Ficus lyrata, fiddle leaf fig
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Broadleaf Evergreen Trees

Ficus lyrata

fiddle leaf fig

MoraceaeAfrica

At a Glance

Typetree
Habitupright
Foliageevergreen
Height6-10 feet indoors, 40-50 feet in native habitat
Width3-6 feet
Maturity4 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

10a - 12b
Zone 10a
Zone 10b
Zone 11a
Zone 11b
Zone 12a
Zone 12b
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancetender

Key Features

Deer Resistant
Container Friendly
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

Ficus lyrata is a spectacular evergreen tree native to western Africa that has earned its place as one of the most sought-after houseplants for its commanding architectural presence. This magnificent specimen is instantly recognizable by its enormous, violin-shaped leaves that can measure up to 18 inches in length and 10 inches in width, displaying a thick, leathery texture with a glossy dark green surface adorned with striking light green venation that creates dramatic patterns across each leaf. The fiddle-shaped foliage emerges alternately along sturdy stems, creating an impressive canopy that showcases the plant's sculptural qualities and makes it a living piece of art in any space. In its native rainforest environment, Ficus lyrata develops into a towering forest giant reaching heights of 40-50 feet with a broad, spreading crown, but when cultivated as an indoor plant, it maintains a more manageable 6-10 feet while preserving its characteristic single-trunk upright growth habit. The plant's smooth, pale gray bark and occasional development of aerial roots add to its tropical appeal and authentic jungle aesthetic. What truly sets this species apart from other houseplants is its ability to transform any interior space with its bold, oversized foliage and elegant upright form, creating an instant focal point that bridges the gap between traditional houseplant and contemporary living sculpture.

Native Range

Ficus lyrata is indigenous to the humid lowland tropical rainforests of western and central Africa, where it thrives naturally in the warm, moisture-rich understory conditions beneath the forest canopy. Its native range spans across several African countries including Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, and extending into parts of the Congo Basin, where it grows as a majestic forest tree reaching impressive heights in the dappled light filtering through the upper canopy layers.

Suggested Uses

Ficus lyrata serves as an exceptional statement plant in contemporary interior design, working magnificently as a dramatic corner specimen in living rooms, modern offices, and bright entryways where its impressive architectural form and oversized foliage can be fully appreciated and admired. Its striking vertical presence and bold tropical leaves make it ideal for creating instant focal points in modern minimalist spaces, Scandinavian-inspired interiors, and contemporary lofts, while also beautifully complementing bohemian, eclectic, and mid-century modern decor styles. In commercial and public settings, it provides stunning vertical interest and natural beauty in hotel lobbies, corporate atriums, upscale retail spaces, and well-lit corridors where its impressive scale can make a lasting impression. In tropical and subtropical climate zones 10-12, Ficus lyrata can be successfully grown outdoors as a magnificent specimen tree in landscapes or cultivated in large decorative containers on patios, terraces, and courtyards, where it will eventually develop into an impressive landscape feature that provides both beauty and shade.

How to Identify

Ficus lyrata is unmistakable among houseplants due to its distinctive fiddle or violin-shaped leaves that are dramatically larger than those of any other common Ficus species. The leaves display the characteristic lyre silhouette with a broad, rounded upper portion that gradually narrows toward the base, typically measuring 12-18 inches long and featuring prominent light green veining that creates a stunning contrast against the dark green background. The thick, leathery leaf texture combined with the glossy, almost waxy surface helps distinguish it from other large-leaved tropical plants, while the sturdy, upright single-trunk growth habit and alternate leaf arrangement separate it from multi-stemmed or bushy houseplants. Even young specimens maintain the signature fiddle shape from an early age, though their leaves may be slightly smaller than mature plants.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'

Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years

Colors

Flower Colors

green
white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

rarely flowers when grown indoors

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

insignificant greenish-white

Foliage Description

dark green with prominent light green veining

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

moderate, allow soil to dry between waterings

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

3-5 years to reach mature indoor size

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Ficus lyrata requires consistent, attentive care to flourish as an indoor specimen and reward you with its stunning architectural presence. Position the plant in a location with bright, indirect light near an east or south-facing window, carefully avoiding direct sunlight which can quickly scorch and damage the delicate leaf surfaces. Water thoroughly and deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, typically every 7-10 days during the growing season, ensuring the pot has excellent drainage to prevent the root rot that can quickly kill this species. Maintain consistent ambient humidity levels between 40-50% using regular misting, pebble trays filled with water, or a humidifier, and keep temperatures steadily between 65-75°F to mimic its tropical origins. During the active growing season from spring through early fall, feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength to support healthy growth without overwhelming the root system. Rotate the plant weekly to promote even growth on all sides, dust the large leaves regularly with a damp cloth to maintain their glossy appearance and support optimal photosynthesis, and monitor closely for common pests like spider mites and scale insects that often target stressed plants.

Pruning

Prune Ficus lyrata during spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing to minimize stress and ensure the fastest healing of cut surfaces. Remove any dead, yellowing, or damaged leaves by making clean cuts at the base of the leaf petiole using sharp, sterile pruning shears to prevent the spread of disease. To encourage branching and create a fuller, more bushy appearance, make strategic cuts just above a node on the main trunk, which will stimulate new growth shoots to emerge from that point and create a more developed canopy. Always wear protective gloves when pruning because the plant exudes a white latex sap that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. While light maintenance pruning can be performed year-round as needed to remove damaged foliage, major reshaping or significant pruning should be reserved for the active growing season when the plant has adequate energy reserves to recover and produce new growth.

Pruning Schedule

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
springsummer

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Ficus lyrata contains a milky white latex sap that is mildly toxic to both humans and pets if ingested, potentially causing uncomfortable gastrointestinal symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The sticky sap can also cause skin irritation, contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions in individuals with sensitive skin upon direct contact during handling or pruning. It is important to keep the plant positioned out of reach of curious children and pets, particularly cats and dogs who may be tempted to chew on the large, attractive leaves, and always wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling, pruning, cleaning, or repotting the plant to avoid accidental transfer of sap to sensitive areas like eyes or mouth.