“Virtues:I can totally see why fiddle leaf figs are such beloved houseplants—their large, uniquely shaped leaves and impressive size make them a statement floor plant like no other. With regular…”
Echeveria
Echeveria secunda
Virtues:I can totally see why fiddle leaf figs are such beloved houseplants—their large, uniquely shaped leaves and impressive size make them a statement floor plant like no other. With regular repotting and the right care, the fiddle leaf fig is a fast grower that reaches specimen size before you know it. Watching mine take off has been so rewarding!
Common name:Fiddle leaf fig
Botanical name:Ficus lyrata
Exposure:Bright but indirect light. Some morning sun is okay.
Season:Year-round as a foliage houseplant.
Foliage:This ficus produces these wonderfully large green leaves with prominent veins. The violin-like shape of the foliage is what gives the fiddle leaf fig its common name—and it's easy to see why!
Habit:Fiddle leaf fig is a tree that can reach up to 6 feet tall when grown as a houseplant. Trust me, it makes a real presence in any room.
Origins:Ficus lyratais native to low tropical rain forests of western Africa.
How to grow fiddle leaf fig:This plant comes from tropical regions where the environment is bright but not sunny, with warm, humid air and plenty of rain. Recreating that vibe at home is the key.
I always use an all-purpose potting mix that provides quick drainage. Water regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings—I stick my finger in to check, and it works like a charm. To boost humidity around your fiddle leaf fig, try grouping it with other potted plants or setting it on or near a tray of moist gravel. My plant always perks up when I do this.
Repot each spring, always moving up just one pot size to avoid overpotting, which can lead to rot—I learned this lesson the hard way! When your plant gets too large to repot, you can maintain it in the same pot by replacing the top several inches of potting mix in spring. Like other ficus, this is a quick grower when it's happy, so you shouldn't need added fertilizer to push it along.
Similar to other ficus species, the fiddle leaf fig may drop its leaves to let you know it's unhappy. In my experience, leaf drop is most often caused by air that's too cool, a lack of humidity, or a change in light levels—whether that's from shifting seasons or simply moving the plant to a new spot. They can be a bit dramatic, but once you figure out what they need, they're worth every bit of effort.
