← Back to Plant Collection

🎻 Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata

Plant Care Guide

β˜€οΈ Light

Bright indirect light β€” place directly at or near a window. South-, west-, or east-facing window ideal. Gentle morning direct sun is beneficial; no harsh afternoon sun. Rotate ΒΌ turn every 2 weeks for even growth. Deteriorates in low light; grow light can supplement. Plant only keeps leaves that receive adequate light.

πŸ’§ Water

  • Water when top 2–3 cm of soil is dry β€” do not let it fully dry out
  • Soak thoroughly; remove standing water from saucer after 15 mins
  • Every 7–10 days in summer; every 2–3 weeks in winter
  • Overwatering is the most common cause of death
  • When in doubt, do not water
  • Sensitive to fluoride in tap water β€” use filtered or room-temperature water

πŸͺ΄ Soil

  • Well-draining, loamy mix with perlite for aeration
  • Slightly acidic pH (6.0–7.0)
  • Terracotta pots preferred β€” allow soil to breathe
  • Always use a pot with drainage holes

🌑️ Temperature

  • Ideal: 15–27 Β°C
  • Minimum: 12 Β°C β€” cold damage and leaf drop occur below this
  • Keep away from heaters, radiators, A/C vents, and cold windows
  • Extremely sensitive to drafts and sudden temperature changes
  • Stable, consistent temperature is essential

πŸ’¦ Humidity

  • 30–65% β€” tolerates moderate humidity
  • Use humidifier or pebble tray in dry winter air
  • Avoid misting directly on leaves (fungal risk)
  • Good air circulation reduces fungal leaf spot

🌱 Feeding

  • Every 2 weeks spring/summer at half strength
  • Balanced liquid fertilizer; high nitrogen supports large leaf growth
  • Stop in autumn/winter
  • Over-feeding causes leaf drop; flush soil if needed

🌿 Facts

  • Can reach 3 m+ indoors; grows 30–60 cm per year when thriving
  • Filters formaldehyde, benzene, and airborne toxins
  • Large leaves accumulate dust β€” wipe every 2–4 weeks with a damp cloth
  • Leaf shape changes at different growth stages (foliar polymorphism)
  • Can live 25–50+ years indoors with proper care
  • Milky sap in stems can irritate skin β€” wash hands after pruning

πŸ› Pests

  • Spider mites, mealybugs, scale, aphids, fungus gnats
  • Brown spots = overwatering, root rot, or cold damage β€” check roots if persistent
  • Edema (rust-like spots) = overwatering during new leaf flush β€” not dangerous
  • Wipe leaves regularly to deter pests

βœ‚οΈ Care Tips

  • Do not move once settled β€” moving triggers leaf drop
  • Prune in spring above a node to encourage branching; wear gloves (sap irritates)
  • Propagate by stem cutting in spring; let sap dry before placing in water
  • Repot only when roots emerge from drainage holes; go 1 pot size up; spring only
  • Prone to transplant shock β€” avoid unnecessary repotting
  • Can summer outdoors in a shaded spot β€” acclimate slowly over 1–2 weeks (above 15 Β°C nights)

⚠️ Warning

Toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if leaves or sap are ingested. Sap also irritates skin β€” wear gloves when pruning.