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Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
10 - 12These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancetender
Overview
Ficus lyrata is the fiddle leaf fig (banjo fig), an evergreen tree growing 72-120 inches (180-300 cm / 6-10 feet) tall indoors (to 40-50 feet / 12-15 m in the wild) and 36-72 inches (90-180 cm / 3-6 feet) wide. Large dark green glossy fiddle-shaped (lyrate) leaves 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) long and 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) wide with prominent light green veining and wavy margins. The species name 'lyrata' means 'lyre-shaped.' In the fig family (Moraceae). The genus Ficus contains over 800 species. Grown primarily as an indoor houseplant in temperate climates — outdoors only in zones 10-12. All Ficus species exude a milky white latex sap when cut: the sap is mildly toxic if ingested and causes contact dermatitis on skin. Sensitive to environmental changes — leaf drop is the primary stress response to moving, drafts, low light, overwatering, or underwatering. Overwatering and root rot are the most common causes of failure. Bright indirect light: no direct afternoon sun (leaf scorch). Allow the top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil to dry between waterings. Native to western Africa (Sierra Leone to Cameroon) in tropical lowland rainforest. Zones 10-12 outdoors. Growth rate is moderate.
Native Range
Native to western Africa (Sierra Leone to Cameroon), growing in tropical lowland rainforest.Suggested Uses
Grown as an indoor houseplant in containers of at least 5 gallons (19 L). Bright indirect light. The large fiddle-shaped glossy leaves. Sensitive to environmental changes. Milky latex sap — toxic to pets and a skin irritant. Zones 10-12 outdoors.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6' - 10'
Width/Spread3' - 6'
Reaches mature size in approximately 4 years
Bloom Information
Rarely flowers indoors. In the wild, produces small enclosed figs (synconia). The large glossy fiddle-shaped foliage is the year-round feature.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Insignificant (rarely flowers indoors); in the wild, produces small figs enclosed in a synconiumFoliage Description
Dark green with prominent light green veining; large fiddle-shaped (lyrate), leathery, glossy, 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) long and 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) wide; wavy marginsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Bright indirect light (no direct afternoon sun). Allow top 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) of soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering and root rot are the most common causes of failure. Leaf drop signals stress (light, water, temperature, or draft changes). Milky latex sap — mildly toxic and causes skin irritation. Zones 10-12 outdoors.Pruning
Prune in spring to early summer (March-June) for shape. Cut above a leaf node to encourage branching. The milky latex sap is a skin irritant — wear gloves. Wipe dust from large leaves with a damp cloth every 2-4 weeks.Pruning Schedule
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early springlate spring
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 5 gallons