Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Care
Rhytidophyllum bicolor Urb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Rhytidophyllum bicolor is a striking plant known for its large, glossy, fiddle-shaped leaves with bold variegation of creamy white and dark green. Originating from tropical rainforests, this plant is popular among enthusiasts for its unique foliage that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Water Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every 2 months during the growing season.
What Is the Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig (Rhytidophyllum bicolor) belongs to the Gesneriaceae family within the Rhytidophyllum genus. Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig is native to Tropical rainforests of Brazil. Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig is also known as Ficus lyrata 'Variegata'.
Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Rhytidophyllum bicolor requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig Need?
Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig Prefer?
Rhytidophyllum bicolor grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Well-draining, rich potting mix with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Feed Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig every 2 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 2 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Repot every 1-2 years in spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig can be propagated through leaf cuttings, division, offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to ficus auriculata plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig Need?
Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig is native to Tropical rainforests of Brazil. In cooler regions, grow Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Rhytidophyllum genus — compare its care with other Rhytidophyllum species on PlantoScan.
Rhytidophyllum is part of the Gesneriaceae plant family — browse all Gesneriaceae genera and species.
Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Rhytidophyllum Species
Other Rhytidophyllum species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Rhytidophyllum bicolor Urb., family Gesneriaceae (first published in Ark. Bot. 17(7): 56 (1921)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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