Ficus lyrata, also known as fiddle leaf fig, has large, sturdy leaves with a wavy edge. Choose a bush, a branched plant or a standard tree, for a bright spot out of harsh midday sun.
A Ficus lyrata bush is leafy from the pot upwards and usually grows up with one main stem. It fills a corner and fits next to a sofa or cabinet. The smallest bush in this collection is 75 cm tall in a ø17 cm pot, handy for a low cabinet or side table. A branched lyrata has several side branches, which makes it wider and fuller. The branched plants of 120 and 170 cm give plenty of leaves at eye level.
A lyrata on a stem has a bare trunk at the bottom with a crown above. That shape looks like a small tree and leaves room under the crown for furniture. The 130 cm standard tree in a ø24 cm pot is compact. The 230 cm XXXL tree needs a room with height.
Which height suits your space
Keep your ceiling and the spread of the leaves in mind. In an ordinary living room with a ceiling of around 250 cm, plants up to 180 cm work well and still have room to grow. You will find more plants under 150 cm among the medium-sized plants. If you have a double-height space, a high ceiling or an office, the lyratas of 210 to 270 cm fit. Other species in that size are among the XXL plants of 200 cm and taller. We measure height from the bottom of the pot to the tallest leaf.
Light and position
A fiddle leaf fig wants lots of light, but no harsh midday sun through glass. A spot one to two metres from an east or west-facing window usually works well. You can tell it gets too little light from small new leaves and long stretches of bare stem between them. A lyrata dislikes draughts and being moved. After a change of spot it sometimes drops a few leaves. That usually recovers once it stays in the same place.
Water and care
Water when the top few centimetres of compost feel dry. Do not leave the plant standing in water, because soggy roots cause brown patches on the leaves. In winter it needs less water. Wipe the large leaves with a damp cloth now and then so the plant catches more light. Turn the pot a quarter once a month so it does not grow lopsided towards the window. More tips are in the Ficus care guide.
Delivery and pot
In the Netherlands your Ficus lyrata arrives within 4 to 5 working days, packed upright in a sturdy plant box. Delivery in the Netherlands is free from €99. If the plant arrives damaged, send us a photo and we will send a new plant free of charge. The plant comes in a nursery pot. You always choose a decorative pot separately, so you decide the colour and size yourself.
Frequently asked questions
How often do you water a Ficus lyrata?
Usually once every week to ten days is enough, depending on light, temperature and pot size. Feel the soil first: if the top few centimetres are dry, it can have water. Water until it runs out of the nursery pot and pour away the excess. Water less often in winter.
Why is my fiddle leaf fig getting brown spots?
Dark brown patches in the middle of the leaf usually come from roots that are too wet. Dry, brown edges point more to too little water or dry air near a radiator. Harsh sun through glass can also scorch the leaves. Check the soil and the position first before you change anything.
Why does a Ficus lyrata drop leaves?
A lyrata reacts strongly to change. After delivery, a move or a new spot it often drops a few leaves. Draughts, cold or an irregular watering routine can also be the cause. Give the plant a fixed, bright spot and water it the same way each time, and it usually recovers by itself.
How much light does a Ficus lyrata need?
Lots of light, but no harsh midday sun directly through glass. A spot one to two metres from a large window is usually good. In a dark corner it grows slowly, gets smaller leaves and may lose leaves. Turn the pot now and then so it keeps growing straight.
What is the difference between a Ficus lyrata bush and one on a stem?
A bush is leafy from the pot upwards and fills a corner or the space next to a sofa. On a stem, the plant has a bare trunk at the bottom with a crown above, like a small tree. That leaves room under the crown for a cabinet, a chair or low plants.
How often should I water my Ficus lyrata?
Water as soon as the top two to three centimetres of compost feel dry. In the growing season that is about once a week on average, less in winter. Always make sure no water is left in the bottom of the pot, because wet feet lead to root rot.
Why is my fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves?
Leaf drop is usually a sign of stress caused by change. A new position, cold draughts, too much or too little water or a sudden change in temperature can all be the cause. Choose a fixed, warm and bright spot and keep your watering routine steady.
My Ficus lyrata has brown spots on the leaves, what now?
Brown edges often point to air that is too dry or irregular watering. Brown spots in the middle of the leaf can mean too much water or too little light. Check the position and the watering routine and remove badly affected leaves.
Is the Ficus lyrata toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the plant is mildly toxic to pets. The milky sap can irritate the mouth and stomach if swallowed. So keep the fiddle leaf fig out of reach of cats and dogs.
What is the ideal spot for a fiddle leaf fig?
A bright spot with plenty of indirect light is ideal, for example a few metres from a south-facing window or close to an east-facing one. Avoid harsh midday sun, radiators and cold draughts.
