Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Care

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) belongs to the Moraceae family within the Ficus genus. Fiddle Leaf Fig is native to West Africa from Cameroon to Sierra Leon. Fiddle Leaf Fig is also known as Ficus pandurata, FLF, Banjo Fig.

Fiddle Leaf Fig displays a tree, shrub growth habit, reaching up to 100 ft tall with a spread of approximately 29.5 ft. Fiddle Leaf Fig produces small flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 18 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fiddle Leaf Fig every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Fiddle Leaf Fig in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ficus lyrata tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining loamy soil with plenty of organic matter and sand. Good drainage is essential for Fiddle Leaf Fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fiddle Leaf Fig every 2 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining loamy soil with plenty of organic matter and sand. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fiddle Leaf Fig is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Fiddle Leaf Fig can spread to about 30 ft (9 m) and reach about 100 ft (30 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Fiddle Leaf Fig while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Fiddle Leaf Fig is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Fiddle Leaf Fig can be propagated through stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to weeping fig plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Fiddle Leaf Fig is susceptible to mealybugs, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Fiddle Leaf Fig grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Fiddle Leaf Fig is native to West Africa from Cameroon to Sierra Leon. In cooler regions, grow Fiddle Leaf Fig as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.