''Ficus lyrata'', commonly known as the fiddle-leaf fig, is a

species In biology, a species is the basic unit of classification and a taxonomic rank of an organism, as well as a unit of biodiversity. A species is often defined as the largest group of organisms in which any two individuals of the appropriat ...

flowering plant Flowering plants are plants that bear flowers and fruits, and form the clade Angiospermae (), commonly called angiosperms. The term "angiosperm" is derived from the Greek words ('container, vessel') and ('seed'), and refers to those plants t ...

in the mulberry and fig family

Moraceae The Moraceae — often called the mulberry family or fig family — are a family of flowering plants comprising about 38 genera and over 1100 species. Most are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, less so in temperate climates; however ...

. It is

native Native may refer to: People * Jus soli, citizenship by right of birth * Indigenous peoples, peoples with a set of specific rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory ** Native Americans (disambiguation) In arts and entert ...

to western Africa, from

Cameroon Cameroon (; french: Cameroun, ff, Kamerun), officially the Republic of Cameroon (french: République du Cameroun, links=no), is a country in west-central Africa. It is bordered by Nigeria to the west and north; Chad to the northeast; the ...

west to

Sierra Leone Sierra Leone,)]. officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country on the southwest coast of West Africa. It is bordered by Liberia to the southeast and Guinea surrounds the northern half of the nation. Covering a total area of , Sierr ...

, where it grows in lowland tropical

rainforest Rainforests are characterized by a closed and continuous tree canopy, moisture-dependent vegetation, the presence of epiphytes and lianas and the absence of wildfire. Rainforest can be classified as tropical rainforest or temperate rainfores ...

. It can grow up to tall. Leaf morphology Lyrate

The

leaves A leaf ( : leaves) is any of the principal appendages of a vascular plant stem, usually borne laterally aboveground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", while the leaves, st ...

are variable in shape, but often with a broad apex and narrow middle, resembling a

lyre The lyre () is a string instrument, stringed musical instrument that is classified by Hornbostel–Sachs as a member of the History of lute-family instruments, lute-family of instruments. In organology, a lyre is considered a yoke lute, since it ...

fiddle A fiddle is a bowed string musical instrument, most often a violin. It is a colloquial term for the violin, used by players in all genres, including classical music. Although in many cases violins and fiddles are essentially synonymous, the ...

; they are up to long and broad (though usually smaller) with a leathery texture, prominent veins and a wavy margin. The

fruit In botany, a fruit is the seed-bearing structure in flowering plants that is formed from the ovary after flowering. Fruits are the means by which flowering plants (also known as angiosperms) disseminate their seeds. Edible fruits in partic ...

is a green fig 2.5–3 cm (1-¼ in) diameter.

Cultivation and garden uses

It is a popular

ornamental tree Ornamental plants or garden plants are plants that are primarily grown for their beauty but also for qualities such as scent or how they shape physical space. Many flowering plants and garden varieties tend to be specially bred cultivars that ...

in subtropical and tropical gardens, and is also grown as a

houseplant A houseplant, sometimes known as a pot plant, potted plant, or an indoor plant, is an ornamental plant that is grown indoors. As such, they are found in places like residences and offices, mainly for decorative purposes. Common houseplants are us ...

temperate In geography, the temperate climates of Earth occur in the middle latitudes (23.5° to 66.5° N/S of Equator), which span between the tropics and the polar regions of Earth. These zones generally have wider temperature ranges throughout ...

areas, where it usually stays shorter and fails to flower or fruit. It requires indirect natural light. It is hardy down to , so specimens may be placed outside during warm periods. This plant has gained the

Royal Horticultural Society The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London, is the UK's leading gardening charity. The RHS promotes horticulture through its five gardens at Wisley (Surrey), Hyde Hall (Essex), Harlow Carr (Nor ...

Award of Garden Merit The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is a long-established annual award for plants by the British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It is based on assessment of the plants' performance under UK growing conditions. History The 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 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 65°F- 75°F (18°C- 24°C).

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.

Soil Requirements

The best potting soil for Ficus Lyrata is a well-draining and porous soil mix. It should have a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0. A good, well-draining potting soil will provide enough macronutrients to the Fiddle-Leaf Fig and help it thrive and grow.

Propagation

Ficus Lyrata can be propagated in multiple ways: * By division * By stem cuttings, and * By air layering

References

External links

Figweb: ''Ficus lyrata''

Care

Ficus Lyrata benefits

All about how to fertilize Ficus lyrata
*Huxley, A., ed. (1992). ''New RHS Dictionary of Gardening''. Macmillan. * lyrata House plants Garden plants Ornamental trees {{Moraceae-stub