Classification
Scientific name: Ficus lyrata
Common name(s): Fiddleleaf Fig
Family: Moraceae
INTRODUCTION
Evergreen tree with upright spreading, uneven growth that grows 40 to 50 feet tall. Fiddle leaf Fig yields dark green, thick, fiddle-shaped leaves that grow 8 to 15 inches long and 10 inches wide. The trunk can reach a diameter of several feet. The majority of the trees in the landscape range in height from 15 to 25 feet. Due to tight branch crotches and embedded bark, larger ones can break apart in heavy gusts. This can be avoided by doing corrective pruning early in the tree’s life. Plant them in a wind-sheltered area, like a courtyard, to increase their landscaping longevity.
Characteristics
1. Evergreen tree with upright spreading, uneven growth that grows 40 to 50 feet tall.
2. Uniformity of the crown: an irregular contour or silhouette, Round, spreading crown, vase-shaped crown
3. Moderate crown density and medium pace of growth
4. coarse texture
5. Simple leaf type and The leaf border is whole and undulates Obovate leaf form
6. Foliage Alternate leaf arrangement, pinnate leaf venation, and 8 to 12-inch leaf blade length, 4 to 8-inch leaf blade length
7. Color of the leaves: green
8. Flower characteristics: unobtrusive and unshowy
9. Fruit has a circular form, 5 inches in length Fleshy fruit cover Color of green fruit
10. Fruit characteristics: Does not attract wildlife, unobtrusive and unshowy, fruit, twigs, or foliage produce a substantial litter, fruit, twigs, or foliage cause major trash
11. Branches and the trunk, Branch drooping, not showy, usually only one trunk, no thorns, broken stems discharge a milky sap
12. Bark: Dark, flaky, greying, and smoothing as it ages
13. Pruning is necessary for a strong framework.
14. The density of wood is unknown.
15. Clay, sand, and loam soil tolerances, alkaline, and acidic soils, wet but well-drained soil, Tolerance for drought is great and Moderate tolerance to salt in aerosols
USE AND MANAGEMENT
1. When young, Fiddleleaf Fig can be utilized in pots or planted as a beautiful specimen tree. Because of their coarse leaf texture, they make a great accent along with a patio or in a shrub border.
2. The leaves can be a nuisance to some individuals as they fall due to their huge size, but there are never too many of them.
3. Fiddleleaf Fig grows reasonably quickly in full sun or partial shade on any well-drained soil and needs to be watered regularly. Before planting, trim the roots that round the container, as they can cause the tree to become unstable as it grows older.
4. Suitable for growing indoors; recommended for buffer strips around parking lots or median strip plantings in the highway; near a deck or patio; container or above-ground planter
Fiddle Leaf Fig Troubleshooting
Spots of Brown
Color Brown patches on fiddle leaf figs can be caused by four different things:
Root Rot Fungal Infection
A fungal infection can grow from the roots to the leaves of fiddle leaf figs when they absorb too much moisture, causing the leaves to become brown and eventually fall off. Remove the damaged roots and leaves and repot the plant in new soil if the roots seem brown and mushy. When watering your plant, resist the impulse to overwater it and allow it to drain entirely.
Bacterial Infection
Bacterial leaf spots are more brown than black, and they are more common on new young leaves. The spots are frequently found on fresh growth and have uneven borders. They can appear anywhere on the leaf. Remove any diseased leaves, repot with new soil, let the plant dry out between waterings, and give it plenty of sunlight if less than half of the leaves are impacted.
Dryness
Fiddle leaf figs require regular watering and relative humidity of 30 to 65 percent; otherwise, your plant will look wilted and the soil may shrink from the pot’s sides. By misting or moving to a less dry spot, you can create more perfect conditions.
Damage caused by insects
Small dark patches that develop into holes and traces of insects on the plant suggest insect damage. After two weeks, re-inspect the plant and spray both sides of the leaves with a neem oil product. If the infestation continues, repeat the spraying procedure.
Yellow leaves
Yellow leaves suggest a possible light or nutritional deficit, which can be corrected by moving the plant to a bright, filtered place and fertilizing it.
Leaves that are Dry, Flimsy, Puckered, Droopy, or Curling
Check to see whether your plant is in an area that is too chilly (such as near windows, doors, or vents). Also, mist or put up a humidifier nearby to generate an optimal humidity environment. Water your plant once a week and let it dry completely between waterings.
Leaves with Red or White Spots
Inconsistent watering with new growth can generate red spots, which will dissipate over time. Powdery mildew, fungus, or hard water stains can all generate white patches (use filtered or distilled water instead).
Falling leaves
Shock, dry circumstances, or root rot can all cause leaf drop. To aid your plant’s recovery, provide consistent lighting, watering, and temperature conditions.
Question: What are the advantages of Owning a Fiddle Leaf?
ANS: 1. Acts as an air cleaner
2. Helps in humidity control
3. Makes a striking and lovely addition to your house
Question: How do I take Care of a Fiddle Leaf Fig?
ANS: SUNLIGHT
1. Bright, filtered light
2. Avoid direct afternoon sun if possible (maximum of one hour)
Watering
1. Do not overwater
2. Use a moisture meter to detect when your plant needs to be watered
3. Allow your plant to completely drain between watering
Fertilizer
1. When you water your plants, fertilize them.
2. Use a liquid plant fertilizer like Dyna-Gro Foliage Pro Liquid Plant Food (9-3-6)
Pruning
Use a sharp, clean instrument to prune your plant regularly to keep it healthy, the right size, and to encourage new development.
Question: How can we Propagate Fiddle Leaf Fig?
ANS: Propagation is by layering and cuttings.