Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Other Common names: Fiddle-leaf, Banjo Fig, Lyre-leaf Figtree, 琴叶榕, 提琴叶榕

The fiddle leaf fig is a small to medium sized tree that can grow up to 12m tall when grown in true ground, but it is usually kept as a small potted shrub around 30cm tall or a small tree at 2m or less. Its large leathery leaves have a wavy leaf margin and are a glossy dark green colour with prominent yellow veins on its upper surface. It has bark that is greyish with shallow fissures.

A perennial evergreen tree, the fiddle leaf fig is a popular plant to grow both indoors and outdoors. Its interesting leaf shape and striking leaf venation adds character to a home or garden.

Sun and soil needs:

This plant can grow to its full size in areas with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. However, most gardeners keep it in areas with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight or at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight to slow its growth and keep it at a more manageable size.

Plants do best in pots with loamy soil at least 15cm deep, or in true ground. These plants are vulnerable to root rot, so ensure that your pots drain well, and that your soil has plenty of organic matter to let the roots breathe.

Growing:

The fiddle leaf fig starts off as a slow growing plant and prefers partial shade when young. Fertilising should only be done once a month with a dilute balanced liquid fertiliser. Pruning the growing tips or top of the plant when it is young will encourage branching.

When pruning, be sure to wear gloves as the plant produces a milky, sticky sap which is mildly toxic and can irritate the skin.

As with all potted plants, regular repotting once a year will prevent it from becoming root bound.

Propagation:

Fiddle leaf figs can be propagated by stem cuttings.

Common problems & solutions:

This plant is relatively resistant to pests and disease if kept healthy.

Aphids, mealy bugs, and scale insects often infest the plant if it has underlying problems like repeated wilting from heat stress. Mechanical pest control methods like pruning the infested parts are the best methods for managing these pests in the short term, but resolving the underlying problem will prevent them in the long term.