How to grow Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata · banjo fig

A tropical tree from western and central Africa grown indoors for its large, leathery, violin-shaped leaves up to 45 cm long. As a houseplant it reaches 0.6–3 m and rarely flowers or fruits.

Quick facts

Type	Houseplant
Family	Moraceae
Light	Partial shade
Frost	does not tolerate frost
Soil for sowing	from 13 °C
Where it grows	At home

When to plant

Sow straight into the bed after your last spring frost, once the soil has warmed.

Frost dates · When to plant

Care

At home

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Growth	every 10 days	—	nitrogen, 14 days into the stage; nitrogen, 44 days into the stage; nitrogen, 74 days into the stage; nitrogen, 104 days into the stage; nitrogen, 134 days into the stage; nitrogen, 164 days into the stage
Winter rest	every 21 days	—	—

Growing notes

Light

Bright indirect light; it tolerates a few hours of morning or evening sun but needs protection from hot afternoon sun, which scorches the leaves.

Soil

Loam-based potting compost with some fine bark, or a peat-free multi-purpose compost, in a pot with drainage holes. It likes moist but well-drained, slightly acidic soil and dislikes waterlogging.

Care

In spring and summer water regularly with room-temperature water, letting the compost dry out slightly between waterings; in winter keep it only just moist. Overwatering is the usual cause of sudden leaf drop, along with cold draughts, low light and low winter temperatures, so keep it in a warm, even spot above 13 °C. Raise humidity with a tray of damp pebbles or by misting. Feed a high-nitrogen fertiliser from spring to late summer and repot every couple of years in spring. The milky sap irritates the skin, so wear gloves when pruning; the plant is toxic to people, cats and dogs if eaten.

Pests and diseases of Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Sources

Figures checked against these sources.