weekly flower arrangements delivered is more static and more expensive even if their fiddle-leaf lasts a year or less. Additionally, as a result of its resurgence in favor, costs have decreased widely while availability has expanded.
In fact, Mr. Kanter has observed fiddle-leaf figs being offered for $30 at a grocery store chain close to his home in upstate New York. It’s proof that the plant might have peaked in popularity and is about to face criticism.
Do fiddle leaf figs naturally occur?
For millions of years, fiddle leaf fig trees have been growing naturally. They are indigenous to West Africa, where they grow up to 60 feet tall and produce tiny green fruits in nations like Sierra Leone.
They are a member of the Moraceae plant family, which also includes fig and mulberry trees. Fiddle leaf figs are a species of the Ficus genus, which has around 850 other sister species and comprises the majority of the more than 1,100 plants in the huge Moraceae family.
Is the fiddle-leaf fig an Australian native?
The flowering plant species Ficus lyrata, also referred to as the fiddle-leaf fig, is a member of the Moraceae mulberry and fig family. It grows in lowland tropical rainforest in western Africa, from Cameroon west to Sierra Leone. It has a maximum height of 1215 m (3949 ft).
Here is an illustration of a lyrate leaf. The leaves of the ficus lyrata are lyrate, or in the manner of a lyre.
The leaves can range in size from up to 45 cm (18 in) long and 30 cm (12 in) wide (though they are typically smaller), with a leathery texture, pronounced veins, and a wavy edge. They frequently have a broad apex and narrow midsection, suggesting a lyre or fiddle.
Where do fig trees originate?
The edible fruit of the fig plant, Ficus carica, a member of the Moraceae family of berries. The common fig is native to a region that stretches from Asiatic Turkey to northern India, but it is also grown as a crop in most Mediterranean nations due to their mild weather. The fig is referred to as “the poor man’s food” in the Mediterranean region due to its widespread use, both fresh and dried. Significant levels of calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron are present in the fruit.
One of the first fruit trees to be planted was the fig, whose cultivation spanned the Levant and all the areas around the Aegean Sea in ancient times. It is believed that the Greeks brought it from Caria, hence the unique name. Attic figs gained popularity in the East, and special rules were enacted to control their exports. One of the main sources of food for the Greeks was the fig, which the Spartans used particularly at their communal tables. Pliny the Elder listed numerous types and stated that those grown at home provided the majority of the food for slaves. The fig tree that shaded the twin founders of Rome in the wolf’s cave was a symbol of the race’s future riches. The fig was sacred to Bacchus in Latin myth and used in religious rituals.
Do fiddle leaf figs grow naturally in Hawaii?
Fiddle Leaf Fig, that is. You might have posted a living room or two with one of these regal men perched in the corner if you look back through your Pinterest “Dream Home board” pins. Fiddle leaf figs are adaptable indoor plants with disproportionately big leaves and a recognizable gangly height. And fortunately for you, Paiko now has a good number of these gorgeous items in stock. Stop by today and brighten your home.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig:
- West Africa is home to fiddle leaf.
- Outside, fiddle leaf figs can grow into enormous trees that bear blooms and little fruit.
- They develop extremely slowly inside.
- They are frequently seen in backyards and coastal parks in Hawaii.
- This plant is poisonous to cats, dogs, and horses if consumed.
Care:
- The ideal temperature range for the fiddle leaf fig is 60 to 75 degrees.
- They favor locations with direct, bright natural light (direct sunlight is too harsh for this lil guy).
- Water when the soil seems dry to the touch, and sprinkle leaves from time to time.
- Water less in the winter if you reside somewhere with colder winters.
- Repot the plant every year while it is still young and growing. Take cautious not to place your tree in a container that is noticeably bigger than the previous one (the sudden expansion can shock the tree).
- As soon as a leaf starts to degrade, remove it.
- You can prune from the top of your tree to assist control height.
- To maintain your plant’s healthy and glossy appearance, clean the leaves with a gentle sponge and water.
What kind of leaves did Eve and Adam use?
The act of hiding is the subject of this essay. Refer to Ficus for the plant. See Fig Leaves for the 1926 silent comedy movie.
In the Cast Courts of the Victoria and Albert Museum, a replica of a statue of David had its genitalia covered with a plaster cast of a fig leaf. Male nudity was controversial throughout Queen Victoria’s reign, and the monarch was rumored to find it repulsive. The fig leaf was purchased by the museum and kept on hand in case the Queen or other female dignitaries paid a visit. It was then fastened on the figure using two hooks. The fig leaf is no longer in use today, but it is still on exhibit in a case behind the plinth for the cast. [1]
A fig leaf covers the genitalia on a statue of Mercury holding a caduceus in the Vatican. The fig leaf was put there by the more “chaste” Popes; later, the majority of such coverings were taken off.
As a metaphor for Adam and Eve using fig leaves to cover their nudity after eating the forbidden fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the expression “fig leaf” is frequently used figuratively to convey the concealment of an act or an object that is embarrassing or distasteful with something that appears innocent.
[2]
[3] In several sculptures and paintings, the genitalia of the subjects are covered with an image of a fig leaf or other like object, either as part of the original design or later added for the sake of apparent modesty.
Fiddle-leaf figs: Are they healthy?
Fiddle leaf figs could be good for your body. Indoor plants have been demonstrated to improve our perception of ambient temperature, lower blood pressure, soothe the nervous system, and lift our emotions. They also increase the humidity in a space, which is good for the respiratory system.
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.
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.