Fiddle Leaf Fig: Beautiful Plant With Unique Leaves

About Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle leaf fig plants have beautiful, large leaves that are bright green and glossy. Although the leaves vary somewhat, they generally appear shaped like a fiddle or violin. These plants purify indoor air, symbolize good luck and prosperity, and are reputed to bring good feng shui to the household.

Fiddle leaf fig trees are also considered low-maintenance and have excellent decorative value. They have become so popular the New York Times refers to them as the It Plant of the Design World.

Botanical Name

Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)

Other Names

Banjo fig

Plant Type

The fiddle leaf fig is a broadleaf evergreen tree. Broadleaf evergreens hold their leaves year-round and do not go dormant. Large, flat, glossy green leaves with deep veining characterize them.

Origin

These trees naturally grow and originate in Western Africa.

Appearance

A popular indoor tree, a fiddle leaf fig, has large, veined, glossy leaves. These leaves are uniquely shaped and resemble violins.

Types Of Fiddle Leaf Figs

• Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant

• Ficus Audrey

• Variegated Rubber Plant

• Bambino or Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig

• Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Styling 

Fiddle leaf fig plants are typically grown as houseplants in large pots since they are a type of tree.

Because they can get large, they make an excellent statement piece in a corner, entryway, or window. They also make great porch or sunroom plants since they enjoy plenty of light.

Fiddle leaf figs also look beautiful grouped with similar plants, such as snake plants, rubber trees, and Monstera.

Common Problems 

• Leaf Drop: The plant can start to shed leaves if the temperature changes are too extreme for the tree.

• Nutrient Deficiency: Yellow spots on the plants often indicate a nutrient deficiency and can be remedied with quality plant food.

• Overwatering: Giving this plant too much water can lead to root rot and a host of other problems. A symptom of over-watering is black spots on the leaves.

• Under-watering: Leaf drop or brown leaf tips can be a sign of under-watering.

How To Propagate Fiddle Leaf Figs

Put a few inches of soil into a small container where you’ll root your fiddle leaf fig. A good propagation soil choice is half peat and half perlite.

Most home gardeners prefer to cut their leaf off the plant at an angle. Be sure you are cutting with clean, sharp scissors. For best results, cut three nodes past a growing portion. A node is where a leaf is budding off of the stem. You should dip the cutting into a rooting hormone for a woody plant before potting it.

Water the soil thoroughly and use a stick to poke a hole deep enough for your cutting before adding the cutting to the soil. Cuttings should be about one-third buried in the soil. Tuck the soil around the cutting.

Cover the plant with a plastic bag and mist it daily to keep it humid. Rooting will take 4-6 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the fiddle leaf fig a good indoor plant?

These are excellent indoor plants if you have a constant temperature and humidity in your home.

Is a fiddle leaf fig high maintenance?

The fiddle leaf fig is not considered a high-maintenance plant but is also not easy care. You need to pay attention to the amount you water it, air temperature and humidity, but as long as you keep things constant, you should succeed.

What is the best place to plant a fiddle leaf fig?

A fiddle leaf fig plant will be content in a window that receives plenty of indirect sun for 4-6 hours each day.