Ficus lyrata /ˈfaɪkəs/
Common name: Fiddle leaf fig · Banjo fig
Ficus lyrata is an evergreen tree native to the lowland rainforests of western Africa, from Cameroon to Sierra Leone. Its very large, leathery, fiddle-shaped leaves with prominent veining make it one of the most iconic statement houseplants. It can be fussy about drafts, inconsistent watering, and low light.
Care summary
Sun
Bright indirect to some direct light
Water
Water when top few cm of soil are dry
Soil
Well-draining, rich potting mix
Hardiness
Zones 10–12
Mature height
Up to 3 m (10 ft) indoors; 12–15 m in the wild
Pet safe
Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested
Difficulty
Fussy
Propagation
Propagate by stem cuttings or air layering. Take a 15-20 cm stem tip cutting with two or three leaves, let the milky sap stop, then root it in moist perlite or water; warmth and bright indirect light speed rooting. Air layering a woody stem is more reliable for larger plants.
Fun facts
- The leaves can reach 45 cm long and really are shaped like a violin — hence "lyrata," meaning lyre-shaped.
- In the wild it often begins life as an epiphyte, growing on other trees before sending roots to the ground.
- It's famously sensitive to being moved — relocating it can cause it to drop leaves.
- It became a design-magazine icon in the 2010s, appearing in countless interior photoshoots.