Ficus lyrata, commonly known as the fiddle-leaf fig, banjo fig, fiddle-leaved fig tree, lyre leaf fig tree, or lyre-leaved fig tree, is a species of plant in the mulberry and fig family Moraceae. It is native species to western Africa, but is cultivated around the world as an ornamental plant.
The leaf are variable in shape, but often with a broad apex and narrow middle, resembling a lyre or fiddle; they are up to long and 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.
Ficus lyrata Warb. (known as fiddle-leaf fig) is an evergreen tree or shrub, native to West and Central Africa tropical rain forest, being one of the most demanding and showy Ficus species. It is known as a decorative species in Europe and North America (Florida) as well. It can grow 9–12 m in these areas.
Distribution and habitat
F. lyrata is native to Benin, Cameroon, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo, where it occurs in moist lowland forests. It also occurs as an introduced species in the Canary Islands, El Salvador, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Cultivation
It is a popular ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical gardens, and is also grown as a houseplant in temperateness areas, where it usually stays shorter and fails to flower or fruit. It requires direct natural light. It is hardy down to , so specimens may be placed outside during warm periods.
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 a fiddle-leaf fig bright green with its signature glossy finish.
Humidity and temperature requirements
The optimal relative humidity for the fiddle-leaf fig is between 25%-49%, but it can tolerate lower humidity. When it comes to the temperature requirements, the optimal temperature for the fiddle-leaf fig is between .
Light requirements
Grown indoors, light is the most limiting factor for Ficus lyrata. It is a full sun plant (it grows in direct sun most of the day in the natural habitat), but it can also grow well indoors in bright indirect light.
Propagation
Ficus lyrata can be propagated in multiple ways:
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By division
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By stem cuttings, and
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By air layering
See also
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