Fiddle Leaf Fig Large

🌿 The Fiddle Leaf Fig, scientifically known as Ficus lyrata, belongs to the Moraceae family and originates from the tropical rainforests of western and central Africa. In its natural habitat, this stunning plant grows as a towering tree, reaching heights of up to 15 meters, thriving beneath the forest canopy where it receives dappled sunlight. As a houseplant, it's become wildly popular for its bold, architectural presence and those massive, violin-shaped leaves that make any space feel like a design magazine cover. This plant is best suited for intermediate to advanced plant parents who can provide consistent care and attention. Fun fact: in the wild, the Fiddle Leaf Fig produces small green figs that are a favourite snack for bats and birds, though it rarely fruits indoors.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
The Fiddle Leaf Fig grows with an upright, tree-like habit, developing a strong central trunk that can be trained into a single stem or allowed to branch naturally. Its leaves are the real showstopper—large, fiddle-shaped foliage that can grow up to 45 centimeters long and 30 centimeters wide. Each leaf has prominent veining that creates a ribbed texture across the surface, and the colour is a rich, glossy green that catches light beautifully. The leaves feel thick and leathery to the touch, with a slightly waxy coating that gives them that signature shine.
FLOWER DETAILS
Flowering is extremely rare for indoor Fiddle Leaf Figs, and most people who grow them indoors will never see blooms. In the wild, mature trees produce small, rounded, green figs that eventually turn yellow, but these only appear after years of growth in ideal outdoor tropical conditions. The flowers themselves are tiny and enclosed within the fig structure, following the unique flowering pattern of all Ficus species. Since flowering isn't part of the indoor experience, the focus remains entirely on that gorgeous foliage. If you're hoping to encourage blooms indoors, it's honestly not realistic—this plant's beauty lies in its leaves, and that's more than enough.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright, indirect light for 6-8 hours daily. Tolerates some direct morning sun but avoid harsh afternoon rays that can scorch leaves. Rotate weekly for even growth.
💧 Water: Water thoroughly when top 5-7 centimeters of soil are dry, roughly once a week in summer and every 10-14 days in winter. Water at the base and ensure excess drains completely—never let it sit in water.
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 40-60% humidity. Tolerates average home humidity but benefits from occasional misting or a pebble tray, especially in dry winter months.
🪴 Soil: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or bark added for aeration. A chunky mix prevents root rot and allows oxygen to reach roots.
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, 2-5 centimeters larger than root ball. Terracotta works well for moisture control. Repot every 18-24 months or when roots emerge from drainage holes.
🌱 Growth rate: Moderate growth—expect 15-30 centimeters of new growth per year with proper care. Can reach 180-240 centimeters indoors over several years. Maximum indoor height is typically 3 meters with pruning.
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Skip fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows.
🐾 Pet friendly: No. Toxic to cats and dogs. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested. Keep out of reach of curious pets.
WHERE TO PUT IT
The Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives in bright living rooms, home offices, or entryways where it can make a statement and receive plenty of natural light from large windows. Place it a meter or two away from south or west-facing windows to avoid direct sun damage, or right next to an east-facing window for gentle morning light. It works beautifully as a floor plant in corners or beside furniture where it has room to spread. Avoid placing it in dimly lit rooms, near heating vents, air conditioners, or drafty doorways—it hates sudden temperature changes and dry air blasts. Bathrooms usually don't have enough light, and bedrooms can work only if they're exceptionally bright. Keep it away from high-traffic areas where it might get bumped, as the leaves bruise easily.
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