Fiddle-leaf fig: how to grow & care for Ficus lyrata

It is easy to see where the fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) gets its name. With its magnificent ornamental leaves, this beautiful houseplant can brighten up any room. Here we have put together a guide of everything you need to know about the fiddle-leaf fig tree.

Along with the right location and care, the fiddle-leaf fig tree requires plenty of space, as it can grow to a pretty impressive size. This makes it a real eye-catcher, and is in danger of stealing the show from your other houseplants. Read on to discover our tips for care, location, and propagation.

Fiddle-leaf fig tree: size, growth, and origin

The fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a small tree in the fig genus (Ficus) and belongs to the mulberry family (Moraceae). It is native to the tropics of West Africa, however, thanks to its impressive appearance, the plant is now found in other regions and is also a popular indoor plant. The fiddle-leaf is, in fact, closely related to the rubber tree (Ficus elastica), so they also share some characteristics.

In tropical regions, the fiddle-leaf fig grows extremely tall, reaching heights of up to 25 m. As a potted plant, the fiddle-leaf ficus can grow up to 4 m tall, provided that it has enough space. It usually grows straight up with one shoot but can also be made to grow bushier with pruning. As a small tree, the fiddle-leaf fig develops a trunk that becomes woody over time. As a houseplant, the fiddle-leaf fig almost never flowers; in nature it produces discreet, small blossoms. After pollination, the typical fig fruits develop. Nevertheless, even without blossom and fruits, the fiddle-leaf fig is very attractive. Its huge leaves, which grow up to 45 cm long, are leathery, shiny dark green on top, and light green underneath with distinct leaf veins. Their shape with the wavy leaf edge is vaguely reminiscent of the instrument that gives it its name. The fiddle-leaf ficus is also considered to be particularly effective in purifying the air.

The most beautiful varieties

There are several varieties of fiddle-leaf fig, which differ in shape and leaf colouring.

• Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’: As the name suggests, the fiddle-leaf fig ‘Bambino’ does not grow as large as the regular species but instead, remains rather dwarfed and compact.
• Ficus lyrata ‘Compacta’: This variety also remains somewhat smaller and the leaves are more closely bunched on the branches, giving the plant a more compact appearance.
• Ficus lyrata ‘Variegata’: This variety differs from the others in its leaf colouring. The leaves are not only green but have a creamy white edge.

Planting Ficus lyrata: where, when and how

To meet all needs of the fiddle-leaf fig, it requires a bright and warm location. Once the fiddle-leaf fig is in a suitable spot, the small tree will thrive with little care. You should not, however, move or turn the plant again, as it can react to a change in lighting by shedding its leaves.

A spot with sunlight is best for the fiddle-leaf fig tree, but it can also grow in shady corners. Morning and evening sun are ideal but avoid exposing the fig tree’s foliage to direct midday sun. Ideally, keep the temperature around 25°C. Slightly warmer or cooler temperatures are also fine, but it should not drop below 15°C. Make sure you choose a draught-free location, with enough space on all sides for the fiddle-leaf fig to grow to its full potential.

The fiddle-leaf fig does not require a special soil; a good quality planting soil with a pH value between 6 and 7 is perfect. It should be permeable to prevent waterlogging and drying out. For example, we recommend our Plantura Organic All Purpose Compost, which can store water without becoming waterlogged thanks to its clay minerals. And what is more, because it contains no peat and uses natural raw materials, this compost is particularly sustainable and environmentally friendly.

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The fiddle-leaf fig can also grow well in a hydroculture system with expanded clay. This is recommended if you are often away from home or cannot water regularly. In a hydroponic system, the fiddle-leaf fig is held in place by expanded clay and can obtain water from the outer pot itself using its roots. The water level indicator makes it almost impossible to water too much or too little. This also allows you to give water in advance, for example before a holiday. An appropriate hydroponics fertiliser is necessary to supply the plant with essential nutrients. Unfortunately, hydroponic fertilisers usually contain mineral-based fertiliser, the production of which is usually energy-intensive and uses finite natural resources.

As it is beneficial for purifying the air, Ficus lyrata is often placed in bedrooms. It is important to choose a suitable location here too, one that provides enough space and light.

Tip: If you want your fiddle-leaf fig tree to look bushier, simply plant several of them in one pot.

Fiddle-leaf fig care

Like any houseplant, the fiddle-leaf fig needs care to keep it alive and healthy. You should dust the tree’s large leaves to allow photosynthesis and healthy growth.

