Fiddle-leaf fig
Ficus lyrata · Family Moraceae
Also known as: ficus lyrata, ficus, fiddle leaf
- Light
- Bright indirect to full sun
- Watering
- Every 7 days
- Difficulty
- Demanding
- Pet-safe
- No, keep it away from cats and dogs
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Care
Where to put it
Well-lit living room, away from draughts.
Light
Plenty of indirect light. Dislikes being moved.
Watering
Water thoroughly when the top 5 cm dries out.
About the plant
Its large, wavy leaves are shaped like a lyre or violin, which made it a star of interior design. It is sensitive to being moved and may drop leaves when upset. Indoors it easily reaches 2 metres.
Origin
Native to the lowland tropical forests of West Africa, from Sierra Leone to Cameroon.
What it likes
- Plenty of indirect light near a window
- Staying in the same spot
- Water when the top of the compost dries
What it dislikes
- Being moved frequently
- Cold draughts
- Soggy compost
Did you know?
In the wild it can exceed 12 metres in height, far from the well-behaved size of potted plants.
Toxicity
| Cats | Toxic |
|---|---|
| Dogs | Toxic |
| People | Mildly toxic |
If any part is eaten, contact a vet or a poisons information service.
Native range
- Africa: West Tropical Africa, West-Central Tropical Africa
Climate: Tropical
