Botanical name: Ficus lyrata medium
Commonly known as: Fiddle Leaf Fig
The medium Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is your sweet spot between the compact mini and the towering XL. With its large, violin-shaped leaves and bold green colour, it instantly adds sophistication to any room. This size is ideal for side tables, plant stands, or tucked beside a reading chair — it makes an impact without needing its own postcode.
Ficus Lyrata Medium Care Guide
💧 Watering – How often should I water a Ficus lyrata?
Water only when the top 4–5 cm of soil feels dry. Typically, that’s once a week in warmer months and less often in winter. Make sure your pot drains well — this plant hates sitting in water. Too much love (in the form of overwatering) is the fastest way to make it sulk.
☀️ Light – Where should I place my Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Place it where it gets bright, indirect light. A few hours of gentle morning or afternoon sun will do wonders, but avoid the harsh midday rays that can scorch leaves. If it starts dropping leaves, it’s likely asking for a brighter spot.
💨 Humidity – Does it need a humid environment?
It’s a tropical species at heart, so it enjoys moderate to high humidity. Normal indoor air is fine, but it will thank you for a light misting or sitting near a humidifier. In very dry homes, especially in winter, a humidity boost helps prevent brown leaf edges.
🌱 Soil – What soil mix is best for Ficus lyrata?
For optimal drainage and healthy roots, use our Aroid Mix, or make your own by combining Barks Unlimited Potting Soil with Perlite. A light, airy mix prevents compaction and keeps the root zone oxygen-rich.
🌿 Feeding – How do I fertilise my Ficus lyrata?
Feed every four to six weeks in spring and summer with our Organic Fertiliser. For steady, long-term nutrition, add a little Controlled Release Fertiliser at the start of the growing season. Stop feeding in winter when growth slows.
🪴 Repotting – When should I repot a Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Repot every 12–18 months, or when roots start peeking through drainage holes. Move up one pot size only and refresh with fresh mix. Mixing in some Bark Chips adds structure and airflow to the soil, encouraging stronger roots.
🐛 Pests – What pests affect Ficus lyrata?
Watch for scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. Wiping the leaves regularly keeps them dust-free and deters insects. If pests appear, treat them promptly with an insecticidal spray and repeat after a week. Healthy, well-lit plants are far less likely to attract trouble.
🌡️ Temperature – What’s the ideal temperature range?
Your Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers 18 °C – 28 °C. Avoid cold drafts, air-conditioning vents, and sudden temperature shifts. Temperatures below 15 °C will cause leaf drop.
FAQs
Q: Is Ficus lyrata good for beginners?
Yes. While it enjoys a bit of consistency, it’s surprisingly forgiving once you find the right watering rhythm and light spot.
Q: Why are the leaves turning brown at the edges?
The first thing is check is if it’s getting enough light. With out enough light, you will start seeing patchy edges and larger spots that start to turn brown. A Ficus Lyrata is a tree so it needs a lot of light to maintain it’s strong growth.
Q: Can I prune my Fiddle Leaf Fig to keep it compact?
Absolutely. Trim back taller stems in spring to encourage branching and a fuller shape.
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