Ficus lyrata
fiddle leaf fig
Growing it outdoors
Although it grows very happily outdoors, a plant that has lived indoors may sunburn at first if it's moved straight into the sun. It will recover.
 Height | 3–18ft |
|---|---|
 Width | 3–18ft |
 Tolerates | Pots |
 Water needs | Moderate |
This plant wants water when the top of the soil is dry, but you can still feel moisture just below the surface. This plant will often fall into a once-a-week watering cycle, but remember that your watering should be based on the moisture left in the soil, which will depend partly on the moisture in the room and the weather outside. The soil "surface'' goes a bit deeper for larger pots; for example, a plant in a 14-inch diameter pot should dry out a couple of inches deep before you water it, while a plant in a 4-inch pot will only want to dry out in the top half inch or so of soil. | |
 Hardy to | 45°F |
 Exposure | Full Shade – Part Shade |
 Plant traits | Foliage Feature, Tree, Tropical, Trunking |
 Drainage | In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil |
 Fertilizing | All Purpose |
 Origin | West Africa |
 California native | No |
 Sunset zones | 23, 24, H2 |
Growing Notes
All ficus respond well to pruning, allowing even very large ficus to be maintained at a modest size. They do exude white sap, often containing latex, so if you have a latex allergy avoid the sap.
Growing it indoors
The over-large leaves of the fiddle fig make a dramatic statement. Dust, mist and feed lightly. For steady growth, repot annually; otherwise, move as little as possible. Don't rotate.
| Height | 3–18ft |
|---|---|
| Width | 3–18ft |
| Water needs | When soil surface is dry. |
This plant wants water when the top of the soil is dry, but you can still feel moisture just below the surface. This plant will often fall into a once-a-week watering cycle, but remember that your watering should be based on the moisture left in the soil, which will depend partly on the moisture in the room and the weather outside. The soil "surface'' goes a bit deeper for larger pots; for example, a plant in a 14-inch diameter pot should dry out a couple of inches deep before you water it, while a plant in a 4-inch pot will only want to dry out in the top half inch or so of soil. | |
| Exposure | Bright Indirect – Partial Direct |
| Plant traits | Foliage Feature, Tree, Tropical, Trunking |
| Drainage | In Pots: Potting Soil |
| Fertilizing | All Purpose |
| Origin | West Africa |
Growing Notes
All ficus respond well to pruning, allowing even very large ficus to be maintained at a modest size. They do exude white sap, often containing latex, so if you have a latex allergy avoid the sap.
Which store do you shop at?
Stories featuring this plant
Garden storyPlant-Filled SF Eichler HideawayA mid-century Eichler home in SF, with its warm wood paneling, sleek concrete floors, and flood of light from inner courtyards, is the perfect place to grow a lush indoor garden. Some longtime FGG friends invited us into their home to share their houseplant inspiration.
Garden storyOur Favorite Ficus for Your HomeWe carry many varieties of ficus houseplants for your indoor garden. Here are a few of our favorites with some helpful information and fascinating botanical history!
Garden storyHow to Care for Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig)Ficus lyrata, commonly called the fiddle-leaf fig, is a perfect indoor specimen plant. The plant features very large, heavily veined, and violin-shaped leaves that grow upright on a tall plant. We almost always have Ficus lyrata in stock at our retail plant store in San Francisco.
Links
The above information reflects the observations of Grubb and Nadler and our extended plant community. We always consider input from fellow horticulturists and welcome feedback from those with additional information on the culture of this plant.
© 2020–2026 Grubb and Nadler. All rights reserved.