Get on Trend with the Fiddle Leaf
FICUS LYRATA | FIDDLE-LEAF FIG
Spruce up your space with this instagram-slash-pinterest worthy plant.
The Ficus Lyrata, commonly called the fiddle-leaf fig, is a perfect indoor specimen plant. The plant features very large, heavily veined, and violin-shaped leaves that grow upright on a tall plant. These plants are native to the tropics, where they thrive in very warm and wet conditions.
This makes them somewhat more challenging for the home grower, who is likely to have trouble duplicating these steamy conditions, but they are fortunately relatively tough plants also that can withstand less-than-perfect conditions for a fairly long time.
LIGHT
The plant enjoys a brightly lit spot, as long as it bathed in indirect sunlight. Place it close to a window but avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
WATER
Don’t let the fiddle leaf go thirsty beyond a week. But do check the topsoil before watering; if it’s still moist, your plant isn’t thirsty yet. Underwatering can usually be fixed, but damage from overwatering isn’t always treatable.
HUMIDITY
Browning leaves or loss of leaves suggests a lack of humidity in the house. The solution is to mist it regularly; the leaves absorb moisture from the air for healthier growth.
TEMPERATURE
As long as the temperature of the room is 60 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, the plant lives happily. Anything lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit isn’t good for Fiddle Leaf.
TOXICITY
The sap of the plant is toxic to humans and animals. Ingestion can cause burning around the mouth, tongue, and lips. Try to find a spot for the plant where children and pets can’t reach it.
EXTRA LOVE
Those big leaves will collect dust, preventing them from absorbing sunlight and vital nutrients. Wipe them with a damp cloth once a week to keep the plant healthy and ravishing at the same time.
