Culture
Winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-12. Grow as a houseplant in St. Louis. Easily grown in a soil-based potting mix. Site indoors in bright indirect light or part shade with protection from afternoon sun. Water regularly during the growing season. Avoid overwatering. Reduce watering from fall to late winter.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Ficus lyrata, commonly called fiddle-leaf fig or banjo fig, is native to Africa. It is a broadleaf evergreen tree that may grow to 60-100’ tall in its native habitat. It is sometimes grown in the tropics as an ornamental shade tree. In colder climates, this is a popular houseplant that typically grows to 2-10’ tall. It is noted for its large, lyre-shaped, dark green leaves (to 18” long) which resemble the shape of a violin (fiddle). In its native habitat, globular figs (to 1.25” diameter) appear solitary or in pairs on mature trees. Fruit is rarely seen on plants outside of the native habitat. Stems have a milky sap.
Genus name comes from the Latin name for the edible fig.
Specific epithet refers to the lyrate shape of the leaf that suggest the shape of a lyre.
Problems
Watch for scale, aphids, mealybugs, thrips and spider mites.
Uses
Houseplant in St. Louis area.