- Botanical name: Ficus lyrata
- Common name: Fiddle-leaf fig
- Plant Type: Conservatory, Houseplant, Evergreen
Green
- Key features:
- Dramatic foliage
Fiddle-leaf, Ficus lyrata, is a sought-after houseplant with large, glossy, deep green fiddle-shaped leaves. It’s ideal for growing in a warm, bright room, out of the glare of direct sun.
For best results, water Ficus lyrata only when the top inch of compost is dry, and let any excess water drain away. From spring to summer, feed every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertiliser and then sparingly in winter. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth from time to time to remove dust.
Fiddle-leaf figs have a tendency to drop their leaves if they’re not happy with their environment. This could be due to the stress of being moved (bringing it home from the shop, for example). Once you’ve found the right spot for your plant, try not to move it again. Sudden changes in temperature, draughts and over- or under-watering can also cause the leaves to drop.
The sap of fig plants can be irritating to the skin and cause a severe reaction in hypersensitive people and pets.
How to grow Ficus lyrata
-
Plant size
2m height
50cm spread
- Hardiness: Tender
- Plant care: Needs regular watering in pots
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do Plant in August |
S
Do Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
Ficus lyrata and wildlife
Ficus lyrata has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
Is Ficus lyrata poisonous?
Ficus lyrata irritates eyes and irritates skin. Its sap is toxic.
Toxic to Cats
Toxic to Dogs
Toxic to People
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
Plants that go well with Ficus lyrata
