Demanding Tropical Toxic to pets

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a trendy plant with large lyre-shaped leaves.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 7 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

50–70 %
Temperature

16–28 °C

How to care for your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Everything you need to keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

The Ficus lyrata, native to western tropical Africa, has become the iconic houseplant of modern interiors. Its impressive dark green violin-shaped leaves can reach 50 cm long. However, it is a finicky plant: it hates being moved, drafts and excessive watering. It rewards attentive care with spectacular growth.

Watering your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Every 7 days

Water regularly to keep the substrate evenly and slightly moist; never allow the root ball to dry out completely.

How to know it needs water

Top centimetre of substrate dry to the touch
Leaves slightly less firm and upright

How much light a Fiddle Leaf Fig needs

Bright indirect light

Bright indirect light; needs a stable, consistent position — avoid moving the plant once established.

Direct sun tolerated: 0 to 2 h a day
Orientations that suit it: East, South-east, South, South-west, West, North-west

Humidity and misting

50–70 %

Medium to high (50–70%) Appreciates elevated humidity; mist regularly or wipe leaves with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and glossy.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 30 days

Apply monthly during spring and summer; reduce to every 6–8 weeks in autumn and withhold entirely in winter.

Recommended feed: Nitrogen-rich liquid fertilizer · 3-1-2

Repotting your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Every 24 months

Minimise disturbance — this species dislikes root disruption; choose a pot only 2–3 cm larger and handle the root ball gently.

When: Spring
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, pine bark, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Growth stalling despite good care

Pruning your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Spring only, to shape the canopy; avoid pruning at other times. Cut above a leaf node using clean, sharp secateurs; wear gloves as the latex sap is irritating.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 11 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 6 in the growing season.

11 J
9 F
7 M
6 A
6 M
6 J
6 J
6 A
7 S
8 O
9 N
11 D

Active growth · Days between waterings

Toxicity

Irritating latex sap; toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, and may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Good to know

Very sensitive to location changes, it can drop all its leaves
Its large leaves resemble a violin or lyre

Frequently asked questions about the Fiddle Leaf Fig

How do you care for a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Water it every 7 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 50–70 %. Ideal temperature: 16–28 °C. Water regularly to keep the substrate evenly and slightly moist; never allow the root ball to dry out completely.

How often should you water a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Every 7 days Water regularly to keep the substrate evenly and slightly moist; never allow the root ball to dry out completely. How to know it needs water : Top centimetre of substrate dry to the touch ; Leaves slightly less firm and upright.

How much light does a Fiddle Leaf Fig need?

Bright indirect light Bright indirect light; needs a stable, consistent position — avoid moving the plant once established. 0 to 2 h a day

Is the Fiddle Leaf Fig toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Irritating latex sap; toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, and may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Keep it out of reach of your pets and call a vet if any is swallowed.

Why are my Fiddle Leaf Fig leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring. Minimise disturbance — this species dislikes root disruption; choose a pot only 2–3 cm larger and handle the root ball gently.