Appearance

Growth form

An evergreen tree that usually stays about 2–10 ft (0.6–3 m) tall as a houseplant. In Florida landscapes it can reach about 25–50 ft (7.6–15 m).

Leaves

The leathery leaves are broad, somewhat pinched in the middle, and wavy along the edge. They can reach 8–15 in (20–38 cm) long outdoors.

Flowers

The tiny flowers sit inside a round, fig-like structure, so they are not showy from the outside.

Fruit

Outdoor trees can bear small round figs that turn reddish as they ripen.

Look-alikes

Indian rubber plantFicus elastica

Rubber plant leaves are long, smooth ovals with a glossy surface. Fiddle-leaf fig leaves have a narrower middle and wavy edges.

Why they get mixed up · Both are large-leaved indoor figs.

Where it lives

Typical habitats

• Homes and conservatories
• Warm Florida landscapes

Range

Native to tropical western and central Africa; grown indoors across the United States and outdoors in warm Florida landscapes.

Preferred conditions

Indoors, give it bright light and let the potting mix drain well.

Growing it

Care

Water regularly but use well-drained soil. A potted plant rarely flowers or bears figs indoors.

Propagation

Stem cuttings and rooting a branch while it is still attached can produce new plants.

Name and classification

Varieties and forms

Gardeners also grow a compact form called ‘Bambino’.

Conservation

IUCN Red List

LCLeast Concern·Low risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories

• The name “fiddle-leaf” describes the leaf outline.