Ficus lyrata
Fiddleleaf Fig
Photo of Ficus lyrata - Fiddleleaf Fig
No photo for the moment for Ficus lyrata - Fiddleleaf Fig
Please note: You must be the owner of the posted photo and it must not be copyrighted.
Things You Must Knows cannot be held responsible for photos posted in violation of this rule
Common Name:
Plant Type:
Flower color:
Foliage color:
GreenSun (From 0 to 5):
Water (From 0 to 5):
Maximum temperature:
Minimum temperature:
Maximum height:
Maximum width:
Fiddleleaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) - Description
Large leafy type of tropical fig originating from Africa. In the wild it is a strangler type fig that starts as a epiphyte by germinating in the canopy of competing trees. It's roots eventually reach the ground, where at that point will basically enshroud and snuff out its host tree, essentially taking its place. Eventually it gets huge and is generally not used in landscaping. In a domesticated form it does make a fantastic house plant as it should stay fairly small and have amazing large dark green leaves. Keep it looking sharp and healthy by wiping its larges leaves of any dust build up every couple weeks or so.
Fiddleleaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) - Growth
In nature Fiddleleaf Figs can grow very tall. As an indoor potted plant, they normally will grow to only a fraction of that their potential (6 to 8 feet tall).
Fiddleleaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) - Planting
Sow seeds in spring and be sure to keep the temperature between 60 and 70°F (21°C). The seeds can be sown indoors in pots to be transplanted later. Make rooted cuttings in spring or summer. Provide bottom heat to promote root development.
Fiddleleaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) - Interesting facts
There are a couple of members of the Ficus genus called banyan trees. These plants grow as epiphytes (a plant that grows on top of another). The seeds are usually deposited by birds and will settle in the cracks and crevices of the host tree, where they will germinate. As the banyan tree begins to grow, it sends a complex web of roots down the trunk of the host tree. These roots will eventually envelope the entire trunk and choke out the host tree, which results in the host tree's death. This is of course unless the host tree is a palm tree. A palm tree has a different anatomy as compared with a tree like an oak tree. The host palm tree may not die as a result, but it will be competing with the epiphytic Ficus.
Fiddleleaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) - Soil and irrigation
Most members of the Ficus genus perform best in moist, yet well-drained loamy soil. Feel the soil one inch deep to determine if it is time to water, yellow leaf color is misleading in this regard.
