Ficus lyrata

Species

F. lyrata

Families

Moraceae

Local Names

fiddle-leaf fig

Genus

Ficus

Native/Introduced

Native to western Africa (introduced to Pakistan)

DNA Barcode

Description

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.
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 use
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. It is hardy down to 10 °C (50 °F), so specimens may be placed outside during warm periods. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.


Indoor use
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. Being a tropical plant, it does not tolerate cold temperatures well or survive prolonged freezes. Proper drainage, adequate sunlight (direct but not harsh), and misting with water will help keep your fiddle-leaf fig bright green with its signature glossy finish. Fiddle leaf figs are popular because they're statement plants that contrast modern interior decor, and they boast bold beautiful green leaves. Once you get the hang of it, they're easy to maintain, they grow quickly, and you can control the size by the pot's shape. They can regrow from a trimmed trunk. Due to the massive size and bold colors, fiddle leaf figs are a statement plant. Rather than decorating the room with background visuals, they are a centrepiece of many homeowners’ bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and so on. They’re far from simple, and even further from a small piece of interior decor.

One of the main reasons that fiddle leaf figs have taken the industry for so long is that they have been in demand for over a decade. As people learn that it’s popular, they are more likely to want to get their hands on them. If you are trying to make a statement that you’re updated with the latest trends, then fiddle figs should be at the top of your list.
They also show that you’re focused on bringing nature indoors. Rather than having your plants sitting outside in your backyard or high up on a balcony, you’ll be able to bring nature right to the rooms of your choice. Such a bold statement is hard to find in most other house plants on the market.
From the industry presence to the stunning outdoor-indoor aesthetic, fiddle leaf figs are an undeniable statement piece for your home.
Fiddle Leaf Figs Sunlight Requirements Are Not Demanding. Although they need a little bit of sunlight spread evenly throughout the day, you don’t have to worry about it wilting from not having 18 hours of sunshine. Many houseplants need to be placed by windows. They also need to be moved around to get sunlight at all times of the day. Fortunately, that’s not the case with fiddle leaf figs.
The proper way to care for a fiddle fig is listed in the first section, but keep in mind that sunlight remains an integral part of their success. You can’t have a fiddle leaf fig without giving it the proper amount of sunlight. Just because they’re not as demanding as other types of houseplants doesn’t mean you can leave it out altogether.