How to grow and care for Ficus lyrata
plant care guide about watering, fertilizing, trimming, repotting, cutting, propagating Ficus lyrata, Fiddle-leaf
Ficus lyrata 101 - Plant Care Instructions
Bright direct light
16C° ~20C°
Every 7 days
Growth Observation wiki
cutting
vegetative
new leaf
Botany Encyclopedia
Family : Moraceae
🎋 Stem
Most are shrubs, but there are also woody climbing plants. Many species produce a milky sap that can be used to make rubber.
Species : Ficus lyrata
🏝️ Habitat Conditions
It originates from the tropical rainforests of West Africa. It thrives in warm and humid environments and is sensitive to cold, making it unsuitable for outdoor wintering.
🪨 Soil Mix
It is best to plant in well-draining soil. A common mix ratio is 40% potting soil, 20% bark, 20% leaf mold, 10% perlite, and 10% charcoal. This can vary depending on conditions and environment.
🌡️ Environment
Temperature: Maintain between 16-24°C, with a minimum of 13°C. Keep above 13°C as the plant is sensitive to cold. Humidity: Thrives in normal indoor humidity levels of 40-60%.
👀 Characteristics details
It stores moisture in its thick leaves, making it resistant to dryness.
☀️ Light
It's better for the plant to receive plenty of indirect light rather than direct sunlight.
💧 Water
Water when the topsoil is dry. This plant can store moisture in its leaves, making it more resistant to dryness compared to other plants.
🌱 Propagate
Propagation is typically done by cutting a 10-20 cm branch at an angle with sterilized tools, drying it for 3-4 hours, and then placing it in soil or water. 1. For water propagation, avoid using a transparent container. Place the stem in water, and once roots appear, add hydroponic fertilizer. If roots are longer than 5-7 cm, transfer the plant to soil. 2. For soil propagation, plant the cutting deeply in soil without fertilizer. After propagation, avoid exposing the plant to bright light. Gradually increase light exposure to help it adapt to gentle light. Maintain high humidity and a temperature of 20-25°C.
🪴 Repot
Due to its slow growth rate, it is advisable to repot every 2-3 years.
💊 Fertilize
Using fertilizer once during spring and summer, while adhering to the recommended amount, can promote more vigorous growth.
water
How to water Ficus lyrata
💬 Gardener's know-how
How often should I water?
check Ficus lyrata Every 7 days if it needs water when it’s very cold (below 5℃), water less frequently
When do I need to water?
the top 2-3 inches of soil is dry
Light & Location
How much light does a Ficus lyrata need?
Bright direct light
Bright indirect light
Grow light
Light preference
Ficus lyrata likes Bright direct light, Bright indirect light, Grow light day. The brighter the space, the better this plant grows.
Check if there’s an optimal place in your house!
This plant prefers
2K ~ 20K lux to thrive!
0
20K~
2K
20K
Temperature
Houseplants
-15
16~20℃
45
Plants that grow in the wild and those that grow indoors prefer different temperatures. If you grow Ficus lyrata at home, make sure the temperature is 16~20℃.
Humidity
Ideal humidity
0
40~70%
100
Ficus lyrata prefers humidity about 40~70%. If necessary, increase humidity by misting, humidifier.
Fertilize
💬 Gardener's know-how
Collective Knowhow
When should I fertilize?
Only when your plant is healthy
How frequently should I fertilize?
1-2 times in growing season. A pinch for a small pot.
Characteristic
The taxonomic classification of Ficus lyrata is as follows. - Kingdom: Plantae, Phylum: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Rosales, Family: Moraceae, Genus: Ficus, Species: Ficus lyrata
| Characteristic Name | Characteristic Value |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Africa |
| Taxonomy Name | Taxonomy Value |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Moraceae |
| Genus | Ficus |
| Species | Ficus lyrata |
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