Ficus Lyrata – Fiddle Leaf Fig Introduction

The Fiddle leaf fig has been the king of indoor houseplants for close to a decade now and for obvious reasons. Famous for it’s big, juicy, tropical, leathery, veined, leaves that have a shape that can resemble a fiddle (hence the name) and tree like growth habit, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can be a true showstopper and instantly bring a Jungle vibe to your space. It is Native to the tropical rainforests of Western Africa and when grown outdoors in tropical environments it can reach a height of 12-15m tall. Like most tropical plants it appreciates higher humidity, although the Fiddle can tolerate less humid environments and can generally do well in shaded patios and pergolas in temperate climates. Although immensely popular and now a common staple in any self-respecting Jungalow it remains an often mis-understood plant with plant parents having mixed results, with many mixed messages for how to best care for it. So here we are to help and hopefully set the message straight. We hope our care tips help :)

Ficus Lyrata – Fiddle Leaf Fig Lighting & Position

Fiddle leaf figs will do best in a well lit position with LOTS of bright light. Be sure to keep your fiddle away from drafts and heating/cooling units as they can be sensitive to cold or hot drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations in the house.

Ficus Lyrata – Fiddle Leaf Fig Watering

It’s important to keep up a regular watering routine. In summer you want to keep the soil moist but let it dry out slightly between waterings. To monitor this, you can use your finger to poke into the top 5 cm of potting mix and feel the soil moisture level before watering. If it feels particularly wet, let it dry out for longer. Over watering can lead to fungal issues or root rot. Try watering a once a week, but always testing the soil first to see if watering is necessary. During winter, when the plant isn’t in an active growing phase you should reduce watering frequency and use tepid/room temperature water. 

As with all plants, drainage is essential. Ensure that whatever vessel your plant is in, there are sufficient holes in the bottom to allow excess water to freely drain from the pot and away from the plant’s roots. 

Ficus Lyrata – Fiddle Leaf Fig Humidity

Fiddles will appreciate some humidity to prevent leaves from browning at the edges. Tips for increasing humidity include grouping plants together, placing pots on a pebble tray or if you want to go all out – buy a small humidifier online and place it in amongst your plant friends! 

N.b. misting with a spray bottle will only improve humidity temporarily, and if done excessively can lead to fungal issues. Misting should only be done occasionally and is most effective as part of your leaf cleaning routine (mist and then gently wipe leaves with a cloth to clear away dust from the leaf surface)

Ficus Lyrata – Fiddle Leaf Fig Fertiliser

Feed with liquid fertiliser fortnightly over the warm, growing period and not at all over the cooler winter months.

We recommend using our Plant Food available here. 

Ficus Lyrata – Fiddle Leaf Fig Extra Tips

Once a month you can wipe down the plants leaves using a damp cloth to clean away any dust that has collected and may be preventing the leaves from breathing. It’s completely normal for older leaves, typically around the base of the plant, to fade in colour or brown off as they age. Prune off any damaged or dying leaves using a sharp pair of scissors or secateurs so that the plant can put more energy into the newer, healthier growth.

Ficus Lyrata – Fiddle Leaf Fig Toxicity

Ficus lyrata irritates eyes and irritates skin. Its sap is toxic.

Ficus Lyrata – Fiddle Leaf Fig Design Tips

The Fiddle leaf fig is a real showpiece plant. It can fill a corner and bring life to an otherwise lifeless space. Their stunning leaves are too good not to show off so they’ll look great against plain walls like white or soft pink where their lush green really pops. It’s much loved for its potential size, in it’s natural habitat it can become a good sized tree (up to 15m tall) and indoors it’s quite possible to grow to your ceiling. As they look so good big we’d recommend biting the bullet, spending a little more and getting one already somewhat advanced. A Fiddle of around 1.5m in a 300mm pot will generally cost around $100, but it’s money well spent as it will instantly transform your space and save you multiple years from growing a small plant up.

Fiddle Leafs can come in an array of formats. Some growers will grow as a single plant (one trunk) while others will multi plant to create a denser, bushier plant (although technically multiple plants). Standards is another popular option for Fiddle Leafs whereby the bottom leaves are removed so the trunk is on display with a ball of leafy growth on top. Some plants will be single stem, skinny and tall, while others will be bushier, with multiple branches breaking off. There is no right or wrong here and the best option will generally depend on your space and personal preferences. If you want to encourage multiple branches breaking off you can clip the top off your fiddle which will encourage new growth further down the trunk.

Fiddle-leafs look great in white pots and woven baskets creating a nice airiness although they look good in most situations.