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Ficus lyrata

Fiddle-leaf fig

Botanical name: Ficus lyrata
Common name: Fiddle-leaf fig
Plant Type: Conservatory, House plant, Evergreen

Foliage colour:

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

A table displaying which months are best to sow, plant and harvest.
	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Plant
Plant	Do not Plant in January	Do not Plant in February	Do not Plant in March	Do not Plant in April	Do Plant in May	Do Plant in June	Do Plant in July	Do Plant in August	Do Plant in September	Do not Plant in October	Do not Plant in November	Do not Plant in December