Fiddle-Leaf Fig
Ficus lyrata · Moraceae
- Light
- Bright-indirect to some-direct
- Water
- Moderate
- Humidity
- Average to high
- Difficulty
- Challenging
- Pet-safe
- No
- Propagation
- Stem Cuttings, Air Layering
Common problems: Spider MitesScale InsectsMealybugsRoot Rot
Quick facts
- Light: Bright indirect (some gentle direct is fine) · Water: When top 1–2” dry
- Difficulty: Challenging — gorgeous, but reacts badly to change
- Pet-safe: ❌ No
Description
The interior-design darling: large, glossy, violin-shaped (lyrate) leaves on an upright, eventually tree-like trunk. Stunning when happy — and famously temperamental, dropping leaves at the slightest change in light, location, watering, or temperature. Success is mostly about consistency.
Care
- Light: Bright light is non-negotiable — bright indirect, ideally near a sunny window with some gentle direct sun. Rotate occasionally for even growth.
- Water: Water when the top 1–2 inches dry, then thoroughly; never let it sit in a saucer of water. Both over- and under-watering show as brown spots and leaf drop.
- Soil & potting: Well-draining mix; drainage hole essential.
- Humidity & temperature: Prefers higher humidity; hates cold drafts and sudden moves. Pick a spot and leave it.
- Other: Dust the big leaves so they can photosynthesize.
Propagation
From stem or tip cuttings (a single node with a leaf) rooted in water or soil — patience required. To turn a tall, leggy plant into a fuller, branched one, air-layer the stem and sever once rooted. (Sap is an irritant — wash hands.) See Propagation Basics.
Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs — the milky Ficus sap is an irritant (insoluble oxalates / ficin), causing mouth and GI irritation, and can irritate skin. Source: ASPCA.
Common ailments, afflictions & pests
Click any item for how to identify and treat it.
- Spider Mites — common; check leaf undersides for speckling and webbing.
- Scale Insects — brown bumps along stems and midribs, sticky residue.
- Mealybugs — white cottony clusters.
- Root Rot — from overwatering/poor drainage; dark mushy roots, dropping leaves. See Watering & Root Health.
- Brown spots? The hardest to diagnose — can be root rot (dark, spreading from edges/center), underwatering (dry, crispy), bacterial/edema, or sunburn. Check the roots and watering first.
- Sudden leaf drop? Almost always environmental shock — it was moved, chilled, or its watering changed. Stabilize conditions and wait.
See also: Diagnose a Problem.