Ultimate Guide

If you’re here, you’re probably obsessed with the fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), and who can blame you? Its bold, glossy leaves and striking presence make it a top choice for any home. But there’s a lot to know about this beauty, from its care needs to how to make it grow tall and bushy. Let’s dive into all the answers you need to make sure your business thrives!

What is the difference between a fiddle-leaf fig and a fig tree?

A lot of people confuse this with a regular cypress tree, and while they’re cousins, they’re not quite the same. This tree (Ficus lyrata) is a type of this tree, but it has those large, violin-shaped leaves that make it stand out. Regular fig trees, like the common fig tree (Ficus carica), produce fruit and have a different leaf shape—smaller, rounder, and not as dramatic. So, if you’re looking for a plant that’s all about the show-stopping leaves and not necessarily fruit, this is your winner!

How Do I Get Fiddle Leaf Figs to Grow Taller?

Fiddle-leaf figs are pretty slow-growers, but with the right care, they’ll stretch their way to impressive heights. To get your fiddle leaf fig tree to grow taller, here’s what you need to do:

1. Place it in bright, indirect light—they love sunlight! But direct sun can scorch their leaves. A bright spot with indirect sunlight is perfect.
2. Water When the Soil is Dry: Water your fiddle leaf fig deeply when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. But don’t overwater—these plants hate sitting in soggy soil.
3. Feed Regularly: During the growing season (spring and summer), give your plant a boost with a balanced, liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Essential for the care of the fiddle-leaf fig.
4. Prune to Encourage Growth: If your fiddle leaf fig isn’t growing up, it might be time to prune. Cutting the top a little encourages new growth along the sides, and that can help it grow taller over time.

How Fast Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Grow?

Fiddle leaf figs aren’t exactly speed demons when it comes to growth, but they’re not painfully slow either. Typically, you can expect your tree to grow around 12–24 inches a year, depending on how well it’s cared for. If it’s in a sunny spot, fed regularly, and watered correctly, you should see some nice height over time.

How to Make a Fiddle Leaf Fig Bushy?

If you’re aiming for a fuller, bushier fiddle-leaf fig, the key is pruning and strategic placement.

1. Prune to Encourage Branching: Snipping off the top of the plant encourages it to grow more branches. When you cut the top, the plant puts energy into growing new branches along the sides, making the tree bushier.
2. Give It Space to Grow: Make sure your plant has enough space to expand, both in the pot and around it. Don’t overcrowd it.
3. Rotate Regularly: To make sure your fiddle leaf fig gets light evenly on all sides, rotate it every week or two. This ensures it grows evenly and doesn’t lean toward the light source.

Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Fruit?

While fiddle-leaf fig trees are technically a type of fig, they usually don’t produce fruit, especially when grown indoors. For them to fruit, they would need a very specific environment and pollination conditions that are hard to recreate indoors. So, if you’re hoping for fruit, you’ll likely be disappointed. But don’t worry, their stunning leaves more than make up for it!

How Do You Take Care of a Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Taking care of a fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) isn’t too complicated, but it does have some specific needs. Here’s the rundown on fiddle leaf fig care:

1. Watering: As mentioned before, don’t overwater! Make sure the soil dries out slightly before watering again.
2. Sunlight: Bright, indirect light is key to keeping those big, lush leaves happy. If you have a spot by a window with some sunlight filtering through, that’s perfect.
3. Humidity: Fiddle leaf figs love humidity, so if you live in a dry area, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to keep moisture in the air.
4. Cleaning the Leaves: Those large leaves can get dusty! Wipe them down gently with a damp cloth every few weeks to keep them looking their best and to allow them to breathe.

Where is the best place to put a fiddle-leaf fig?

The best place for your fiddle-leaf fig is somewhere it gets plenty of light but not too much direct sun. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:

• Near a Window: A south- or east-facing window with lots of natural light is ideal. Just make sure the sunlight isn’t too harsh, as it can scorch the leaves.
• Avoid Drafts: Don’t place your fiddle-leaf fig near air conditioners, heaters, or drafty windows. These can stress the plant and cause its leaves to drop.
• Space to Grow: Fiddle leaf figs can get tall and wide, so place them somewhere they have room to spread out without being cramped.