How to care for a Ficus Lyrata | Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle Leaf Figs are native to tropical western Africa from Cameroon west to Sierra Leone. Their name "Lyrata" comes from lyre, or fiddle, due to the fiddle-like shape of their leaves.

Fiddle Leaf Figs are excellent air purifiers.

Fiddle Leaf Figs are toxic to pets.

Allow the top 2 inches of the soil to dry completely before watering thoroughly. Allow excess water to drain, do not allow it to sit in pooled water. Fiddle Leaf Fig's native habitat is tropical, so they benefit from regular misting of new leaf buds and consider using a pebble tray or other method to increase humidity.

Fiddle Leaf Figs need lots of bright, indirect light to do well. Turn the plant every few months to allow all leaves to get some light.

Fiddle Leaf Figs benefit from regular fertilizing. During the growing season (spring, summer, and early fall), they can be fertilized every time you water with a diluted liquid fertilizer with the NPK ratio 3-1-2.

Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer to be slightly root bound because they are very sensitive to overwatering. If you start to notice some roots coming out your drainage holes or coiling around the inside lip of your pot (above the soil), it might be time to check if your Fiddle is root bound. Gently (very gently!) pull the plant from its pot and check for dense roots that are encircling the inside of the pot (you shouldn't have to remove any soil to see this). If there are dense roots all around, it may be time to repot. Aim for a pot that is only one size up (1-2" larger in diameter) and make sure to use well draining potting soil.

Fiddle Leaf Figs don't require any special pruning and will not flower as a houseplant.

Brown spots... Fiddle Leaf Figs' favourite thing to do when they're unhappy (other than drop leaves) is to develop brown spots. These can be caused by overwatering, under watering, inconsistent watering, not enough humidity, insect damage, physical trauma, or, less commonly, bacterial infection. The most important thing to do is to make sure your plant is getting the best care possible, which requires lots of attention and monitoring of soil moisture.