Fiddle Leaf Fig
Ficus lyrata
The Instagram-famous houseplant known for its large, violin-shaped leaves that make a dramatic architectural statement in any room. This West African native has become the holy grail of houseplants, transforming living spaces with its sculptural beauty and glossy, deeply veined foliage.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Bright
Zones
10–12
USDA hardiness
Difficulty
Moderate to difficult
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Growth rate: Medium. Propagation: Stem Cutting.
Harvesting
The fruit is a globose, fleshy fig that is finely pubescent and appears either solitary or in pairs. It is green with white flecks or dots and turns red upon ripening. It is round and measures 0.5 to 1.25 inches in diameter. The fruits are rarely seen when grown as a houseplant. They are present if grown outdoors in their native habitat.
Color: Green, Red/Burgundy, White. Length: < 1 inch. Width: < 1 inch.
Edibility: Toxic if ingested.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical Western and Central Africa
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Drought
- +Edible: Toxic if ingested.
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Sap/Juice, Stems): Low severity
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Snake Plant
Similar low-light tolerance and infrequent watering needs, helps purify air
Pothos
Thrives in similar bright, indirect light conditions and helps increase humidity
Rubber Plant
Compatible watering schedule and light requirements, both prefer well-draining soil
Peace Lily
Increases ambient humidity which fiddle leaf figs prefer, similar care requirements
Monstera Deliciosa
Both tropical plants with similar humidity and temperature preferences
ZZ Plant
Complementary growth habits and both tolerate similar indoor conditions
Bird of Paradise
Similar bright light needs and both benefit from increased humidity
Philodendron
Compatible light and humidity requirements, helps create tropical microclimate
Keep Apart
Succulents
Require completely different watering schedules - succulents need dry conditions while fiddle leaf figs need consistent moisture
Boston Fern
Requires much higher humidity and more frequent watering than fiddle leaf fig can tolerate
Cactus
Thrives in bright direct sunlight and drought conditions that would stress fiddle leaf figs
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to stress-related issues with inconsistent care
Common Pests
Spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs
Diseases
Root rot, bacterial leaf spot, leaf drop from environmental stress