Fiddle Fig: Care, Location & Propagation

Whence the violin fig (Ficus lyrata) has its name is almost obvious. With its magnificent foliage, it beautifies our homes. We have put together everything you need to know about the violin fig tree.

In addition to the right location and the right care, the violin fig needs a lot of space, as it can reach impressive sizes. But then she is an absolute eye-catcher and can steal the show from other indoor plants. We provide the most important information on care, location and propagation.

Fiddler fig: size, growth and origin

The fiddle fig (Ficus lyrata) is a small tree in the genus fig (

ficus) and belongs to the mulberry family (Moraceae). Its natural range is in the West African tropics. Since it enjoys great popularity due to its imposing appearance, the plant can now also be found in other regions and is also often kept as a houseplant. Due to the close relationship to the rubber tree (Ficus elastica) the fiddle fig is also known as the fiddle gum tree.

In tropical regions, the violin fig grows very large, reaching heights of up to 25 meters. As a container plant, the violin ficus can reach heights of up to 4 meters, provided its location offers it enough space. It usually grows straight up with one shoot, but can also grow bushier through pruning measures. As a small tree, the violin fig develops a trunk that lignifies over time. The violin fig almost never flowers as a houseplant, in nature inconspicuous, small flowers appear. After pollination, the typical fig fruits develop. But even without flowers and fruits, the violin fig makes a good impression. Its huge leaves, up to 45 centimeters long, are leathery, shiny dark green on top and light green underneath with clear leaf veins. With the wavy edge of the blade, the shape is vaguely reminiscent of the instrument that gave it its name. The violin ficus is also considered to be particularly air-purifying.

The most beautiful varieties

There are different varieties of the violin fig, which show differences in growth habit and leaf colour.

• Ficus lyrata 'bambino': As the name suggests, the fiddlehead fig 'Bambino' does not grow as large as the actual species, but remains rather small and compact.
• Ficus lyrata 'Compacta': This variety also stays a bit smaller and the leaves are more clustered on the branches, making the plant look more compact.
• Ficus lyrata 'Variegata': This variety differs from the others in its leaf colour. The leaves are not only green, but have a creamy white edge.

Planting Ficus lyrata: location, time and procedure

In order to offer the violin fig a location that is adapted to its needs, it needs light and warmth above all. Once the violin fig is in a suitable location, the small tree thrives and does not require much care. The plant should then no longer be moved or turned, as it can react to changing lighting with leaf fall.

The fiddle fig tree likes a bright spot where it gets sunlight, but it can also grow in shady corners. Morning and evening sun are ideal, direct midday sun on the leaves of the fiddlehead fig should be avoided. The temperature is best around 25 °C. Slightly warmer or cooler temperatures are also fine for the fiddlehead, but it should never be colder than 15 °C. Ensure a location without drafts and with enough space on all sides so that the violin fig can develop fully.

The violin tree does not need any special substrate, high-quality potting soil with a pH value between 6 and 7 is ideal. It should be permeable so that there is neither waterlogging nor dehydration. Here, for example, we recommend our Plantura organic universal soil, which, thanks to the clay minerals it contains, can store water without getting wet. In addition, the earth without peat and through the use of natural raw materials is particularly sustainable and gentle on the environment.

Hydroculture in expanded clay is also suitable for the violin fig. This is recommended if you are often away from home or cannot water regularly. In hydroponics, the violin fig is held in place by expanded clay and can fetch the water from the planter with the roots themselves. The water level indicator makes it almost impossible to water too much or too little. Watering in advance, for example before a vacation, is then possible. An appropriate hydroponic fertilizer is necessary to also provide the plant with nutrients. Unfortunately, hydroponic fertilizers commonly use mineral fertilizers, which are typically energy intensive to produce and consume finite soil resources.

In the bedroom, the violin fig is particularly popular as an air purifier. It is important that a suitable location is selected that offers enough space and is sufficiently bright.

Tip: If you want the violin fig to look bushier, simply plant several specimens in a pot.

Fiddler Fig Care

Like any houseplant, the violin fig needs care so that it can continue to grow and stay healthy. The large leaves of the fiddler fig should be dusted regularly to keep the plant growing and healthy.

