The Fiddle Leaf fig can become a large and peaceful living presence in your home or office. It has wonderful large and shiny fiddle-shaped leaves that are quite sturdy and rigid. They seem to emanate a sense of safety. This is a relative of the old-time favorite, the Rubber Tree and another popular houseplant, the Ficus benjamina. It's a ficus, too, and its botanical name is Ficus lyrata or Ficus pandurata.
I saw this on a visit to a beautiful florist and just had to snap a picture of this handsome and robust specimen. They are fairly easy to keep but will take awhile to look great again, if they are neglected and start losing leaves.
Many of the Fiddle Leaf figs you'll find for sale, are in large pots and so will not require water too often. I've found some of my largest plants only need a monthly watering!
These magnificent trees are natives of the tropics of western Africa and may eventually grow as tall as your ceiling. Fortunately, they grow slowly and can be pruned.
*You can send floral arrangements and houseplants almost anywhere in the world from this florist:
Flowers and Plants Etc
Care Instructions--
- Prefers some direct sun but tolerates bright indirect light. Full afternoon sun may be too strong..
- Let the top of the soil dry very well or up to a couple of inches below the soil line, then water thoroughly. A plant in a 6" (15cm) diameter pot should use about a pint (almost 1/2 liter) of water.
- A plant in a 10" (25 cm) diameter pot should be watered with about 2 quarts (1-2 liters) of water when the soil surface is very dry.
- A plant in a 14" (35 cm) diameter pot will use about 1 gal (about4 liters) of water when the soil surface is very dry.
- Fertilize regularly for best growth.
- The leaves will need dusting occasionally. A good showering once or twice a year will help keep the leaves shiny and breathing freely.
- Summertime is great for cleaning up all your houseplants outdoors. If you place outdoors for the summer, avoid much direct sun; they aren't used to the intensity of the light.
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***For a variety of video clips on houseplant care from my 90's TV series, click below:
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