- Fiddle fig: size, growth and origin
- The most beautiful varieties
- Planting Ficus lyrata: location, time and procedure
- Care of the fiddle fig
- Propagating Fiddler Fig
- Is the fiddlehead fig poisonous?
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Where the violin fig (Ficus lyrata) got its name from is almost obvious. With its magnificent foliage, it beautifies our homes. We have put together everything you need to know about the fiddle-fig tree.
In addition to the right location and the right care, the violin fig needs a lot of space because 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.
Fiddle fig: size, growth and origin
The fiddler fig (Ficus lyrata) is a small tree in the fig genus (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 its close relationship to the rubber tree (Ficus elastica), the fiddle fig is also known as the fiddle rubber tree.
In tropical regions, the fiddlehead 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 fiddler 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 little smaller and the leaves are clustered on the branches, making the plant more compact works.
- Ficus lyrata 'Variegata': This variety differs from the others by the color of its leaves. 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 rotated, as it can react to changing lighting with leaf fall.
The fiddler 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 fully unfold.
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 can store water without waterlogging thanks to the clay minerals it contains. In addition, the soil is peat-free and the use of natural raw materials is particularly sustainable and environmentally friendly.
Hydroculture in expanded clay is also suitable for the violin fig. This is recommended if youare often not at 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 typically use mineral fertilizers, which are typically energy-intensive to produce and consume finite soil resources.
The fiddle fig is particularly popular in the bedroom 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.
Care of the fiddle fig
Like any houseplant, the fiddlehead fig needs care so that it can continue to grow and stay he althy. The large leaves of the fiddler fig should be dusted regularly to keep the plant growing and he althy.
Water, cut and fertilize fiddle figs
When you water the fiddlehead 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 pruning is generally not necessary with the 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. At this point, new shoots form, the tips of which are cut off 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. Wearing gloves is also advisablepoisonous milky sap can escape.
To fertilize the violin fig, it is best to use a high-quality green plant fertilizer. Our Plantura organic indoor & green plant fertilizer, which is perfectly tailored to the green foliage and the high nitrogen requirement of many ornamental leaf plants, is suitable for promoting the growth of the violin fig. Its composition supports root growth as well as leaf development. 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.
Fiddlehead fig has brown spots or is losing leaves: what to do?
The fiddlehead fig is losing leaves even though you have done everything right when caring for it? This can have various causes:
Change of location: The fiddlehead fig is very sensitive to disturbance, which means it doesn't 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 never be wet, 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.
Drought: If the fiddler 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 pruning can help here.
Branch fiddle fig: How to do it
In order 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. The severedYou can also use shoots for propagation.
Propagating Fiddler Fig
If you want to propagate the fiddlehead 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.
Also leaf cuttings can be used for propagation, but success is not certain. To do this, cut off individual leaves and place them in a glass of water until roots have formed.
Moosing: 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 to see if roots have formed, then cut off the entire shoot and plant.
Seeds: To propagate the fiddlehead fig with 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 may take two weeks or three months for germination to occur.
Is the fiddlehead fig poisonous?
The fiddlehead fig is poisonous andshould therefore not be kept in households with children or pets. Gloves are recommended when handling the plant.
A relative of the fiddle fig is the rubber tree (Ficus elastica). We provide all important information on care and propagation.