Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) Indoor Care and Common Problems with Remedies
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Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) blossoms in bright light with some direct sunlight, average warmth, average humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained all purpose soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Ficus lyrata is one of the best large-leafed statement plants where the striking large violin-like leaves will make a great conversation starter. The leaves are up to 1.5 feet long, leathery in texture, have prominent veins and a wavy margin.
Fiddle Leaf Fig is one of the popular Ficus varieties on account of its ability to easily adapt to indoor growing conditions as well as less than perfect growing conditions.
Botanical name: Ficus lyrata
Family: Moraceae
Common name: Fiddle Leaf Fig
Origin
Ficus lyrata is native to western Africa from Cameroon West to Sierra Leone, where it grows in lowland tropical forests.
Size
When grown in a container Fiddle Leaf Fig can grow to a height of 6-10 feet. The leaves are about 1.5 feet long. On account of its size, it is one of the best indoor trees for the home.
Toxicity
According to Petal Republic, Ficus lyrata is toxic to both humans and pets if ingested. It produces a sap that may cause skin irritation on sensitive skin. Always wear gloves when handling Fiddle Leaf Fig.
Where to Buy
Ficus lyrata is a magnificent plant to add to your plant collection. You may acquire these plants online from Amazon (Link to Amazon) or from (Link to Etsy).
Ficus lyrata Care Indoors
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) grows best in bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight, average warmth of 15-260C, moderate humidity of 50-55% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, Fiddle Leaf Fig potting soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Ficus lyrata requires regular pruning to keep it neat and also encourage a bushy growth. Repotting is only needed when it becomes pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.
Watering
Water Fiddle Leaf Fig liberally during the growing season and allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. Lessen watering during the cold season to maintain the soil barely moist as growth is minimal at this time.
Avoid overwatering and soggy soil as it can lead to leaf drop and root-rot. Use tepid, chlorine-free water to water Ficus lyrata to avoid spots on the leaves. Read more on how to water houseplants correctly.
Light Requirements
Fiddle Leaf Fig grows best in bright, filtered light with 4-6 hours of morning or late evening sunshine. Keep it away from hot midday sunlight as it can lead to scorching of the leaves.
Under lower light conditions, the plant may drop its leaves and if the conditions are not corrected, it die. You may grow Ficus lyrata under grow lights if the natural lighting is not enough. Check out these full spectrum grow lights on Amazon.
Turn the pot regularly to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for even growth to prevent lopsided growth.
Temperature and Humidity
The best temperature for growing Fiddle Leaf Fig is an average warmth of 15-260C. Keep it away from drafts to avoid sudden changes in temperature as it can lead to leaf drop.
Average room humidity of 50-55% is ideal for Fiddle Leaf Fig. If the air is too dry especially where temperature is high, set the pot on a wet pebble tray to raise humidity. Read more on how to raise humidity for houseplants.
Occasionally clean the leaves by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and discourage pest infestation. Learn more on how to clean houseplants.
Fertilizer
Feed Fiddle Leaf Fig monthly during the growing period with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to promote a lush growth. Stop feeding in the cold season as growth is minimal and feeding at this time can lead to fertilizer burn.
Repotting
Repot Fiddle Leaf Fig at the beginning of the growing season only when it has become pot-bound. Avoid frequent repotting as it prefers to be pot-bound. Repot only when it has outgrown its current pot; when roots begin to grow through the drainage holes.
Use a pot 1 size larger and one that has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil as it can lead to root-rot. Pot the plant in a heavy pot as it can become top-heavy and topple over. Never allow the roots to sit in soggy soil as it may lead to leaf drop and root-rot. Check out these ceramic pots with drainage hole on Amazon.
For the large plants which may be difficult to handle, annually replenish the top 2-4 inches of soil with fresh potting soil.
Potting soil
Soil for Fiddle Leaf Fig should be rich in organic matter and free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy while providing the required nutrients. Potting mixes designed for Fiddle Leaf Fig or those designed for Aroids are ideal for this plant. Check out these 10 potting mixes for Fiddle Leaf Fig.
Pruning
Pruning Fiddle Leaf Fig is easy. Remove dead and yellow leaves to maintain the plant neat and reduce pest and disease infestations When the plant has reached maximum height or it has become leggy, cutback the stem to rejuvenate growth. Fresh new shoots will sprout below the cut. The foliage emanating from pruning can be used to propagate new plants. Learn more on how to prune houseplants.
Propagation
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is best propagated at the beginning of the growing season by air layering or from stem tip cuttings which can be rooted either in water or in soil.
Read more on How to Propagate Fiddle Leaf Fig (3 Ficus lyrata Propagation Methods).
Ficus lyrata Problems
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) problems include leaf drop, yellow leaves, leaf spots, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to fix them.
Pests
The common pests in Fiddle Leaf Fig are aphids, mealybugs, scales and spidermites. Isolate the affected plant to prevent spread to other plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as per the manufacturer's instructions. In addition, keep the plant properly pruned at all times to reduce the hiding places for these pests.
Diseases
Fiddle Leaf Fig is prone to root-rot disease. The disease is promoted by soggy soil due to poor drainage of the pot or the soil. Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and that the soil is free-draining to prevent it from getting soggy. Read more on root-rot disease and how to treat it.
Leaf drop
There are four possible causes of leaf drop in Fiddle Leaf Fig. One possible cause of sudden leaf drop is any changes in the growing conditions like soggy soil. Ensure the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent the soil from getting soggy.
The second possible cause of leaf drop in Fiddle Leaf Fig is low temperature. Keep the plant away from cold drafts to avoid a drop in temperature to maintain an average warmth of 15-260C. Check out this guide on understanding temperature for houseplants.
The third possible cause of leaf drop in Fiddle Leaf Fig is too little light. Move the plant to a brighter spot and ensure it is receiving bright light with 4-6 hours of direct sunshine or instal a grow light where natural light is not adequate. Check out this guide on understanding light for houseplants.
The fourth possible cause of leaf drop in Fiddle Leaf Fig is overfeeding. Feed the plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing period. Do not feed during the cold season as growth is minimal at this time, thus, the plant does not need it.
Related: 14 Reasons Why Rubber Plant is Losing Leaves & How to Fix Them.
Loss of the lower leaves
Loss of lower leaves is a normal occurence in Fiddle Leaf Fig. As the plant matures, it losses the lower leaves leaving a bare stem with a crown of leaves at the top. Cutback the stem at the desired height to rejuvenate growth. New growth should start below the cut.
Yellowing leaf edges
Yellowing leaf edges in Fiddle Leaf Fig are due to underfeeding. Feed the plant monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing period.
Brown leaf spots
Brown leaf spots are natural for Fiddle Leaf Fig. The spots are due to mechanical injury or attack by spider mites. The plant produces a mildly causatic sap that causes these spots when exposed to the air.
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