Fiddle Leaf Fig Ficus lyrata
At a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- 10000–20000 lux
- Water
- Every 7–10 days
- Top 5cm of soil
- Humidity
- 30–65%
- Tolerates dry air
- Temperature
- 18–29°C
- Ideal 18–24°C
- Soil pH
- 6–7
- well-draining
- Mature size
- 250 cm tall
- 80 cm wide
- Native to
- Western Africa lowland rainforests, Cameroon, Sierra Leone
- Growth
- Moderate
- Tree
Watering calculator
Estimate how often to water your Fiddle Leaf Fig based on pot size, light, and season.
Always check the top 2 cm of soil before watering. Calculator output is an estimate, not a schedule.
Diagnose a problem
Click an issue to see causes and fixes for Fiddle Leaf Fig.
Or use Plant Doctor — AI-powered diagnostic that picks the top 3 most likely causes with family-specific reasoning and step-by-step fixes (photo upload coming soon).
Compare with similar plants
| Trait | Fiddle Leaf Fig Ficus lyrata | Rubber Plant Ficus elastica | Bird of Paradise Strelitzia reginae |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | Bright indirect | Bright indirect | Bright indirect |
| Water | 7–10 days | 7–14 days | 7–10 days |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Difficulty | Challenging | Easy | Moderate |
| Mature size | 250 cm | 250 cm | 180 cm |
Light requirements in detail
Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers bright indirect (10000–20000 lux) . Direct morning sun acceptable; acclimate slowly to prevent leaf burn
A spot 1–2 meters from a bright east or south-facing window usually fits this range. Direct afternoon sun through unfiltered glass can scorch leaves; sheer curtains help diffuse it.
Watering in detail
Water Fiddle Leaf Fig every 7– 10 days during the growing season, allowing Top 5cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency in winter when growth slows.
Consistent moisture matters here — long dry spells will show up as crispy leaf edges.
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Frequently asked questions about Fiddle Leaf Fig
How often should I water Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Water Fiddle Leaf Fig every 7–10 days during the growing season, allowing Top 5cm of soil to dry between waterings. Reduce frequency by 30–50% in winter.
What kind of light does Fiddle Leaf Fig need?
Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers bright indirect (10000–20000 lux). Direct morning sun acceptable; acclimate slowly to prevent leaf burn
Is Fiddle Leaf Fig toxic to cats?
Fiddle Leaf Fig is toxic to cats (mild severity). Toxic compounds: proteolytic enzyme (ficin), psoralen (ficusin). Common symptoms: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, skin dermatitis on contact.
Is Fiddle Leaf Fig toxic to dogs?
Fiddle Leaf Fig is toxic to dogs (mild severity). Toxic compounds: proteolytic enzyme (ficin), psoralen (ficusin). Common symptoms: oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, skin dermatitis on contact.
How big does Fiddle Leaf Fig grow?
Fiddle Leaf Fig reaches about 250 cm tall and 80 cm wide at maturity. Growth rate is moderate.