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Ficus lyrata

Image of Ficus lyrata

Forest & Kim Starr

Family

Moraceae

Botanical Name

Ficus lyrata

Plant Common Name

Banjo Fig, Fiddleleaf Fig

General Description

Fiddleleaf figs are very large evergreen plants native to parts of western and central Africa. It is often grown as a houseplant due to its ability to withstand low light levels and less than ideal atmosphere in buildings. Ficus lyrata is grown primarily for its large, thick, glossy green fiddle or lyre-shaped leaves. The leaves are corrugated and waxy. Outdoors, in warm climates, this plant can grow into a large shade tree; as an interior plant it remains a manageable size due to roots restricted by pots or other containers. Round, green figs with white dots are produced in pairs on mature exterior trees.

Place fiddleleaf figs in areas of medium light inside and at least partial sun outdoors. Water only when dry and watch for mealybugs, scale and mites. In frost-free locations, fiddleleaf fig trees are large, spreading trees with aerial roots which quickly become small trunks. They excels in well-drained soil and full sun, but are not picky about location. The roots of this fig tree species aren't nearly as aggressive or disruptive as other tropical figs.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 7

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    10 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tree

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    15'-50' / 4.6m - 15.2m

  • Width

    25'-35' / 7.6m - 10.7m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Africa, Middle Africa, Western Africa

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Pollution

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant, Average Water

  • Habit

    Spreading

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Green

  • Fruit Color

    White, Green

  • Fruit Color Modifier

    Bicolor

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Dark Green

  • Bark Color

    Chocolate

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    Yes

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    Yes

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Exfoliating

  • Usage

    Container, Houseplant, Shade Trees, Street Trees, Topiary / Bonsai / Espalier, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Birds

  • Self-Sowing

    Yes