Ficus Lyrata aka Fiddle Leaf Fig

Native to western Africa and is known for it’s huge and attractive leaves, the Fiddle Leaf Fig will definitely make a statement in any well lit room. Fiddle Leaf Figs are also known to like what they like, and when they don’t like something, they’ll show it. What it really comes down to for the Fiddle Leaf is: Consistency.

General care: ​Does not appreciate cold drafts or temps below 60. Loves an occasional misting, especially during the winter. May lose lower leaves when adjusting, this is normal for Ficus.. Moving your Fiddle around your apartment too much can stress it out and cause leaf drop, keep it one spot.

Light:​ Make sure the lighting for your new Fiddle is bright, and regular... Remember, consistency is key! Near east or south east facing windows is the general recommendation, direct sun is a hard no. Remember to turn your plant every few weeks, turning it will even out growth and keep your plant from leaning too much in one direction.

Water​: Like many other ficus, the Fiddle Leaf prefers for the top layer of soil to dry out before being watered thoroughly. If using a moisture meter, wait until it gets to a 3 before watering. Make sure to drain the excess so your Fiddle isn’t left in standing water! If it’s not getting enough water, the leaves will droop slightly and it may lose some of the lower leaves.

When does it eat?​ Fiddles don’t respond well to being overfed. Stick with a slow release plant food in the spring and summer. No feeding necessary over the winter!

Toxicity:​ Ficus are toxic to pets and people. Ingestion can cause mouth and stomach irritation, with possible vomiting.

Do:
-Make sure it gets tons of consistent bright light -Mist/dust/turn occasionally
-Water when top layer of soil dries out

Don’t:
-Put it in direct sun! Direct sun is a hard no for the Fiddle Leaf.
-Move it all around your apartment/house, Fiddles don’t like being moved! -Leave it in standing water, this causes root rot.