Fiddle-leaf fig Ficus lyrata
Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Moraceae family, native to Lowland rainforest of West and Central Africa (Sierra Leone to Cameroon). It grows 2–15 m (6.6–49 ft) tall and 1–8 m (3.3–26 ft) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 5 °C (41 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
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Fiddle-leaf fig at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Moraceae |
| Mature height | 2–15 m (6.6–49 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–8 m (3.3–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 5 °C (41 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Lowland rainforest of West and Central Africa (Sierra Leone to Cameroon) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇳🇱 Netherlands, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Fiddle-leaf fig toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: milky sap, leaves
The milky sap irritates skin and the gut and can cause a rash in sunlight; ficus latex is also a known indoor allergen.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Fiddle-leaf fig
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Fiddle-leaf fig
- How far apart should I plant Fiddle-leaf fig?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–8 m (3.3–26 ft).
- Does Fiddle-leaf fig need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Fiddle-leaf fig need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Fiddle-leaf fig?
- It tolerates about 5 °C (41 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- Is Fiddle-leaf fig poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. The milky sap irritates skin and the gut and can cause a rash in sunlight; ficus latex is also a known indoor allergen.
- What grows well with Fiddle-leaf fig?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Fiddle-leaf fig. Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- A tropical plant: outdoors only in frost-free, humid climates; elsewhere a houseplant for bright, indirect light that likes warmth and humidity and hates cold draughts.
- Huge, leathery, violin-shaped leaves with wavy edges: a designer favourite that sulks and drops leaves when moved, chilled or watered irregularly. In the tropics it becomes a large tree, often starting life as an epiphyte.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Common fig Ficus carica
- White mulberry Morus alba
- Rubber fig Ficus elastica
- Chinese banyan Ficus microcarpa
- Jackfruit Artocarpus heterophyllus
- Sacred fig (peepal, bodhi tree) Ficus religiosa
- Indian banyan Ficus benghalensis
- Sycamore fig Ficus sycomorus