Overview
Ficus lyrata is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Ficus, part of the Moraceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 4-8 metres tall and 1-1.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 10-20 years. Ficus lyrata grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H1B. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include houseplants and conservatory and greenhouse.
About
Ficus lyrata, the fiddle-leaf fig, is an evergreen conservatory and greenhouse tree that reaches 4–8 metres. It holds a relatively narrow 1–1.5 metre spread and typically takes 10–20 years to reach full height. Position it in full sun on a sheltered south- or west-facing aspect with moist but well-drained soil.
About the genus
Ficus is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. Collectively known as fig trees or figs, they are native throughout the tropics with a few species extending into the semi-warm temperate zone. Many Ficus species are grown for their fruits, though only two species, the common fig and sycamore fig, are cultivated to any extent, with common fig being the type species and by far the most important.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ficus", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ficus
In the garden
Ficus lyrata belongs to the Moraceae family and is cultivated as a conservatory, greenhouse and large houseplant for its evergreen foliage and upright habit. In suitable glasshouses it provides notable vertical structure, ultimately reaching 4–8 metres while occupying about 1–1.5 metres across. Give a sunny, sheltered location on a south- or west-facing aspect and ensure soil remains moist but well-drained; the species will grow in chalk, clay, loam or sand and tolerates acid to neutral to alkaline pH. The hardiness rating H1B indicates the plant is tender and should be kept frost-free, so wintering indoors or in a heated greenhouse is necessary in UK climates. Ficus lyrata suits conservatories and greenhouses and can be grown as a substantial indoor specimen where space allows. Allow 10–20 years for a specimen to reach its full height when planning position and pot size; a mature plant will steadily gain height while keeping a modest planting width of roughly 1–1.5 metres.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ficus
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, South-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1B
Plant details
Ficus lyrata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants, Conservatory and greenhouse
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ficus lyrata
- Propagation
- Semi-ripe cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs, scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Honey fungus
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ficus lyrata?
Ficus lyrata prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ficus lyrata need?
Ficus lyrata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Ficus lyrata grow?
Ficus lyrata reaches a height of 4-8 metres and a spread of 1-1.5 metres. It takes around 10-20 years to reach full size.
Is Ficus lyrata hardy in the UK?
Ficus lyrata has an RHS hardiness rating of H1b, meaning it needs subtropical warmth of 10–15°C and must be grown under glass in the UK.
How do I propagate Ficus lyrata?
Semi-ripe cuttings.
