Fiddle Leaf Fig
Ficus lyrata
Fiddle Leaf Fig is known for its large, waxy, violin-shaped leaves on a tall indoor tree form. Native to West African rainforests, it wants bright filtered light and steady watering. Consistency matters more than perfection with this plant.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Warning
The sap contains calcium oxalate crystals which are irritating to the mouth and stomach of pets and humans if ingested, leading to oral irritation, drooling, and vomiting.
Full care guide
Fiddle Leaf Fig Care
Grow Ficus lyrata with bright consistent light, steady watering after a short dry-down, stable placement, and regular leaf cleaning to reduce drop and spotting.
Read the guideCare Notes
Full guide →Light
Give your plant plenty of bright, filtered light. Skip harsh direct sun and dark corners. Rotate the planter about a quarter turn each watering so it does not lean.
Water
Let the top 2 inches of soil dry, then water thoroughly until runoff. Empty the saucer; standing water leads to root rot. Keep the schedule as even as you can.
Soil
Use a well-draining, peat-based mix in a planter with drainage holes. Heavy, soggy soil is a common cause of decline.
Humidity & Temperature
Higher humidity helps. Keep the plant away from vents, drafty windows, and heaters. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove dust.
Common Issues
Brown dropping leaves can mean overwatering or a cold draft. Small reddish-brown spots on new leaves often point to edema from uneven watering.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
High-nitrogen liquid plant food
Soil
Well-draining, peat-based potting mix with a slightly acidic pH.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
6 to 10 feet tall indoors
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Stem cuttings or air layering
Common Varieties
Bambino (dwarf variety)
A compact dwarf form with smaller thick glossy dark-green leaves that keep a rounded fiddle shape and pale veins.
Compacta (dense, small leaves)
Smaller glossy dark green leaves packed more tightly, with deep veining and a rounder, wavy violin shape than the standard type.
Suncoast
Large waxy violin-shaped leaves with irregular creamy-yellow variegation along the margins and across the green surface.