Fiddle-leaf fig
Ficus lyrata
Tall tropical fig with large, violin-shaped glossy leaves; popular as an indoor ornamental, preferring bright indirect light, moderate watering, and higher humidity.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: toxic
Ficus sap contains ficin and can cause skin irritation; ingestion may cause oral irritation, drooling or vomiting in pets and people.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place your fiddle-leaf fig in bright, indirect light near an east- or north-facing window. It tolerates filtered light from west or south windows with a sheer curtain. Avoid prolonged direct midday sun, which can scorch leaves.
Water
Water when the top 2–4 cm (about 1 inch) of soil is dry. Water thoroughly until excess drains and discard standing water. Reduce frequency in cooler months; err on the side of underwatering rather than keeping soil soggy to prevent root rot.
Humidity
Prefers medium to high humidity around 40–60% RH. Increase humidity with a pebble tray, room humidifier, regular misting, or by grouping plants, especially during dry winter heating.
Temperature
Maintain 15–29°C (59–84°F). Avoid temperatures below about 13–15°C (55–59°F) and sudden cold drafts that trigger leaf drop.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Brown leaf edges and tips
Cause: Low humidity, inconsistent watering, or fluoride/salt buildup in soil/water
Solution: Raise humidity, maintain even watering, flush soil occasionally to remove salts, and trim damaged tips.
Leaf drop or sudden yellowing
Cause: Drafts, sudden light or temperature change, overwatering, or root stress
Solution: Stabilize location and light, check soil moisture and roots, reduce watering and avoid drafts and rapid moves.
Pests (spider mites, mealybugs, scale)
Cause: Dry indoor air and weakened plants attract pests
Solution: Isolate plant, wipe leaves, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, repeat treatments and increase humidity to discourage mites.
Root rot and mushy stems
Cause: Consistently waterlogged soil and poor drainage
Solution: Repot into fresh, well-draining mix, trim rotten roots, improve drainage, and reduce watering frequency.
✂️How to Propagate Fiddle-leaf fig
Stem cuttings: take a 10–15 cm (4–6 in) shoot with 2–3 leaves, remove lower leaves, dip the cut end in rooting hormone, and place in moist, well-draining mix or water. Keep warm, bright and humid; cover with clear plastic until rooted. Air-layering: select a healthy branch, wound or remove a ring of bark, pack with moist sphagnum moss, wrap in plastic and secure; roots form in weeks to months and can then be cut and potted. Seeds can be used but are slow and uncommon for home growers.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Moraceae
Native to: Tropical West Africa, from Sierra Leone eastward to western Cameroon and Nigeria
Natural Habitat: A tropical rainforest tree of lowland and gallery forests; grows as an understory to emergent tree in warm, humid environments with bright, filtered light and well-drained soils.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Keep plant away from cold drafts and heating vents. Reduce watering frequency, maintain humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray, and provide the brightest available light.
Spring
Increase watering gradually as growth resumes, consider repotting if rootbound, and begin light fertilization to support new growth.
Summer
Provide bright, indirect light and consistent watering; increase humidity and rotate plant regularly for even growth. Monitor for pests during hot, dry periods.
Fall
Reduce fertilization and slightly decrease watering as growth slows. Move away from open windows if nights get cool and check for pest activity before winter.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my fiddle-leaf fig?
Water when the top 2–4 cm of soil is dry—typically every 1–2 weeks depending on pot size, light and season.
When should I repot a fiddle-leaf fig?
Repot every 1–2 years for young plants or when rootbound; use a slightly larger pot with well-draining potting mix.
Why are my fiddle-leaf fig leaves turning brown?
Brown can indicate low humidity, inconsistent watering, salt buildup, or sun scorch; check conditions and adjust care accordingly.
Can I prune my fiddle-leaf fig to control size?
Yes. Prune in spring to shape and encourage branching; cut above a node and keep tools clean to prevent infection.
How do I increase humidity for my fiddle-leaf fig?
Use a humidifier, pebble tray with water, group plants together, or mist leaves regularly to raise local humidity.
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Last updated: 11/7/2025