Over the last few years the fiddle-leaf fig has definitely become a darling of the interior styling world — we’re constantly spotting them in all kinds of beautiful rooms, like those of Adam or Paige in The New Bohemians. There’s a reason this tree is so loved, with it’s broad, gestural leaves, commanding size, and deep green color. While not the easiest plant to care for, when given the right environment, a fiddle-leaf fig can be a great plant investment- living for many years, and growing to dramatic heights.
GET THE GREEN: Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)
WATER: Water when just the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) or so of soil is dry.
SUNLIGHT: Bright, indirect light.
PLACEMENT: These trees are native to warm, humid, tropical places with consistent moisture and even temperatures. The more you can mimic their natural environment, the happier they’ll be.
EXTRA CREDIT: These trees will lean towards the light, so rotate every few weeks to keep a uniform shape.
WORD OF CAUTION: Parts of the Fiddle-leaf Fig can be toxic to pets and to children when ingested.
Photos by Dabito from The New Bohemians.
Plant-o-Pedia excerpt from The New Bohemians with thanks to Stephanie Bartron.
I have the worst luck with indoor plants so I haven’t wanted to buy one of these for fear I’d kill it. These tricks seem easy enough to try!
Hi,
Maybe you should add a “glossary” to plant happiness. I went to UCLA for horticulture & the term “bright, undercut light” still seems cryptic. I have little luck with indoor plants but my backyard is “little shop of horrors” full!
Thanks!
G
Hi G! Thanks for the feedback! Are you referring to “bright, indirect light”? If so, then it’s just a spot where the light is bright, but the sun isn’t shining directly on the plant. Your backyard sounds fantastic! :)
I love these fiddle leaf figs, but ever since I bought mine the leaves have turned brown and fallen off. I have started to water them more and that seems to be helping, but they look quite sad now.
Could indirect light be that there is a window between the sun and the plant?
Also, would a oil diffuse work as a humidifier near the FLF?