Plants have the amazing ability to bring life, beauty and comfort into any room in your home. One of the most popular houseplants today is the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata).
This tall, bold houseplant has lush green leaves that resemble the shape of a violin. Native to West Africa, this tropical plant can grow up to 1.8 metres tall indoors with proper care and attention.
With its large, showy foliage, this plant adds an eye-catching accent to any space it is placed in. Its glossy leaves are sometimes mottled with white or yellow patches which adds texture and charm. The Fiddle Leaf Fig also works well as a centerpiece when placed atop a table or shelf.
Fiddle Leaf Fig at a glance
| Common Name | Fiddle Leaf Fig |
| Scientific Name | Ficus Lyrata |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to fast |
| Full maturity | 2-3 years |
| Height (max) | 3 metres |
| Width (max) | 1.5 metres |
| Pet safe? | Maybe |
| Sunlight | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Soil Ph | 6.0–7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) |
| Native to | West Africa |
Growing Fiddle Leaf Fig indoors in Australia
Indoor gardening can be a great way to bring nature into the home. Growing Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata) indoors in Australia is a great choice for anyone looking to add some lush greenery and tropical vibes to their interior decor.
It’s important, however, to understand how best to care for this particular houseplant species. Read on to learn more about how you can grow Fiddle Leaf Fig indoors in Australia successfully.
This popular houseplant thrives in medium light, meaning it should be placed somewhere out of direct sunlight but still able to receive some natural light during the day. It also needs regular watering and temperatures between 18-25°C for optimal growth, so it’s ideal for those living in warm climates such as most of Australia’s southern states throughout autumn and winter.
Quick care tips
For those looking to add a touch of indoor greenery, the fiddle leaf fig is an excellent choice. With its large, glossy leaves and moderate growth rate, it’s no wonder why this houseplant has become so popular.
But like all plants, proper care is required for optimum health and beauty. Here are some quick tips to help keep your fiddle leaf fig looking its best: Start by making sure the plant is in a location that offers plenty of bright indirect light – not too close to any windows or drafts.
The soil should remain moist but not waterlogged; use well-draining soil and water when the top five centimetres start to feel dry. Feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertiliser every month during the growing season; don’t forget to mist between waterings!
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata) (Source)
Caring for your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Plant care can be a great way to bring life and colour into your home. One of the most beloved houseplants is the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata).
This tropical plant, native to West Africa, is popular for its large, glossy leaves that can grow up to a foot long. This majestic plant makes quite an eyecatching addition to any room! Caring for it, however, requires patience and dedication.
In order to ensure your fiddle leaf fig stays healthy and vibrant, it’s important to remember that this tropical species needs bright indirect light and plenty of humidity. If you can provide these conditions in your home or office environment then you should begin to see new growth within 1-2 months.
Light
Light is the secret to a healthy and thriving Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata). Without enough light, the iconic houseplant won’t reach its full potential.
Indoor gardeners must pay special attention to how much light their fiddle leaf fig receives each day. The good news is that it’s easy to provide this essential element! The ideal amount of light for a fiddle leaf fig is about 12 hours per day.
This can be achieved by placing your plant near an unobstructed south-facing window or within 1.8 metres of a bright artificial light source like fluorescent tubes or LED grow lights. Make sure your fiddle leaf fig isn’t exposed to strong direct sunlight, as too much sun can cause scorching or bleaching of the leaves.
Water
Water is a vital component of life, and it’s essential for the successful growth of houseplants like the Fiddle Leaf Fig. The Ficus Lyrata, commonly known as the fiddle leaf fig, is an evergreen species native to western Africa.
It’s a popular choice for home interiors because of its unique shape and large leaves. To ensure that this plant stays healthy and grows properly, it needs proper watering techniques.
The fiddle leaf fig prefers dry soil but not necessarily bone dry soil. Water thoroughly when the top 2–3 cm or two of soil feels dry to the touch but don’t wait until you see signs of distress such as wilting or yellowing leaves before watering again. Pay close attention to how much water your plant needs since overwatering can lead to root rot and other problems like pests or diseases.
Fertiliser
Fertiliser is an important part of growing a healthy Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata). A balanced fertiliser can help to increase the vigor and health of your fiddle leaf fig.
The type of fertiliser and the amount used will depend on the age, size, and growth rate of your plant. In general, fertilisers should be applied during the late spring to early summer months.
A liquid fertiliser can provide a good balance for young fiddle leaf figs or those that are actively growing. If your fiddle leaf fig is more mature, you may want to use a slow-release granular fertiliser as these provide a steady supply over several months without overwhelming the plant’s roots. Proper application is key in order to ensure that your fiddle leaf fig receives all of its essential nutrients.
Temperature
Temperature is an important factor in growing a healthy fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). This tropical plant loves to bathe in the warmth of an environment between 18-30 degrees Celcius.
If the temperature drops below this range, it can stunt growth or lead to disease. It’s best to keep the fiddle leaf fig near a window where it will get filtered sunlight and benefit from room temperature.
It’s also beneficial for its health to locate it away from any drafts, air conditioning vents, or drafty windows as these conditions could cause damage. During winter months when temperatures drop lower than usual, you may need to provide supplemental heat with a space heater or heating mat specifically designed for plants.
Humidity
Humidity is an important factor in keeping a fiddle leaf fig healthy and thriving. Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) are native to the tropical rainforests of West Africa, where humid conditions are ideal for their growth.
