Ficus lyrata aka Fiddle Leaf Fig
Taxonomy
Ficus lyrata, also known as the Fiddle-Leaf Fig or the Banjo Fig, is a tropical evergreen tree known for its large glossy violin-shaped leaves. Commonly grown as a houseplant, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, it purifies the air, and is relatively low maintenance. making it a great addition to any home. It can grow up to 40 feet tall in its natural habitat, but it is commonly kept pruned to a smaller size.
Common names
Fiddle Leaf Fig, Lyre Leaf Figtree, Banjo FigHow to care for Fiddle Leaf Fig
Difficulty
Fiddle Leaf Fig is generally easy to care for.
Water
Fiddle Leaf Fig should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Fiddle Leaf Fig loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Sunlight
Fiddle Leaf Fig requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Lyre Leaf Figtree is always in the right place to thrive.
Dormancy
During the wintertime, it is common for Fiddle Leaf Fig to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Fiddle Leaf Fig is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.
Humidity
No extra humidity is necessary for the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Absorption of water by plants is primarily done through their roots, and soil watering is the most effective method to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
Repotting the Fiddle Leaf Fig should be done either when it has doubled in size or on a yearly basis, whichever occurs sooner. Fresh potting soil with all the required nutrients, refreshed annually, will provide the plant with all the necessary sustenance, making the use of fertilizer unnecessary. Keep in mind that plants receive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Fiddle Leaf Fig’s native range is worldwide Tropics.
