Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree


Description

Bold & Dramatic – Fiddle Leaf Fig Makes a Great Floor House Plant for a Bright Corner

Ficus Lyrata, commonly known as the fiddle leaf fig and fiddle leaf ficus, is a species of fig tree, native to western Africa, from Cameroon west to Sierra Leone. Fiddle-leaf fig trees grow in lowland tropical rainforest.

As a house plant the Fiddle leaf fig usually are sold as either a tree or shrub form and both are very easy to grow. Provide morning sun or very bright indirect light and keep evenly moist, not wet or dry. Trim as needed.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees are popular ornamental trees in subtropical and tropical gardens, and is also grown as a houseplant, where it usually stays shorter when put into pots than when grown outdoors. Their main horticultural feature are their large leaves. Like other fig species, it can grow to a large tree if planted in the ground. Like all figs, it is frost tender.

  • Dramatic, waxy green foliage
  • Broad leaves help purify air
  • Known to easily adapt to new conditions
  • Tall columnar shape. Great as a floor house plant in a corner
Average Height 10+ feet (shorter in smaller pots)
Average Width 30 – 48 inches
Botanical Name: Ficus lyrata pandurata
Sunlight: Bright indirect
Foliage Green, shiny, smooth
Soil & Watering: Likes to dry out between watering

   

Do NOT buy a tree if only the height is listed. Call the nursery and ask what size container the tree is in. It can make a huge difference. We purchased a tree listed as 3 to 4 feet from 2 nurseries. One came in a tiny 4 inch pot, the other in a 2 gallon container. Needless to say, the tree in the larger container was much better with more branches and a bigger trunk.

Are fiddle leaf figs toxic to dogs or cats?

The leaves contain crystals made from toxic, insoluble calcium oxalate. According to the SPCA, fiddle leaf fig can be highly toxic to both dogs and cats. They even pose a threat to small children. Symptoms from eating leaves off a fiddle leaf fig include intense burning and irritation of mouth, tongue and lips, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing.

What is the difference between a fiddle leaf fig tree and bush?

The fiddle leaf fig tree has been grown & trained to have a solid trunk for the first few feet by having the lower leaves pruned off. Technically, you could buy the shrub & do the same thing yourself as the plant grows.

Do fiddle leaf fig trees grow figs?

Grown as an indoor house plant the fiddle leaf fig tree will not bear any fruit or flowers. When grown outdoors, it can grow figs but are not edible.

Does fiddle leaf fig clean the air?

Fiddle leaf fig plants have large leaves, making it very efficient to purify a rooms air. This is one reason why it is so popular in offices and especially in homes during winter. Fiddle leaf fig plants also help control humidity. That’s another benefit for winter when the air can become very dry.

When and how often should I water a fiddle leaf fig?

Fiddle leaf fig plants prefer soil that stays evenly moist. The best way to check is to stick your index finger into the soil to about the second knuckle. If the soil is dry, the plant needs water. If any of the soil is damp, wait on watering.

About our price comparisons:

We strive to compare prices from online nurseries that we have experienced send the highest quality plants at the lowest prices. We worked for 3 of the top online nurseries for 10 years. We have also either visited (to evaluate) or ordered from over 30 nurseries & garden centers. Keep in mind that we may receive commissions when you click our links and make purchases. However, this does not impact our reviews, price comparisons or the price you pay. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choices.