Ficus Lyrata 200mm

🌿 Ficus lyrata

Common Name: Fiddle Leaf Fig
Family: Moraceae (Fig family)
Origin: Native to tropical West Africa, from Cameroon to Sierra Leone

📏 Physical Description

• Growth Habit:
  A tall, upright evergreen tree or shrub, commonly grown as a houseplant.
  Indoors, it can grow up to 2–3 meters (6–10 feet) tall, and much taller in the wild.
  Often grown as a single trunk tree or a multi-stemmed bush.

• Leaves:
  Large, glossy, violin-shaped (fiddle-shaped) leaves with prominent veining.
  Each leaf can grow up to 30–45 cm long (12–18 inches).
  Foliage is dark green with a leathery texture and a wavy edge—making it highly ornamental.

• Stems & Trunk:
  Woody, upright, often trained to have a bare trunk with a crown of dramatic foliage.

🌱 Care and Cultivation

• Light:
  Thrives in bright, indirect light.
  Can tolerate a few hours of gentle direct sun, but avoid intense afternoon rays.
  Insufficient light can cause leaf drop and slow growth.

• Watering:
  Allow the top 5–8 cm of soil to dry out before watering.
  Water deeply, but make sure the pot has good drainage.
  Avoid soggy roots—overwatering is a common cause of leaf issues.

• Humidity:
  Prefers moderate to high humidity.
  Can tolerate average indoor air but will thrive with occasional misting or a nearby humidifier.

• Soil:
  Use a well-draining, fertile potting mix—ideally blended with perlite, orchid bark, or coarse sand for aeration.

• Temperature:
  Best kept at 18–26°C (65–80°F).
  Protect from cold drafts and never expose to temperatures below 10°C (50°F).

• Feeding:
  Feed every 4–6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Reduce in winter.

• Pruning:
  Prune to control height, encourage branching, or shape the plant.
  Ficus sap is sticky and irritating—wear gloves.

• Propagation:
  Can be propagated via stem cuttings, though it's slow and challenging. Air layering is more reliable.

✅ Quick Care Summary

RequirementDetailsLightBright indirect (some morning sun OK)WaterLet topsoil dry before wateringHumidityModerate to high preferredSoilWell-draining, rich mixTemperature18–26°C; no drafts or cold airFeedingMonthly in spring and summerPropagationStem cuttings or air layering

✅ Perfect For:

• Bold indoor feature plants

• Modern homes, offices, and showrooms

• Statement pieces in corners or large pots

• Plant stylists and collectors