Moraceae
Ficus lyrata
Make your space look instantly curated with the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Its oversized glossy leaves and upright form elevate living rooms, receptions, and meeting rooms with a clean, modern feel. Choose bright light, water when the soil surface dries, and enjoy a long-lived, statement indoor plant that always looks premium.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Fiddle Leaf Fig
Botanical Name: Ficus lyrata
Variant: Standard
Color: Natural
Country: Turkey
Arabic Name: مطاط
Family: Moraceae
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Species: Ficus lyrata
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the lowland tropical rainforests of Western Africa, ranging from Cameroon west to Sierra Leone. It has since been naturalized in many tropical regions and is a popular ornamental plant globally.
4. Visual Characteristics
The plant features large, leathery, violin-shaped leaves (lyrate) with a glossy dark green surface and prominent yellow-green veins. It grows on a woody central trunk that can be trained into a tree-like form or kept as a bushy pillar.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoors, the Fiddle Leaf Fig typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet. In its natural tropical habitat, it can grow as an epiphytic tree reaching over 40 feet in height.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some morning sun, but direct, harsh afternoon sunlight can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light will lead to leaf drop and leggy growth.
7. Watering Needs
Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent root rot. It is sensitive to both overwatering and extreme dehydration.
8. Soil & Potting
Requires a well-draining, high-quality potting mix. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark is ideal to maintain moisture while allowing excess water to escape freely.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C–29°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. High humidity is preferred, so occasional misting or a humidifier can be beneficial.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer or a nitrogen-rich plant food once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop feeding during the dormant winter months.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate to High care level. The large leaves collect dust easily, which should be wiped off regularly with a soft, damp cloth to allow the plant to photosynthesize efficiently. Pruning may be necessary to control height.
12. Growth & Propagation
A relatively slow to moderate grower indoors. Propagation is most successful via stem cuttings or air layering during the spring and summer months.
13. Common Problems
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Brown spots on leaves can indicate moisture stress, low humidity, or fungal infections.
14. Benefits & Uses
Recognized for its superior air-purifying qualities, particularly in removing formaldehyde from indoor environments. It is a favorite in interior design for its bold, architectural silhouette.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. The milky sap (latex) can also cause skin irritation in humans and pets.
Ficus lyrata
Make your space look instantly curated with the Fiddle Leaf Fig. Its oversized glossy leaves and upright form elevate living rooms, receptions, and meeting rooms with a clean, modern feel. Choose bright light, water when the soil surface dries, and enjoy a long-lived, statement indoor plant that always looks premium.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Fiddle Leaf Fig
Botanical Name: Ficus lyrata
Variant: Standard
Color: Natural
Country: Turkey
Arabic Name: مطاط
Family: Moraceae
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Species: Ficus lyrata
3. Origin & Distribution
Native to the lowland tropical rainforests of Western Africa, ranging from Cameroon west to Sierra Leone. It has since been naturalized in many tropical regions and is a popular ornamental plant globally.
4. Visual Characteristics
The plant features large, leathery, violin-shaped leaves (lyrate) with a glossy dark green surface and prominent yellow-green veins. It grows on a woody central trunk that can be trained into a tree-like form or kept as a bushy pillar.
5. Size & Dimensions
Indoors, the Fiddle Leaf Fig typically reaches a height of 6 to 10 feet. In its natural tropical habitat, it can grow as an epiphytic tree reaching over 40 feet in height.
6. Light Requirements
Thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some morning sun, but direct, harsh afternoon sunlight can scorch the leaves. Insufficient light will lead to leaf drop and leggy growth.
7. Watering Needs
Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent root rot. It is sensitive to both overwatering and extreme dehydration.
8. Soil & Potting
Requires a well-draining, high-quality potting mix. A blend of peat moss, perlite, and pine bark is ideal to maintain moisture while allowing excess water to escape freely.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F (15°C–29°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations. High humidity is preferred, so occasional misting or a humidifier can be beneficial.
10. Fertilization
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer or a nitrogen-rich plant food once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop feeding during the dormant winter months.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Moderate to High care level. The large leaves collect dust easily, which should be wiped off regularly with a soft, damp cloth to allow the plant to photosynthesize efficiently. Pruning may be necessary to control height.
12. Growth & Propagation
A relatively slow to moderate grower indoors. Propagation is most successful via stem cuttings or air layering during the spring and summer months.
13. Common Problems
Susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Common pests include spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Brown spots on leaves can indicate moisture stress, low humidity, or fungal infections.
14. Benefits & Uses
Recognized for its superior air-purifying qualities, particularly in removing formaldehyde from indoor environments. It is a favorite in interior design for its bold, architectural silhouette.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses if ingested due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. The milky sap (latex) can also cause skin irritation in humans and pets.