tree

Fiddle-leaf fig

$39.95

The Story

Plant Bio

Ficus lyrata, known as the fiddle-leaf fig, is an arborescent evergreen tree native to western tropical Africa that grows with an upright, stiffly branched habit. In its native habitat, it frequently begins life as an epiphyte or strangler, eventually reaching heights up to 100 feet, though containerized indoor specimens remain much smaller.

The species is distinguished by its massive, leathery, glossy dark green leaves shaped like lyres or fiddles, which feature prominent pale veins and wavy margins. New foliage emerges in a bright, light green or bronze-tinged shade, contrasting sharply with the mature, dark canopy.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides a bold, architectural focal point with its massive, glossy, fiddle-shaped leaves.

Serves as a durable, long-lived indoor specimen when light and moisture levels are kept consistent.

Offers nesting and roosting sites for birds when grown outdoors in tropical climates.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

1181"

Width

590"

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

Water

Low to moderate

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Long-lived

Native To

Western tropical Africa

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs; sap causes skin irritation

Bloom period

Summer – Autumn

In flower about 6 months of the year

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Garden Goods Direct

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Planting

How to Grow

Position the plant in bright, indirect light indoors, ideally receiving a few hours of direct morning sun.
Plant in a rich, organic, well-draining potting mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH.
Water thoroughly only when the top two inches of soil dry out, ensuring the pot never sits in standing water.
Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer monthly during the spring and summer active growing season.

Pro Tip

Keep the plant in a fixed location, as sudden environmental shifts trigger rapid leaf drop, and wipe the large leaves regularly with a damp cloth to prevent dust from blocking light absorption and gas exchange.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Provide bright, indirect light with a few hours of direct morning sun.
Allow the top two inches of soil to dry completely before watering again.
Maintain moderate to high humidity levels around the foliage.

Don't

Do not allow the pot to sit in standing water or undrained saucers.
Avoid moving the plant to new locations, which causes environmental shock and leaf drop.
Never prune deeply into old, leafless wood as it fails to back-bud.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Indoor SpecimenAtrium PlantingTropical Accent Tree

Companion Plants

Philodendron hederaceum Monstera deliciosa

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Fiddle-leaf fig questions

What zones can Fiddle-leaf fig grow in?

Fiddle-leaf fig is hardy in USDA Zone 10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Fiddle-leaf fig deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Fiddle-leaf fig, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Fiddle-leaf fig bloom?

Fiddle-leaf fig typically blooms in summer through autumn. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Fiddle-leaf fig need full sun?

Fiddle-leaf fig does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.