Fiddle-leaf fig Ficus lyrata

This decorative plant, with its photogenic appearance and exciting foliage, is the big Instagram hit of our times. The fiddle-leaf fig works well as an eye-catcher by itself in a big pot. It’s relatively robust, as long as you don’t move it around too much. So, find a good spot for it and leave it there. With really good indoor conditions, you can expect your fiddle-leaf fig to grow to 2m (6½ft) in height. It likes a good dusting now and again. The hard, slightly rigid leaves often attract airborne dust particles, so in order to help it get as much light as possible, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe the leaves down once in a while.

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The fiddle-leaf fig likes lots of bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight if placed in an east- or west-facing window (i.e. for shorter periods of morning or evening sun).

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The fiddle-leaf fig likes to dry out between waterings. Use the finger trick to see if the plant needs water. If the soil is dry a few centimetres (about 1in) down into the pot, it’s time to water.

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Use ordinary potting compost with a layer of leca balls in the bottom. To ensure good drainage, mix a few leca balls in with the compost. The fiddle-leaf fig likes frequent repotting during the first few years, as this stimulates growth and gives the plant good conditions in which to grow.

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It is a fairly flexible plant when it comes to feeding. During the growing season, you can quite happily give it liquid organic plant food once a month.

Image ORIGIN

The fiddle-leaf fig is native to West Africa, from Sierra Leone to Cameroon. In the wild, this plant can grow up to 15m (49ft) in height.

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You can propagate a fiddle-leaf fig from cuttings. Remove a leaf from the top of the plant and put the cutting in water so that the stem can form roots. Be prepared for the fact that it can be rather challenging to get the cutting to put out roots. All the same, one of the advantages of taking a cutting from the top is that this will encourage the parent plant to bush out and form new branches. Fiddle-leaf fig is mildly toxic to children and pets.

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