Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrate)

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrate) is a popular indoor plant known for its large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves that make it a striking focal point in any room. It’s native to tropical regions of West Africa and can grow quite tall in the right conditions. Here’s a bit more about it:

Key Features of Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrate):

• Leaves: The large, dark green, shiny, and leathery leaves are its most notable feature. The leaves resemble the shape of a fiddle or violin, hence the name “fiddle leaf.” They can grow up to 15 inches long.
• Growth Habit: Fiddle leaf figs can grow as large trees in their native habitat but, when grown indoors, typically stay around 6–10 feet tall. They can be pruned to maintain a smaller size and shape.
• Flowers/Fruit: While it may flower in its native environment, it usually doesn’t flower or bear fruit when grown as a houseplant.

Care Tips:

• Light: Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrate) thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause them to drop their leaves. Ideally, place it near a window with plenty of natural light.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water it when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
• Temperature: This plant enjoys warm environments, ideally between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Keep it away from cold drafts, and it doesn’t like sudden temperature changes.
• Humidity: Fiddle leaf figs prefer humidity levels of 40-60%. If your home is very dry, consider misting the leaves occasionally, or using a humidity tray or a humidifier.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. A mix designed for tropical plants or one that includes perlite or sand for better drainage works well.
• Fertilization: Feed it monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Reduce fertilizing in the fall and winter when growth slows down.

Troubleshooting:

• Yellowing Leaves: One of the most common issues with fiddle leaf figs is yellowing leaves, which can be caused by overwatering, too little light, or a sudden change in temperature.
• Leaf Drop: If your fiddle leaf fig starts losing leaves, it could be due to a change in its environment, such as a move to a new spot, or stress from underwatering, overwatering, or pests.
• Brown Spots: Brown spots can appear if the plant has been watered too much or too little, or if it’s exposed to cold drafts.

Propagation:

• Fiddle leaf figs can be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a healthy stem with at least one leaf, place it in water until roots form (which may take a few weeks), and then transplant it into soil. You can also propagate by directly planting the cutting in soil, but it takes longer for the roots to establish.

Interesting Facts:

• Toxicity: The Fiddle Leaf Fig is toxic to pets (cats and dogs) if ingested, so it’s important to keep it out of reach if you have curious animals.
• Air Purification: Like many houseplants, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can help purify the air by removing toxins and adding moisture to the environment. have a look at our outdoor plant collectionhttps://mfourgreen.com/product-category/outdoor-plants/