‘Fiddle Leaf Fig’ sounds like music to my ears. Such a fitting name for a plant whose leaves resemble the shape of violins, the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrate) is beautifully striking in any SWFL landscape due to its unique appearance.
This tree’s effortless beauty makes maintenance quite simple and, therefore, a welcome addition to many landscape situations. Although this tree can reach heights of 30+ feet, you can keep them trimmed to a more desirable size of 10-15 feet relatively easily. These versatile trees like partial shade or filtered sunlight conditions and they can also adapt to sunnier locations.
If you would rather enjoy your Fiddle Leaf Fig within your home, they make one of the best indoor potted accent plants and are currently one of the favorite interior accent plants used by designers. Because their leaves are so large, they make a striking green statement in any room and they hardly ever lose a leaf.
As far as caring for this plant, there are a few basic rules. Consistent pruning and shaping are needed in the spring to maintain this tree to your desired size and shape. Regular light watering is necessary and if planted outside, make sure it is not planted in overly wet soil. Sunlight with partial shade is preferred; it likes our humid conditions as it originated in the rainforest, so it does very well in Florida. If grown indoors, avoid placing your plant in areas that are drafty or directly under a fan as this might dry it out too quickly.
With just a little care, the Fiddle Leaf Fig could provide just the vibrant accent you need for your tropical landscape or interior design.
This plant column is a joint effort by all at In The Garden, Sanibel’s garden center, located at 3889 Sanibel Captiva Road, Sanibel, Florida.