About
Ficus lyrata, the fiddle-leaf fig, is a bold, sturdy evergreen tree to 5 m or more, widely popular as a large indoor plant or conservatory specimen for its dramatically large, glossy rich-green, broadly obovate to fiddle-shaped leaves to 45 cm long with impressed veins. One of the most fashionable and architecturally impressive of all large houseplants.
About the genus
Ficus, the figs, are a large, diverse genus of evergreen or deciduous trees, shrubs and climbers producing leathery leaves and tiny flowers inside a hollow receptacle that develops into the characteristic fig fruit. They include important food crops, dramatic ornamental specimens and popular houseplants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height4-8 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toTropical W & C Africa
ToxicitySkin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in humus-rich moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade with protection from wind in a frost-free area. Grow under glass in peat-free, loam-based compost in full or filtered light. See ornamental fig cultivation for more advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by seed, leaf-bud or semi-hardwood cuttings
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, thrips, mealybugs and scale insects under glass
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus