We buy so you won’t have to! We earn commissions from recommended products, which fund testing new items by our team of experts. Thank you for your support!


Hey plant lover! Ever heard of the Ficus lyrata? These cool houseplants, also known as fiddle leaf fig, Keep ’em happy with bright light and regular watering. not only are they all over Instagram, but they’re also the trendiest greens right now! 🌿

so, The regular fiddle-leaf fig that most gardeners have is called Ficus lyrata. But there are also different kinds, like:

Bambino Fiddle-Leaf Fig

If you love the gorgeous foliage but have limited space, bambino is the more compact cultivar for you! Unlike the standard variety, bambino leaves are much smaller in size. Also, they grow to a petite 2-3 feet tall–perfect for tabletops or small plant stands.

bambino Ficus Lyrata

Bambino Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Compact Ficus Lyrata

this kind can grow about 5 feet tall and has smaller, tightly packed leaves compared to the regular type.

Compact Ficus Lyrata

Compact lyrata plant

variegated lyrata plant

A rare variety with eye-catching leaves that also mix green and cream colors.

variegated Ficus Lyrata

variegated fiddle leaf fig

When it comes to caring for our ficus fiddle leaf friends, we need to make sure we provide the right growing conditions to keep them happy and healthy.

Lighting ☀️

  • Light Requirements: Ficus lyrata loves bright, indirect sunlight.
  • Ideal Placement: Opt for a south or west-facing window so your plant gets the best indoor sunlight.
  • Rotation: Rotate your fiddle leaf fig every week for even light, thus, preventing overexposure on one side.
  • Caution Signs: Look for browned leaves; they might indicate that your plant is getting too much direct sunlight.

Temperature 🌡️

  • Temperature Comfort: Ficus lyrata, like tropical trees, likes temperatures between 60-75°F.
  • Draft Avoidance: Protect your ficus lyrata from cold drafts near windows or doors.
  • Winter Precautions: If your home gets colder than 60°F in winter, think about using a plant heating pad or temporarily moving the ficus to the warmest room.

water 💧

  • Moisture Check: Stick your finger into the soil before watering to check moisture.
  • Watering Guidelines: Water only when the top soil feels dry to the touch.
  • Drainage is Key: Let excess water drain before putting your fiddle leaf back to prevent waterlogging and protect sensitive roots.

Humidity 💦

  • Mist your plant occasionally and use a pebble tray to provide humidity, which should be 50-70%.

Fertilizer 🌱

During the active growth period from spring to summer, feed your plant every month. Dilute a balanced liquid fertilizer to half its usual strength.

You can find special fertilizers for fiddle-leaf figs. also, you don’t need to feed your plant in the winter.

Soil 🌱

to sum up, These tropical trees need a fast-draining potting mix amended with perlite for aeration. In the same way, Pre-mixed indoor plant soil works perfectly. In addition, you can add some orchid bark for improved drainage.

Ficus Lyrata Plant Pruning

I know it can be scary to trim back a prized houseplant baby, but judicious pruning helps your fiddle-leaf fig bush thrive. Take a deep breath and grab clean pruning shears once a year in early spring. Trim off any dead or dying branches at the main stem. You can also trim longer branches back by a few inches to shape the plant and encourage bushier new growth.

Ficus Lyrata plant Pruning

Ficus Lyrata plant Pruning

how do I make my Ficus lyrata bushy

Strategically prune in early spring.
Identify leggy branches and make clean cuts above two leaf nodes.
Repeat pruning for shaping.
Substantially prune for denser regrowth and tolerate a temporary shrub-like appearance.

Ficus Lyrata plant Propagation

If your ficus lyrata has grown exceptionally large or you’d like to nurture more plants, propagation lets you multiply your plant love!

Take Cuttings: Begin by taking 4-6 inch cuttings from the tips of healthy branches on your ficus lyrata.

Prepare Cuttings: Remove lower leaves from the cuttings to leave a clean stem.

Ficus Lyrata Propagation: cuttings Preparing

Rooting: Root the cuttings either in water or a moist potting mix.

Ficus lyrata rooting

Ficus Lyrata Propagation :Rooting

Be Patient: Allow time for new roots and leaves to emerge.

rooting fiddle-leaf figs

Ficus Lyrata Propagation : Rooting

Transplanting: Once roots have developed, transplant the cuttings into soil for further growth and care.

Transplanting : ficus lyrata

lyrata plant Propagation:Rooting

how to potting lyrata plant?

To break it down, when potting the Fiddle-Leaf Fig, keep these three things in mind.

1-Choosing the Pot for Ficus Lyrata

When preparing to pot or repot your ficus lyrata, opt for containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot. Self-watering pots can also work well. Aim for pots 2-4 inches wider than the current root ball. Decorative containers without drainage can be used; just be sure to empty excess water that flows into the saucer after watering.

 Fiddle-Leaf Fig potting

lyrata plant potting : Choosing the Pot

2-Soil

in short, These tropical trees prefer a peaty and fast-draining potting mix amended with perlite for aeration, and Pre-mixed indoor plant soil blends work perfectly. You can even mix in a bit of orchid bark for more drainage.

Gardener repotting a houseplant

lyrata plant potting: preparing soil

3-Potting New Ficus Lyrata Plants

Carefully loosen and separate any root bound sections before placing your fiddle leaf fig in a new, appropriately sized pot then Add your soil mix, filling in firmly around the roots. finally Water thoroughly after planting and let excess drain fully.

Transplanting : ficus lyrata

plant potting

how to repotting lyrata plant?

Ficus lyrata should be repotted every 2-3 years in early spring before the growing season. firstly, Move it into a slightly bigger pot with fresh indoor plant soil to allow the expanding root system more room. secondly Water well after repotting and be extra careful not to overwater for a few weeks as it adjusts.

Gardener repotting a houseplant inside of her house

repotting lyrata plant

Don’t stress if you notice any of these common problems—they’re usually easy fixes!

Dropping Leaves

If lush green leaves start dropping, it often simply signals slightly dry air or soil. Boost humidity levels and make sure you’re watering properly. Loss of lower leaves is normal over time, too, as energy is focused upwards.

Brown Crispy Leaves

Crispy brown edges typically mean your fiddle leaf fig is getting too much sun. Gently transition it to a spot with more gentle, indirect light. Just a few filtered sunbeams are perfect!

Yellowing Leaves

Uh oh, yellow leaves are never a happy sight! This is typically a sign of overwatering – wet soil means less oxygen reaching the roots. Check for root rot and scale back on watering frequency if the soil is staying soggy between drinks. Yellow leaves can also mean your plant needs more fertilizer to get nutrients.

White or Tan Patches

These odd dry patches often occur if tap water containing minerals and salts was used. Filtered, distilled, or rainwater is best. Small patches usually don’t harm the plant. Just keep monitoring to ensure they don’t take over more leaves.

Leggy Stems

Getting tall and lanky with big gaps between leaves means your fig needs more light! Slowly transition it to a brighter spot over a week or two to avoid shock. Turn the pot frequently, too, so all sides get light exposure.

Red Spots on Leaves

These small crimson spots are caused by little pests called scale insects that suck nutrients. Wipe leaves down gently with a mild soap and water solution or treat with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap spray. Be sure to monitor and continue treating if they persist.

Poor Growth

Slow growth and small new leaves are signs that your ficus lyrata wants more fertilizer! In the spring and summer growing months, apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. When getting regular nutrients, new growth should take off and unfurl nicely again.

Why are the leaves on my Ficus Lyrata turning brown?

so, Brown crispy leaves are often caused by too much direct sunlight. Therefore, slowly transition your fig to a spot with a more gentle, filtered brightness. Also, be sure that brown spots aren’t a sign of root rot from excess moisture. Check soil consistency and drainage to address that possibility.

Can I put my Lyrata Ficus outside?

While they can go in outdoor zones 10-11 during summer, however, they must come back inside before temperatures drop below 50°F. When transitioning in each direction, gradually introduce them over 7-10 days to prevent shock.

Are fiddle leaf Ficus Lyrata difficult?

Although they have specific care preferences, fiddle leaf fig maintenance isn’t generally difficult. If you can get lighting, watering frequency, humidity, and seasonal transitions right, these plants will thrive for years as fairly easy houseplants.

Should you mist the Lyrata plant?

In addition to watering, occasional misting adds humidity to figs, which they appreciate. Just take care not to allow moisture to accumulate and sit directly on leaves consistently. That could result in fungal issues over time. Of course, always keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering, too.

Do fiddle fig plants like to be misted?

As with many tropicals, fiddle leaf figs enjoy gentle misting which mimics the humidity of their native habitat. Therefore, misting them 1-2 times a week can be beneficial. Just don’t allow water to soak leaves to the point it pools in crevices or at the base.

Why is the fiddle leaf Ficus Lyrata tree so expensive?

Since variegated varieties and mature specimens are slower-growing, it takes years for small starter plants to reach impressive sizes. Consequently, these larger or specially colored fiddle-leaf figs demand a premium price at many plant stores and nurseries!

Do fiddle fig leaf figs / Ficus Lyrata like to dry out between watering?

Absolutely! Allowing the topsoil to dry promotes healthy roots and prevents issues. Because fiddle leaf figs are quite sensitive to overwatering, they hate sitting in soggy soil. Therefore, only water thoroughly when the soil feels slightly dry, then always let the excess drain away.

Should Ficus Lyrata be by a window?

Given that fiddle leaf figs need at least some bright, indirect sunlight daily, placing them near a sunny south—or west-facing window works perfectly. Just take care not to expose them to too many consecutive hours of hot afternoon sun shining directly on leaves. Rather, provide some gentle sunlight and then filtered brightness.

Why are the leaves on my Ficus Lyrata turning brown?

so, Brown crispy leaves are often caused by too much direct sunlight. Therefore, slowly transition your fig to a spot with a more gentle, filtered brightness. Also, be sure that brown spots aren’t a sign of root rot from excess moisture. Check soil consistency and drainage to address that possibility.

Can I put my Lyrata Ficus outside?

While they can go in outdoor zones 10-11 during summer, however, they must come back inside before temperatures drop below 50°F. When transitioning in each direction, gradually introduce them over 7-10 days to prevent shock.

Are fiddle leaf Ficus Lyrata difficult?

Although they have specific care preferences, fiddle leaf fig maintenance isn’t generally difficult. If you can get lighting, watering frequency, humidity, and seasonal transitions right, these plants will thrive for years as fairly easy houseplants.

Should you mist the Lyrata plant?

In addition to watering, occasional misting adds humidity to figs, which they appreciate. Just take care not to allow moisture to accumulate and sit directly on leaves consistently. That could result in fungal issues over time. Of course, always keep the soil consistently moist without overwatering, too.

Do fiddle fig plants like to be misted?

As with many tropicals, fiddle leaf figs enjoy gentle misting which mimics the humidity of their native habitat. Therefore, misting them 1-2 times a week can be beneficial. Just don’t allow water to soak leaves to the point it pools in crevices or at the base.

Why is the fiddle leaf Ficus Lyrata tree so expensive?

Since variegated varieties and mature specimens are slower-growing, it takes years for small starter plants to reach impressive sizes. Consequently, these larger or specially colored fiddle-leaf figs demand a premium price at many plant stores and nurseries!

Do fiddle fig leaf figs / Ficus Lyrata like to dry out between watering?

Absolutely! Allowing the topsoil to dry promotes healthy roots and prevents issues. Because fiddle leaf figs are quite sensitive to overwatering, they hate sitting in soggy soil. Therefore, only water thoroughly when the soil feels slightly dry, then always let the excess drain away.

Should Ficus Lyrata be by a window?

Given that fiddle leaf figs need at least some bright, indirect sunlight daily, placing them near a sunny south—or west-facing window works perfectly. Just take care not to expose them to too many consecutive hours of hot afternoon sun shining directly on leaves. Rather, provide some gentle sunlight and then filtered brightness.