Bountiful Gardens

The Designer’s Darling: Ficus lyrata

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is the ultimate statement piece for any indoor jungle. Native to the tropical rainforests of Western Africa, it is prized for its massive, violin-shaped leaves and upright, tree-like growth habit. While it has a reputation for being a bit of a "drama queen," providing consistent care is the secret to keeping it lush and vibrant.

Suggested Placement in the Home

• The "Brightest Corner": It needs high-quality, indirect light. A spot within 3 feet of a large East or South-facing window is ideal.

• The "Stable" Spot: These plants hate change. Once you find a spot where it's happy, don't move it. Even rotating it too frequently can cause it to drop leaves.

• Avoid the HVAC: Keep it away from air conditioning vents or heaters, which dry out the air and create the drafts this plant loathes.

Care & Maintenance

• Leaf Dusting: Because the leaves are so large, they collect a lot of dust, which blocks sunlight. Wipe both the tops and bottoms with a soft, damp cloth every two weeks.

• Consistent Watering: These plants love a routine. Stick to a "drench and dry" method—water thoroughly until it runs out the bottom, then wait for the top few inches to dry.

• Humidity Boost: Being a rainforest native, it loves moisture. Grouping it with other plants or using a humidifier nearby will prevent the leaf edges from getting "crispy."

• Pruning & Shaping: To keep it from hitting the ceiling, you can "top" the tree by snipping the upper growth, which also encourages it to branch out.

The Essential Tip for Beginners

The "Wiggle" Test: In the wild, jungle winds strengthen the trunks of these trees. Indoors, they can become "lazy" and develop weak, spindly stems. To help your Fiddle Leaf grow a sturdy trunk that can support its heavy leaves, give the main stem a gentle wiggle or shake for 30 seconds once a week. This mimics the wind and signals the plant to thicken its wood!