Plants

Fiddle-leaf fig care: light, water & problems

Scientific name: Ficus lyrata · Common name: Fiddle-leaf fig

Indoor tree with large, leathery, violin-shaped leaves featuring prominent veins and slightly wavy margins.

Editorial revision: 2026-10-08

Care at a glance

Light: It requires abundant bright, indirect light. Gentle morning direct sun is beneficial.
Watering: Water thoroughly when the top layer of the mix feels dry. It is sensitive to both extreme drought and waterlogging.

Indoor tree with large, leathery, violin-shaped leaves featuring prominent veins and slightly wavy margins.

It requires abundant bright, indirect light. Gentle morning direct sun is beneficial.

Water thoroughly when the top layer of the mix feels dry. It is sensitive to both extreme drought and waterlogging.

Conditions vary with pot, season and location. Always check the mix and your plant's response.

Avoid cold draughts and sudden temperature drops, which trigger leaf drop.

Choose a stable draining pot and a mix that resists compaction. A larger container changes how long it takes to dry.

Feed during active growth only when light and root conditions are suitable; follow label rates.

Brown tips and edges are often caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering.

ASPCA lists this species as toxic to cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it; contact a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected.

This is usually a stress response to low light, cold draughts, or a sudden change in its location.