Violin-shaped leaf
The name lyrata refers to the shape of the leaf, which resembles a lyre or violin. Hence the English name fiddle leaf fig.
Ficus Lyrata
Ficus Lyrata
Everything you need to know about the Ficus lyrata or fiddle leaf fig. Growth forms, care, ideal location and our XXL Ficus lyrata collection in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Ficus lyrata or fiddle leaf fig comes from tropical West Africa and belongs to the Moraceae family
- Likes a bright spot with plenty of indirect light; harsh midday sun can damage the leaves
- Let the top layer of potting soil dry out before watering and avoid waterlogging
- Move the plant as little as possible, because it drops leaves under location stress
- Mildly toxic to dogs and cats due to the milky sap in the plant
- Available in three growth forms: single stem, branched and bush
About this Vioolbladplant planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Vioolbladplant that you may not have known yet.
Forest giant in the wild
In its natural habitat in West Africa, the Ficus lyrata can grow into a tree over twelve metres tall.
Real dust catcher
The large leaves catch a lot of dust. Wiping them regularly keeps the leaves glossy and improves photosynthesis.
Vioolbladplant types and differences
Single stem
A straight, tall stem with the leaf crown at the top. The most architectural form and a true solitary eye-catcher in tall, modern spaces.
Branched
Multiple branches together form a fuller crown. This form creates a lush, botanical effect and fills a spacious corner well.
Bush
Full from bottom to top, with leaves down to the base. Compact and dense, ideal for smaller spaces or next to a piece of furniture.
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Vioolbladplant care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Vioolbladplant healthy.
- 1
Watering
Let the top two to three centimetres of potting soil dry out before watering again. The Ficus lyrata dislikes waterlogging, so always pour away excess water. In winter you water noticeably less than during the growing season.
- 2
Light and location
Give the fiddle leaf fig a bright spot with plenty of indirect light. Some morning sun is fine, but avoid harsh midday sun and cold draughts. Choose a fixed spot and move the plant as little as possible, because it reacts sensitively to that.
- 3
Humidity
The plant comes from a tropical rainforest and appreciates medium to high humidity. Mist the leaves regularly or place the plant near other plants to create a more humid microclimate.
- 4
Feeding
During the growing season from March to September, give plant food for green houseplants every two weeks. In autumn and winter growth largely stops and the plant needs no feeding.
- 5
Repotting
Repot the Ficus lyrata every one to two years in spring into a pot a few centimetres larger. Use airy potting soil for houseplants with good drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Frequently asked questions about the Vioolbladplant
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Vioolbladplant.
How often should I water my Ficus lyrata?
Water as soon as the top two to three centimetres of potting soil feel dry. During the growing season that is on average once a week, less in winter. Always make sure no water is left standing in the pot, because waterlogging leads to root rot.
Why is my fiddle leaf fig dropping leaves?
Leaf drop is usually a sign of stress from change. A new location, cold draught, too much or too little water, or a sudden temperature change can be the cause. Choose a fixed, warm and bright spot and keep the watering rhythm stable.
My Ficus lyrata is getting 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 indicate too much water or too little light. Check the location and watering rhythm and remove severely affected leaves.
Is the Ficus lyrata toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, the plant is mildly toxic to pets. The milky sap in the plant can cause irritation of the mouth and stomach if ingested. Therefore keep the fiddle leaf fig out of reach of cats and dogs.
Which location is ideal 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 right next to an east-facing window. Avoid harsh midday sun, radiators and cold draughts.
How big does a Ficus lyrata get indoors?
Indoors the fiddle leaf fig grows, depending on the form, to two or three metres tall. With us you choose the desired size directly, from a compact bush of 80 centimetres to an XXXL tree of 270 centimetres.
Should I clean the leaves of my Ficus lyrata?
Yes, the large leaves catch a lot of dust. Wipe them regularly with a damp cloth. Clean leaves absorb more light, which helps the plant grow healthily.
Why is my Ficus lyrata not growing?
In autumn and winter slow growth is normal. If growth stays absent in spring and summer, check whether the plant gets enough light, whether the pot is not too small and whether you feed during the growing season.
Plant concepts explained
- Fiddle leaf
- The large, leathery leaves with a shape reminiscent of a violin or lyre, characteristic of the Ficus lyrata.
- Milky sap
- The white, sticky sap that is released when the plant is damaged. It is mildly toxic and can irritate the skin.
- Leaf drop
- The shedding of leaves, in the fiddle leaf fig often a reaction to stress from a change of location or watering.
- Location stress
- The plant's reaction to a new or unfavourable spot, visible as leaf drop or limp leaves.
- Growing season
- The period from March to September during which the plant grows actively and benefits from regular feeding.
- Drainage
- The drainage of excess water from the pot, essential to prevent waterlogging and root rot in the Ficus lyrata.
Resources and further reading
-
Kew Gardens
Scientific description and distribution of Ficus lyrata
-
Royal Horticultural Society
Care guidelines for Ficus lyrata
-
Missouri Botanical Garden
Botanical description and origin
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