Ficus lyrata is a broadleaf evergreen native to the tropical areas of western Africa.
Because of its tropical origins, the plant does best in zones 10 to 12, where it can thrive in warm and moist conditions.
In its native habitat, Ficus lyrata can grow up to 50′ feet, but it will grow to a maximum of about 10′ feet indoors.
Ficus lyrata is known for its large green leaves that resemble a fiddle or violin, hence one of its common names, the fiddle-leaf fig.
The leaves are often up to 12″ inches long and are a shiny green shade.
The three most popular varieties of the fiddle leaf fig are:
- Bambino: a dwarf variety with a maximum height of a few feet
- Compacta: a more compact variety featuring smaller bunches of leaves than the original plant.
- Variegata is a rare type with leaves that is mixed green and cream.
While not considered an “easy” plant, Ficus lyrata is not incredibly demanding as long as you can provide adequate humidity, water, and temperature.
One important note, if you have curious cats, puppies, or young children, it’s best to keep this plant outdoors, as it can be toxic.
Ficus lyrata also goes by several common names, including:
- Fiddle-leaf fig
- Banjo fig
- Lyre-leaf Figtree
Quick Facts On Ficus Lyrata
- Family: Moraceae
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Temperature: 55° to 70° degrees Fahrenheit
- Water: Water weekly in the summer
- Fertilizer: High nitrogen fertilizer twice a month
- Propagation: Cuttings
- Common Problems: Spider mites, mealybugs, leaf drop
Ficus Lyrata Care
What Does The Fiddle-Leaf Fig Look Like And How Big Does It Grow?
Ficus lyrata is best known for its large leaves that can be a foot long, with widths almost the same. The leaves are dark green with a glossy appearance.
The fiddle, or violin-shaped, leaves form dense foliage on the plant’s upright growing stem.
In its native habitat of western Africa, the fiddle-leaf fig plant grows into a large tree, sometimes as tall as 50′ feet.
However, it rarely gets above 10′ feet tall when kept as a houseplant.
When Does The Fiddle-Leaf Fig Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
A fiddle leaf fig does not bloom indoors, but the plant is appreciated more for its tall stature and deep green foliage than for the possibility of blooms.
In its native habitat, the fiddle leaf fig tree blooms with small insignificant flowers.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Ficus lyrata grows best with bright, indirect light because direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
In addition, if you keep this plant indoors, you will find that rotating the plant every few days to give the entire plant adequate lighting is best.
The fiddle leaf fig plant needs adequate light and temperature that mimics its tropical habitat.
Therefore, the plant prefers summertime temperatures of about 70° degrees Fahrenheit and winter temperatures no colder than 55° degrees Fahrenheit.
The plant does best with humidity levels between 30% to 65% percent.
You can place the pot on a large tray of pea gravel or pebbles filled with water to achieve this humidity level.
In addition, you can also mist the leaves with water if you feel like your air is too dry.
How And When To Water And Fertilize The Fiddle-Leaf Fig?
To keep ficus lyrata thoroughly moist, water once or twice a week during the spring and summer. Reduce watering in the winter.
In addition, feed the fiddle leaf fig twice a month during spring and summer with a high nitrogen fertilizer. It’s not necessary to feed your plant in the winter.
What Is The Best Soil For Ficus Lyrata, And When Should You Transplant?
The fiddle leaf fig is not particularly fussy about the soil, so a well-draining indoor potting mix should do just fine.
It’s a good idea to repot your young plants in the spring. Then, while the plant is still small, repot it into a larger, sturdier pot annually.
You likely won’t be able to repot it once the plant is mature. Then, replace the first 2″ inches of soil every spring.
Does Ficus Lyrata Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
While pruning isn’t entirely necessary, it will give your ficus lyrata some shape and keep it from getting out of hand.
You can remove any dead or damaged leaves at any time during the year.
How To Propagate Banjo Fig Plant?
Propagating your Banjo fig plant is easy with stem cuttings but is almost impossible with seeds.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Cut a long stem about 12″ to 18″ inches using a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears.
- Remove all of the leaves except one.
- Fill a vase with room temperature water.
- Place the stem cutting into the vase.
- Move the vase to an area with bright, indirect light.
- If the water appears dirty or cloudy, change it.
- In a month or two, roots will grow from the cutting.
- Wait to plant the cutting until the roots are 1-2 inches long.
- Place the rooted cutting in a large pot filled with potting soil.
- Keep the soil moist.
Watch your new banjo fig plant grow!
Lyre-Leaf Fig Tree Pests And Diseases
Thankfully, the Lyre-leaf fig tree isn’t susceptible to many pests or diseases except for some of the usual annoyances.
Watch out for spider mites or mealybugs, but if you notice them early, treatment can resolve the issue quickly.
Other issues revolve around temperature (too high or too low), sunlight (too much or not enough), or water (too much or not enough).
For example, if you notice that the leaves turn yellow and drop, the plant has likely been overwatered. If this happens, increase the time between waterings.
In addition, if the leaves wither and droop, your plant likely needs more water.
Suggested Ficus Lyrata Uses
There are many landscaping uses for the Ficus lyrata plant, including:
- Small shade tree by a deck or patio
- Indoor corner accent piece
- Large anchor for an outdoor garden bed
- In a container or planter, indoors or out
If you take care of your Ficus lyrata plant, it can live up to twenty years as an indoor plant.
It can live up to 50 years when planted in the garden in the warmer areas of the United States.
So, wherever you decide to put your Ficus lyrata, ensure it’s in a good place since it may be there for many years!