In order to provide a similar environment at home, it’s important to maintain high humidity levels around your fiddle leaf fig. This can be done by misting the leaves or placing a humidifier near your plant.
Additionally, you should group plants together or place them on top of trays filled with pebbles and water to increase humidity levels in the air around them. Lastly, avoid placing your fiddle Leaf Fig near vents or draughts that could lower humidity; as they need consistent levels of moisture in order to grow properly. With these tips, you can ensure that your Ficus lyrata stays happy and healthy!
Learn more about how humidity can affect indoor plants.
Flowering
Flowering is an exciting time for any gardener, and the beauty of a flowering fiddle leaf fig (Ficus Lyrata) is breathtaking. This iconic houseplant is characterized by its large, dark green leaves with prominent veins.
Fiddle leaf figs are undemanding plants that can thrive in low light conditions and require only minimal care from their owners. But when it comes to flowering, there are some important considerations to keep in mind.
In order for a fiddle leaf fig to flower, it needs to be healthy enough and receive enough sunlight (direct or indirect). When the plant enters its blooming period – usually during spring or summertime – the tree will produce small white flowers with rounded petals. These flowers should be allowed to remain on the branches until they develop into small fruits that eventually turn yellow as they ripen.
Pests
When it comes to houseplant growing, one of the most popular plants is the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata). Though this species of fig tree is beautiful and easy to take care of, pests can be a major issue.
A wide range of pests such as mealybugs, scale insects, thrips, and spider mites can all wreak havoc on your Fiddle Leaf Fig. Luckily, there are ways to avoid and treat these common plant pests.
To avoid pest infestations in the first place, make sure you’re checking for signs regularly – if you catch an infestation early enough it will be much easier to manage and control. Additionally, keep your plant away from other potentially infected plants or any other pest-carrying bugs that may come near it.
Find out more about common indoor plant pests in Australia.
Diseases
Diseases, although a rarity in fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata), can sometimes occur due to environmental changes or incorrect care. The most common diseases seen in this species of plant are root rot and leaf blight.
Root rot is caused by overly wet soil, while leaf blight often occurs when the leaves become damaged from too much direct sunlight or cold temperatures. If you notice any signs of disease, such as yellowing of the leaves or brown spots on the stems, it is important to act quickly.
Treating the plant with a fungicidal spray can help to prevent further spread and reduce damage. Pruning away any diseased areas may also be necessary in order to keep your plant healthy and thriving. Taking proactive steps such as proper watering techniques and providing adequate light is key for keeping your fiddle leaf fig free from disease.
Soil
Soil is an essential part of successfully growing a healthy fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). It needs to contain the right balance of air, water and nutrients in order for your plant to be able to thrive.
For potting soil, make sure it’s organic and has good drainage capabilities. This will help ensure that your plant doesn’t drown due to too much water retention or suffer from nutrient deficiencies because of low soil quality.
To improve the fertility of your soil, add mature compost as often as once a month or every other month throughout the growing season. Adding mulch on top will also help retain moisture levels and keep weeds at bay. When transplanting, use fresh new potting soil each time you re-pot your fiddle leaf fig – this will help ensure that it has access to all the necessary nutrients it needs for growth.
Learn how to lower your soil PH.
Pot size
Pot size is an important factor to consider when growing a fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). The pot needs to be large enough for the plant’s root system, but also small enough so it doesn’t become too top-heavy.
An unbalanced pot can cause the plant’s stem or trunk to bend and weaken over time. When selecting a pot, make sure it has at least one drainage hole in the bottom for excess water to escape.
A terracotta or similarly porous material is preferable as these pots allow air flow which helps with root development. The best size of pot will depend on the age, variety and species of your fiddle leaf fig — generally speaking, most plants require a 12” diameter container.
Pruning your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Pruning is an essential part of growing a healthy and attractive fiddle leaf fig (Ficus Lyrata). Pruning helps to control the size and shape of your plant, as well as maintain its overall health.
It can even help promote new growth, making your fiddle leaf look lush and vibrant for years to come. When it comes to pruning your fiddle leaf, there are certain rules you should follow in order to ensure success.
Firstly, make sure you use sharp scissors or shears when performing the prune – dull blades can cause damage that will be difficult to repair. Secondly, always cut back to a node or bud; this will encourage new shoots to form in the right direction.
Propagating your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It’s a great way to save money while still adding personality and character to your home with beautiful plants.
Growing a fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) can be especially rewarding when done through propagation. Propagating a fiddle leaf fig requires patience and care, but can be easily achieved with the right tools and knowledge.
The best way to begin propagating is using a healthy cutting from an existing plant. This cutting should have at least two leaves and an ample amount of stem so it will root quickly in soil or water. After rooting, you’ll need to gradually introduce sunlight in order for the plant to grow properly. With proper care and attention, your propagated fiddle leaf fig will soon become part of your garden or living room!
Is Fiddle Leaf Fig poisonous?
This tropical plant has a unique look, with large, violin-shaped leaves that can add life to any room. But before bringing this beautiful plant into your home, it’s important to know the risks associated with it.
While not all fiddle leaf figs are poisonous, there is some potential danger due to their sap and latex content. The sap of the fiddle leaf fig contains oxalate crystals, which can cause skin irritation or an allergic reaction if touched.
Additionally, some individuals may be sensitive to the latex contained in the stems and lower leaves of this plant. To reduce risk of poisoning or other health issues, make sure you wear gloves when handling the fiddle leaf fig and wash your hands after contact with its sap or latex.
Featured Image: Source