Pour, cut and fertilize fiddle figs

When you water the violin fig, it is important that the substrate is always moist but not wet. As soon as it becomes dry on the surface, water should be given again. Since the violin fig loves warmth, especially on the roots, it is best to water it with lukewarm water. Waterlogging must not occur, so draining water must be removed about 15 minutes after watering.

A cut is generally not necessary for violin ficus. Sometimes, however, a pruning is desirable, since the violin fig can become very large. The plant can be shortened by cutting off the main stem. It can also be trained to become a standard by first shortening the main shoot to the desired height. New shoots form at this point, the tips of which are cut off again as soon as they have reached a length of about 30 cm. Over time, the violin fig should develop such a crown and then appear like a small tree. The pruning measures should be carried out in the spring so that new shoots can develop directly afterwards. It is also advisable to wear gloves, as poisonous milky juice can escape.

To fertilize the violin fig, it is best to use a high-quality green plant fertilizer. To promote the growth of the violin fig, for example, ours is suitable Plantura organic room and green plant fertilizer, which is perfectly tailored to the green foliage and the high nitrogen requirement of many ornamental foliage plants. Its composition supports root growth as well as leaf formation. A nutrient supply every two weeks is sufficient during the growing season. In winter, the violin fig does not need to be fertilized and watered less.

Fiddler fig has brown spots or loses leaves: what to do?

The violin fig is losing leaves even though you have done everything right with the care? There can be different reasons:

relocation: The violin fig is very sensitive to disturbance, which means it does not like to be repotted, moved or rotated. In this case, it may happen that the plant has shed some leaves due to stress.

waterlogging: The substrate of the violin fig must not be wet under any circumstances, otherwise this can also lead to leaf loss. If waterlogging has occurred, you should definitely repot the violin fig in fresh, dry substrate and reduce the amount of water when watering. Brown spots on the leaves also indicate waterlogging.

Fertilization: If the violin fig does not get enough nutrients, this can be expressed in a yellow discoloration of the leaf edges. In this case, you should fertilize more regularly.

Dryness: If the violin fig shows shriveled, dried leaves, it is getting too much direct sunlight or is too dry. Check that the substrate is moist and protect the plant from direct midday sun.

age and light: If green leaves are dropped, the location may be too shady. If the leaf loss only occurs in the lower area, it is often simply due to the age of the plant. A cut can help here.

Branch fiddle fig: Here's how to do it

To branch the fiddler fig, the plant is cut back. To do this, the upper shoots are cut off in spring with a sharp knife. Several new shoots then form at the interfaces, so that the violin fig grows bushier. You can also use the separated shoots for propagation.

Propagate fiddle fig

If you want to multiply the violin fig, there are various methods. Spring is a good time for propagation.

cuttings: Probably the easiest method is propagation by cuttings. To do this, cut off soft, unwoody shoots at an angle in spring with a sharp knife. To stop the milky juice coming out, you can immerse the interface in water. As soon as the sap flow stops, you can set the shoot aside to dry. Then the cutting can be placed in a pot with a mixture of one part soil and three parts sand. A cover of cling film or a freezer bag ensures sufficient humidity. You should air the film once a day to prevent mold from forming. Temperatures of 25 to 30 °C, especially in the root area, are ideal for growth.

Even leaf cuttings can be used to multiply, but success is not certain. To do this, cut off individual leaves and place them in a glass of water until roots have formed.

mossing: Another method is the so-called mossing. For this type of propagation you need sphagnum moss. Mossing is also a good idea if the violin fig needs to be shortened. The cut is made on the trunk or on a woody shoot that must not be too thin. Here the trunk is cut diagonally from bottom to top towards the center of the trunk. A gap is created when the drive is slightly bent. Stick a small pebble in here to keep the gap open. The whole thing is wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and finally with cling film. After about four weeks you can check whether roots have formed and then cut off the shoot completely and plant it.

seeds: To propagate the violin fig by seeds, you can simply distribute the purchased seeds on a bit of substrate and cover them lightly with soil. Covering with cling film will help increase humidity. It should be aired regularly. Keep the pot warm at 25°C and keep the soil moist. It can take two weeks or three months before germination occurs.

Is the fiddlestick fig poisonous?

The violin fig is poisonous and should therefore not be kept in households with children or pets. Gloves are recommended when handling the plant.

A relative of the violin fig is the rubber tree (Ficus elastica). We provide all the important information on care and propagation.