Watering, pruning, and fertilising the fiddle-leaf fig

When watering the fiddle-leaf fig, make sure that the soil is always moist, but not wet. As soon as the surface becomes dry, water again. As the fiddle-leaf fig loves warmth, especially at the roots, it is best to water with lukewarm water. The plant does not tolerate waterlogging, so remove any water that runs off about 15 minutes after watering.

You do not need to prune the fiddle-leaf ficus. Sometimes, however, pruning is desirable to avoid the tree growing too tall. The plant can be shortened by cutting off the main trunk. It is also possible to train the plant into a standard tree by first cutting back the main trunk to the desired height. New shoots will then form at this point: cut off the tips of these shoots again as soon as they have reached a length of about 30 cm. In time, the fiddle-leaf fig should develop a crown and look like a small tree. Prune in spring so that new shoots can develop directly afterwards. We also advise you wear gloves, as toxic milky sap can be secreted.

We recommend using a high-quality, all-purpose fertiliser for the Ficus lyrata. To promote the growth of the fiddle-leaf fig, you could, for example, use our Plantura Liquid Houseplant Food, which is perfectly balanced for the green leaves and the high nitrogen requirements of many foliage plants. It is formulated to support root growth as well as the development of the leaves. Adding nutrients every fortnight will suffice during the growth period. In winter, the fiddle-leaf fig does not need to be fertilised and also needs less watering.

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Fiddle-leaf fig has brown spots or is losing leaves: What to do?

Is your fiddle-leaf fig losing leaves despite following the right care steps? This may be for several reasons:

Change of location: the fiddle-leaf fig is very sensitive to disturbance, which means it does not like to be transplanted, moved or turned. If this happens, the plant may shed some leaves due to stress.

Waterlogging: The soil of the fiddle-leaf fig must never be wet, as this can lead to leaf loss. If waterlogging has occurred, repot the fiddle-leaf fig in fresh, dry soil and reduce the amount of water when watering. Brown spots on the leaves also indicate waterlogging.

Fertilising: If the fiddle-leaf fig receives insufficient nutrients, this can manifest itself in a yellow discolouration of the leaf edges. If this happens, fertilise more often.

Dryness: If the fiddle-leaf fig shows shrivelled, dried leaves, it is either getting too much direct sunlight or its soil is too dry. Check that the soil is moist and protect the plant from direct midday sun.

Age and light: If green leaves are being shed, it may be that the location is too shaded. If the leaf loss only occurs in the lower area, it is often simply due to the age of the plant. Pruning can help here.

Branching Ficus lyrata: how to go about it

To encourage the fiddle-leaf fig to branch out, you need to cut the plant back. To do this, cut off the upper shoots with a sharp knife in spring. Several new shoots will then form at the cuts, so the fiddle-leaf fig will grow bushier. The cut shoots can also be used for propagation.

Propagating the fiddle-leaf fig

If you want to propagate the fiddle-leaf fig, there are a number of different methods. Spring is a good time for propagation.

Cuttings: Probably the easiest method is propagation from cuttings. Do this in spring by cutting off soft, non-woody shoots at an angle with a sharp knife. To stop the milky sap coming out, immerse the cutting in water. As soon as the flow of sap stops, put the shoot aside to dry. Then place the cutting in a pot with a mixture of one part soil and three parts sand. Cover it with cling film or a freezer bag to ensure sufficient humidity. Lift the film once a day to prevent mould from forming. Temperatures of 25 to 30°C, especially around the roots, are ideal for growth.

Leaf cuttings can also be used for propagation, but success is not guaranteed. To do this, cut off individual leaves and place them in a glass of water until roots have formed.

Mossing: Another method is the so-called mossing technique. For this type of propagation, you need sphagnum moss (commonly known as peat moss). Mossing is also a good way to prune the fiddle-leaf fig. The pruning is done on the trunk or on a woody shoot that is not too thin. Cut the trunk diagonally from the bottom upwards towards the centre of the trunk. Bend the shoot slightly to form a gap. Insert a small stone to hold the gap open. Cover the whole thing with damp sphagnum moss and finally with cling film. After about four weeks, you can check whether roots have formed and then cut the shoot off completely and plant it.

Seeds: To propagate the fiddle-leaf fig from seed, simply spread the purchased seeds on a little soil and cover lightly with compost. Cover with cling film to increase the humidity and lift regularly for airing. Keep the container warm at 25°C and keep the soil moist. It can take anywhere between two weeks to three months before germination occurs.

Is Ficus lyrata poisonous?

The fiddle-leaf fig is poisonous and should therefore ideally not be kept in households with children or pets. We recommend wearing gloves when handling the plant.

A relative of the fiddle-leaf fig is the rubber tree (Ficus elastica). Here you will find all our top tips on care and propagation.