Fiddle Leaf Fig Indoor Plant Care: Cultivate Happy Banjo Figs As Houseplants

A fiddle leaf fig makes a bold statement as a houseplant – but how easy are they to grow, really? Essential fiddle leaf fig indoor care does rely on certain elements to be monitored regularly, but this can quickly become easy and routine once you know how. Banjo figs (or lyre leaf fig trees, as they are also known) can be happy grown indoors with the proper care. Master these tips and you can either leave plants inside year round, or move outdoors during summer and then return them inside as temperatures start to drop. Read on to learn the proper way to grow fiddle leaf figs indoors to ensure the healthiest and most dramatic houseplants.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Indoor Plant Care

In their native western and central Africa, fiddle leaf fig plants (Ficus lyrata) can grow up to 100 feet (30m) tall, as well as flower and fruit. Indoors, it is rare to see this plant flower or produce figs. If you live in USDA zones 10-12, you can leave your fiddle leaf figs outside year round in a protected location. If and when cold weather threatens, however, be sure to bring it back inside. Most growers may find it simpler just to bring houseplants back indoors after summer. With the proper care, fiddle leaf figs can live happily for years in the home or office.

The fiddle leaf fig (Ficas lyrata) is a popular indoor houseplant, despite its reputation as a finicky plant. These tropical beauties are striking specimen plants for living rooms and conservatories. They can reach up to 9-10 feet (3m) tall, and their thick, leathery, fiddle-shaped leaves grow up to 18 inches (46cm) long. Fiddle leaf fig care indoors requires attention to proper lighting, watering, humidity, fertilizing and soil.

• Lighting Conditions:
  These houseplants like sun, so choose a bright indoor location to place your planted container. Indoor fiddle leaf fig plants will appreciate morning sun, but too much sun will burn the leaves. You’ll know if you see whitish spots on the leaves. Placing it a few feet from a sunny window should provide enough shade. Turning the plant one-quarter each week will keep it growing straight and not leaning toward the light.
• Watering Needs:
  Over or under-watering will be detrimental to a fiddle leaf fig indoor plant. Yellowing, dropping leaves indicate too much or too little water. Start out watering thoroughly until water comes through the drainage holes. Make sure there is a deep saucer. Empty the saucer after 10 minutes to prevent water absorbing back into the root ball. Do not water again until the top couple of inches (5cm) of soil is dry. Depending on the time of year, watering lightly is sufficient with more established houseplants. You can use your finger to test it or use a moisture meter.
• Temperature and Humidity:
  Avoid placing it near heating or cooling vents, as these plants don’t like extremes of temperature. Keep your fiddle leaf fig in a room where the temperature stays constant at around 60-80°F (15.5-27°C).
  Humidity should be about 50 or 60 percent. You can increase humidity with a humidifier or by setting the container on a pebble tray. Add pebbles to a tray with water added below the top of the pebbles. Set the container on top, without it touching the water. Keep water in the tray so, as it evaporates, the humidity level rises. If the edges of the leaves begin to brown, that can mean humidity is too low.
• Soil and Compost:
  The soil should be acidic (less than 6pH), so purchase bagged soil for acid-loving plants. You also can replace 25 percent of the mix with perlite to improve drainage. When choosing a container, make sure it has several drainage holes. The rootball should fit inside with 2 or 3 inches (5-8cm) of space all around. Avoid choosing a very large pot to save time in repotting next year. Too much soil in a container will hold water, possibly causing rot issues.
• Fertilizing:
  Fertilize twice a year with a houseplant fertilizer at half strength, preferably in spring and summer. Occasionally wipe off the leaves with a wet cloth to remove dust.

Problems, Pests and Diseases

Fiddle leaf fig plants typically are not bothered by many pests or diseases. However, you should keep an eye out for the telltale signs of indoor pests such as aphids, mealy bugs, scale or spider mites. You may find that repeat applications of neem oil will help to combat any of these common houseplant pests.

There is one more problem to consider if you are a pet owner. All parts of this plant are toxic, so take heed if you have pets or, indeed, children. The calcium oxalates can cause burning of the mouth, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. If you do have pets, keep the plant in a part of the room where it is safe from pet intervention – and watch out for leaf drop.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Pruning

Finicky or not, fiddle leaf fig is a low-maintenance plant once you have attended to its basic care needs. However, you may find it helps to prune this houseplant’s leaves to keep its growth in check, or to encourage branching. Just remember to wear gloves while pruning, as the milky sap can cause skin irritation.

You should make any cuts at 45° angles between the nodes when the plant is actively growing. You can also remove dead leaves or branches from the plant at any time during the year.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Cultivars to Grow Indoors

• Bambino: If you prefer a shorter plant, choose this dwarf fiddle leaf fig plant, with its slightly thicker leaves and compact growth habit.
• Little Sunshine: Another dwarf fiddle leaf fig, this cultivar has smaller and brighter leaves with a distinctive violin shape.
• Compacta: This glossy-leaved fiddle leaf fig is a good option if you have a room with plenty of light to spare, like a bright living room.
• Variegata: Similar in shape to the standard fiddle leaf fig, this dramatic variegated variety can really wow with its green and cream leaves.

Discover More Houseplant Ideas and Inspirations

• Keen to grab one of the hottest houseplant ideas for your home this year? Read our houseplant trends to suss out the bold and the brilliant for modern interior foliage.
• Looking for an easy-going houseplant to fill any room with bright and cheerful foliage? These rare pothos varieties are easy to care for and can work as climbers or trailing plants.
• Houseplant lovers who are after showstopping specimens will love these essential monstera variety ideas to fill your room with enormous foliage and dramatic splits!
• Love those fiddle-shaped leaves? Check out our guide to the best types of philodendron plants, which includes fiddle-shapes leaf options as well as heart shapes and pink foliage!
• Stuck for ideas to fill a specific room of your home? Make sure all your domestic bases are covered with our perfect houseplant combinations for bathrooms, bedrooms, and more.
• Are you after new pots, trays or tools for your indoor gardening projects? Browse the Gardening Know How Shop’s special Indoor Gardening section for all your indoor garden kit.

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