The Fiddle-Leaf Fig is a popular plant and it is also an indoor plant. It is large heavily veined and large. Plus its violin-shaped leaves have a glossy finish and its sleeves grow upright on a sleek trunk. So the fiddle leaves can become a focal point of your home décor if you have decided to add plants to your home. It can grow up to six feet tall so make sure that there is a lot of room for the plant.
Most of the indoor plants f this species can also reach over ten feet. But if you have pets like dogs or cats you have to be careful because it is toxic to cats and dogs. Here you can find all the information about the Fiddle-leaf fig.
How to take care of Fiddle-leaf fig?
The Fiddle-leaf fig is native to the tropical regions of Africa. They fare well in both warm and wet conditions. So it can be sometimes hard for the homeowner to grow the plants indoors as they may have to keep their room warm for the plants to thrive. But the plants can survive in less than better conditions for many years. So only the weather is the problem when growing these plants otherwise they are great.
You have to rotate the plants a few days a week so they can get good sunlight. You have to do this so the plan can grow evenly. Then for two weeks once you have to dust the leaves using a damp cloth. It helps the leaves to look shiny. Plus, it helps the plants to get good sunlight and they can do the process of photosynthesis.
If you find any damaged leaves in the plant you can trim them off so it will allow new leaves to grow. Further, if you wish, you can prune off the top parts of the main step so they will grow bushier.
Here are some of the important things for the Fiddle-leaf fig to grow
1. Light
Fiddle-Leaf fig needs filtered light to grow. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves mostly in the afternoon sun. That is why you have to keep the plants in low-light situations.
2. Soil
You have to mix the correct quantity of soil in the mix with the required fertilizer and soil mixes to make it grow. Make sure that the soil drains well.
3. Water
The Fiddle-Leaf fig grows well when you mix the correct amount of water in the mix. So there must be moisture in the soil. If the plant does not get the water it will wilt and lose colour. It will not look bright green. The plant will not drop the leaves when it is well-nourished. Also, these plants are sensitive to the high salt content in the soil. So it is good to flush the soil until it loses most of the soil content.
4. Temperature and humility
Fiddle leaves don’t like to live in extreme temperature changes. When a room is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit then you must keep the plant away from the drafty areas. Some of the drafty areas like air-conditioning and heating vents. So keep the humidity of the room level between 30 and 65 per cent. You can mist the plant with the required amounts of water to keep it cool. You can place the plant in a room with a humidifier.
5. Fertilizer
You have to put good fertilizers in the plants during the growing season with the high-nitrogen plant food. These are the type of fertilizers that is specially made for the Fiddle-leaf fig.
What are the different types of Fiddle-leaf fig?
| Common Name | Fiddle-leaf fig, banjo fig |
| Botanical Name | Ficus lyrata |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Plant Type | Broadleaf evergreen |
| Mature Size | 50 ft. tall (outdoors), 10 ft. tall (indoors) |
| Sun Exposure | Part shade |
| Soil Type | Loamy, medium moisture, well-draining |
| Soil pH | 6 to 7 |
| Bloom Time | Rarely flowers outside of its native area |
| Flower Color | Insignificant |
| Hardiness Zones | 10-12 (USDA) |
| Native Area | Tropical western Africa |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats and dogs |
One of the main species of the Fiddle-leaf fig is the Ficus lyrata. But there are also others available.
Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’
It is a dwarf variety of Fiddle-leaf fig that only can reach a few feet.
Ficus lyrata ‘Compacta’
This is a type of Fiddle-leaf fig that can reach five feet tall. It has bushy leaves than the main species.
Ficus lyrata ‘Variegata’
It is a great variety of plants and not very uncommon. It has beautiful leaves with a mix of green and cream.
What are the steps to growing Fiddle-Leaf Fig plants?
Pruning the leaves
The fiddle-leaf fig can benefit when you prune its leaves often. Cut the damaged leaves to help the plant to grow more new leaves. Plus it also helps the plants to breathe. You have to cut inches away from the trunk to prevent any damage. If you are trying to take the dead brown leaf you can pull it slowly as it can become off itself.
Propagating the leaves
- You can propagate the Fiddle-leaf fig by cutting its stems. But it is difficult to do it with the seeds. So there are some steps to cut the stems.
- You can make use of a pair of sharp shears for cutting the stem about 12 to 18 inches long. Then pinch off all the leaves instead of one.
- Put the vase of the cutting in a jar or a vase which is clean and room temperature water. Then you have to place it in a warm and bright place. But there should be indirect light.
- You have to change the water if it became dirty.
- You will find that in a few weeks small white bumps will appear on the base of the stem sitting in the water. Then in a couple of weeks, the roots will start to grow in the water.
- If the roots reach 1 and 2 inches long you have to plant the cutting in a 1-gallon pot. It has to be filled with potting soil and water. You have to keep the soil moist but it should not be very soggy.
What are the common pests and diseases?
There are not many pests and diseases prevalent in the Fiddle-leaf figs but like all plants, they are prone to some. Sometimes the plants can get damaged by spider mites, scale, fungi or bacteria. If these issues persist the colour of the leaves can change and you can find some dark spots or patches.
Conclusion
Fiddle-leaf figs are the best plants you can have in your home. They look pretty and can become a part of your home.
