Ficus lyrata

Ficus lyrata, commonly known as the fiddle-leaf fig, is a species of flowering plant in the mulberry and fig family Moraceae. It is native to western Africa, from Cameroon west to Sierra Leone, where it grows in lowland tropical rainforest. It can grow up to 12–15 m (39–49 ft) tall.

Above: an example of a lyrate leaf. Ficus lyrata leaves are lyrate, meaning that they resemble a lyre.

Ficus lyrata
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Rosales
Family: Moraceae
Genus: Ficus
Subgenus: F. subg. Urostigma
Species:
F. lyrata
Binomial name
Ficus lyrata
An indoor fiddle leaf fig tree

The leaves are variable in shape, but often with a broad apex and narrow middle, resembling a lyre or fiddle; they are up to 45 cm (18 in) long and 30 cm (12 in) broad, though usually smaller, with a leathery texture, prominent veins and a wavy margin.

The fruit is a green fig 2.5–3 cm (1-¼ in) diameter.

Cultivation and garden uses

It is a popular ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical gardens, and is also grown as a houseplant in temperate areas, where it usually stays shorter and fails to flower or fruit. It requires indirect natural light.[1] It is hardy down to 10 °C (50 °F), so specimens may be placed outside during warm periods.[2]

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[2][3]

Indoor use

As an ever-increasingly popular houseplant, one so popular that Pottery Barn and retail stores alike produce polyester versions of the plant, it is quite common in interior decor. Some feel the use in interior design is too much, leading to feeling "fiddle-leaf fatigue" by how often we see the plant show up in magazines and Instagram feeds.[4]

A commonly tricky houseplant despite its popularity, the fiddle-leaf fig does not respond well to being moved, especially from a spot where it is thriving. Proper drainage, adequate sunlight (direct but not harsh) will keep your fiddle-leaf fig bright green with its signature glossy finish.[5]

See also

References
  1. Alix Martichoux (13 August 2019). "No matter where I go, I can't stop seeing this trendy plant in San Francisco". SF Gate.
  2. "Ficus lyrata AGM". Royal Horticultural Society. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  3. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 39. Retrieved 27 February 2018.
  4. O'Shea-Evans, Kathryn (April 12, 2018). "The Next Statement House Plant: R.I.P. Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree; After years as the hot houseplant, the ubiquitous fiddle-leaf fig tree needs to be retired. These five rival specimens are ready for their place in the sun (or partial shade)". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved September 24, 2020.
  5. Kurutz, Steven (April 30, 2016). "The 'IT' plant of the times; Designers love the fiddle-leaf fig for its Dr. Seuss feel while othersjust say it makesa statement". National post (Toronto).


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