Maintenance Landscaping Design

Ficus lyrata is a species of fig tree native to tropical West Africa. It is a large evergreen tree growing up to 30 m tall. The leaves are 10–25 cm long and 5–10 cm wide, with a deeply lobed margin. The flowers are small and borne in clusters. The fruit is a large yellowish-green Drupe 5–7 cm diameter.

Popular name

• Fiddle-leaf fig
  
• Banjo fig
  
• Guitar fig
  
• Banyan fig
  
• Fig tree

Good to Know

• Native to western Africa, ficus lyrata is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall.
  
• The tree has a wide, spreading canopy of dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and have a glossy texture.
  
• The tree produces small, yellowish-green flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
  
• Ficus lyrata is a popular houseplant and is often used as a specimen plant in public spaces.
  
• The tree is relatively easy to care for and does not require much pruning or fertilizing.
  
• Ficus lyrata can be susceptible to pests and diseases, such as root rot, scale, and mealybugs.
  
• The tree should be planted in well-draining soil in an area that receives full sun to partial shade.
  
• Ficus lyrata is relatively drought-tolerant and does not need to be watered frequently.
  
• The tree can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or air layering.
  
• Ficus lyrata has many traditional uses and is believed to have medicinal properties.

Related plant:
Ficus Variegata

How to Grow

1. For ficus lyrata, first step is to start off with a young tree that is about 3-4 feet tall.
   
2. The tree should be placed in an area with bright light but not direct sunlight.
   
3. The tree should be watered regularly, about once a week, to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
   
4. Fertilize the tree every six weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
   
5. Prune the tree as needed to keep it the desired shape.
   
6. The tree should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and encourage new growth.
   
7. To propagate ficus lyrata, take stem cuttings in the spring or summer and root them in moist potting mix.
   
8. scale insects and mealybugs can be a problem for ficus lyrata, so check the tree regularly for signs of infestation and treat accordingly.
   
9. Overwatering can be a problem for ficus lyrata, so make sure to water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
   
10. Ficus lyrata can be susceptible to fungal diseases, so avoid getting the leaves or branches wet and keep the tree in a well-ventilated area.

Related plant:
Ficus Elastica

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, Ficus lyrata like well-drained soil, and they also like to be watered regularly. The best soil for Ficus lyrata is a mixture of sand, loam, and peat moss. If you have heavy clay soil, you can improve it by adding organic matter. Ficus lyrata also likes to be fertilized regularly. A good fertilizer for Ficus lyrata is a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

About light

So, like the other houseplants, the ficus lyrata needs bright, indirect sunlight to grow. If you don't have a spot in your home that gets enough natural light, you can supplement with a grow light. Be sure to give your ficus lyrata a few hours of light each day to ensure healthy growth.

Ideal Temperature

The temperature condition that is most ideal for a Ficus lyrata is between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive in lower temperatures, but they will not thrive. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees, the leaves will start to drop off the plant.

Ideal Humidity

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 60% or slightly above. If the environment is too dry, the leaves will start to curl and drop off. If the humidity is too high, the leaves will start to yellow and drop off.

Fertilizer Requirement

Mentioning fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers a high nitrogen fertilizer to promote growth. It's best to use a fertilizer that is water-soluble and has a 4-8-8 or 5-10-5 NPK ratio. You should fertilize your ficus lyrata every two weeks during the growing season and monthly during the winter. As for the roots, they are quite sensitive to root rot. Therefore, it's important to make sure the pot has proper drainage and that the plant isn't sitting in water.

About light

Pruning is a essential part of plant maintenance whether you're trying to encourage growth or simply keeping a plant tidy. When pruning your ficus lyrata, or fiddle leaf fig, aim to remove about a quarter of the plant's overall growth. This will help the plant to maintain a healthy shape and encourage new growth. If your plant is looking particularly overgrown, you can remove up to half of its growth. Just be sure to prune gradually so as not to shock the plant.

About Propagating

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. Ficus lyrata can be propagated from stem cuttings or by division. To propagate by stem cuttings, cut a 4-6 inch piece of stem from the mother plant. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moistened potting mix and place in a warm, humid location. Keep the soil moist and within a few weeks, the cutting should develop roots and new growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the mother plant and divide it into two or more sections, making sure each section has a good root system. Plant the divided sections in their own pots filled with moistened potting mix and place in a warm, humid location. Water regularly and within a few weeks, the plants should develop new growth.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate well in bright indirect sunlight but can tolerate some direct sun. They like to be in evenly moist soil but will tolerate some drought. A young tree will need more water than an established one. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out in between watering. These trees are pretty fast growers and can put on a couple feet a year. If you want to control the size, you can prune it.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are leaf drop, yellow leaves, and brown leaves. These problems are often caused by too much or too little water, incorrect light levels, or poor drainage. To fix these problems, make sure to water your ficus lyrata regularly and give it plenty of bright, indirect light. Additionally, make sure the plant is in a well-draining pot so that the roots don't become waterlogged.

Tips on Growing

• Make sure to plant your ficus lyrata in well-draining soil.
  
• Water your ficus regularly, making sure the soil stays moist but not soggy.
  
• Place your ficus in a bright spot, but be sure to protect it from direct sunlight.
  
• Fertilize your ficus every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
  
• Prune your ficus regularly to encourage new growth and to keep it looking tidy.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and treat them promptly if found.
  
• Avoid drastic changes in temperature and humidity, as this can stress your ficus.
  
• Provide adequate humidity for your ficus by placing it on a pebble tray or using a humidifier.
  
• Gently brush the leaves of your ficus with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and keep them healthy.
  
• With proper care, your

Substitution

• Fig
  
• Myrtle
  
• Bayberry
  
• Alder
  
• Sycamore
  
• Maple
  
• Willow
  
• Ash
  
• Oak
  
• Elm
  

Source:
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) — Adams County Master Gardener …
Ficus lyrata - University of Florida
Ficus lyrata - UF/IFAS Assessment - University of Florida