When you’re looking for a plant that’s perfect for Instagram shots, turn to the fiddle-leaf fig, or ficus lyrata. This plant gets it name from its leaves that are shaped like violins. The fiddle leaf fig tree can get to 40 feet in height when it’s in its native environment. The leaves boast a good size, which adds to its visual appeal.

If you follow any plant lovers on Instagram, you’ve likely seen the fiddle leaf fig in all its glory. In fact, one Instagram account, @FiddleLeafFigLove, is entirely devoted to documenting the popular plant.

Learn more here about the fiddle leaf fig’s appearance, care and potential issues. And if you’re ready to take the step adding fiddle leaf fig plants (or other beautiful plants) to your business space, contact Ambius online or call 888-664-8353.

custom image

What the fiddle leaf fig plant looks like

Originally from West Africa, the fiddle leaf fig plant carries big leaves help make it look attractive. The thick, shiny, emerald green leaves are 8-15 inches long.

When the plant grows, the leaves get heavy and the tips of the branches droop. Remember to give the fiddle leaf fig a good amount of space. It acts as a good contrast to plants that flower. Consider placing it in a room with a high ceiling.

 Fiddle leaf fig care

  • Try to grow the fiddle leaf fig plant in bright light – avoiding direct sunlight – in well-drained soil. It can withstand heat better than cold.
  • Aim to keep humidity between 50% and 70% and temperature from 60°F to 75°F. The leaves will turn reddish in color if they encounter cold winds.
  • Make sure you don’t overwater your fiddle leaf fig plant as overwatering will increase the likelihood of the plant becoming diseased.
  • Give the plant water when the exterior of the soil is dry. It can also help to mist. Dusting the plant is also a good idea.
  • Do not give the fiddle leaf fig fertilizer during winter
  • The plant should be repotted from time to time. It may show chlorosis due to insufficient iron or manganese, and newer leaves may turn yellow as a consequence.
custom image

Fiddle leaf fig propagation

When it comes to fiddle leaf propagation, the process is fairly simple but requires a fair amount of patience, as with anything in nature. Spring is the best time to propagate. It is a season in which your plant is naturally apt to sprouting new growth and expanding its root system. 

Cutting is a great method of propagation for your fiddle leaf fig plant. Begin with cutting a stem from your plant that has 2 to 3 leaves on it, making sure to cut 3 inches underneath the first leaf. To move the process along more quickly, it’s best to dip the stem of your cutting into a rooting hormone before placing it into soil or water. 

Next, place your cutting immediately into a container filled with chlorine-free water and place it in a space with a lot of indirect sunlight, checking it every couple days to make sure it has enough water and sunlight. After about a month you should see that your fiddle leaf cutting has developed its root system and is ready to be planted in a pot with moist soil. Make sure to keep soil evenly moist for the first couple of months. 

After the third month, start fertilizing your plant regularly. Once these steps are completed, it’s time to put that patience into practice. It may take up to a year to see your plant really start producing growth but having a brand new fiddle leaf fig plant that you grew entirely on your own will be well worth the wait.

Re-potting a fiddle leaf fig plant

The fiddle leaf fig plant belongs to the genus “Ficus” and most Ficus plants have root systems that are very aggressive. This is why the fiddle leaf should be repotted once a year, increasing the pot size every time until the plant reaches the size you desire. Once you have the plant in a large-sized container, you should rake off a few inches of soil and replace it with new potting soil every year. 

custom image

Possible fiddle leaf fig issues

Are you seeing brown spots on your fiddle leaf fig? When leaves get brown spots, this may signify that you’re not providing the plant with sufficient water or you’re overwatering it.

Your fiddle leaf fig plant could also encounter leaf spot diseases, so consider asking a plant expert to perform a disease analysis if your plant has spots. Spider mites can be active on the fiddle leaf fig and may feed on young leaves.

Can’t wait to get your hands on the fiddle leaf fig? Contact Ambius today!