Fiddle Leaf Fig
ficus lyrata
Also known as: ["Banjo Fig","Violin Plant"]
Overview
A popular indoor tree with large, glossy, fiddle-shaped leaves.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Genus: | Ficus |
| Botanical Name: | Ficus lyrata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in bright, humid room
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with peat, perlite, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 2–3 months or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; avoid heavy pruning unless necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerate some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to direct light; protect from scorching; move indoors during low light seasons or extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; avoid drafty windows.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid overwatering; ensure proper drainage.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use a pot with drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.
Temperature
Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.
Avoid placing near heating/cooling vents; maintain stable room temperature; use a thermometer to monitor.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring and summer), none in winter
Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid fertilizing newly repotted plants; apply to moist soil.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings in water or soil.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a 6-inch cutting with at least 2 nodes.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Place in water or soil.
- Keep moist.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
Warm, humid, and bright indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C).
Medium
Well-draining potting mix or water with occasional root hormone application.
Hormone
Optional but recommended for faster rooting.
Timeline
Roots in 4–8 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pot, well-draining soil or water container.
Quick Tips
Use clean tools to prevent disease; change water weekly if using water propagation; provide bottom heat for faster rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Trim stems just above a leaf node or bud; remove yellow or dead leaves at the base.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead/damaged leaves and shape the plant to encourage bushier growth.
Tools
Pruning shears, sterilizing solution, gloves.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune dead/damaged growth; shape plant; clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring or early summer before the active growing season.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; promotes growth and prevents root binding.
Checklist
Select new pot; prepare fresh soil; trim roots; position plant; water and place in indirect light.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water deeply at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting leaves; water in the morning for optimal absorption.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky ingredients.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root rot due to reduced water uptake.
Solution: Move to a warmer spot; insulate from drafts; reduce watering; use a space heater if necessary.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop due to excessive transpiration and water loss.
Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; mist leaves; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats that ingest parts of the Ficus lyrata may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation. The plant's sap contains compounds that can cause discomfort but are not generally considered highly toxic.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIngestion of Ficus lyrata by dogs can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the presence of irritant compounds. While not typically life-threatening, it can cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Humans
Slightly ToxicThe Ficus lyrata contains irritant sap that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress upon ingestion. The plant does not typically cause severe systemic toxicity but can lead to discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if ingested
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water my Fiddle Leaf Fig?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 1-2 weeks.
Q: Why are the leaves of my Fiddle Leaf Fig turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or insufficient light.
Q: Can Fiddle Leaf Fig be grown outdoors?
A: It can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10-12, but it is primarily an indoor plant in cooler climates.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Moraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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