Ficus lyrata, commonly called fiddle leaf fig, is a tropical tree native to western Africa known for its large, violin-shaped leaves with a thick, glossy surface and strong veining. What makes this plant special is its ability to grow into a tall, tree-like form indoors, with bold, oversized foliage that creates a strong architectural statement. Light drives everything with this plant—size, structure, and stability. Place it directly in a south or east-facing window where it receives strong, consistent light. Under grow lights, use 5000K–6500K placed 8–12 inches from the top of the plant. If light is too low, the plant will drop leaves from the lower trunk and produce smaller, thinner growth. Strong, steady light keeps leaves large, thick, and spaced tighter along the stem. Watering needs to be consistent but not frequent. Allow the soil to dry about halfway down before watering, then water thoroughly and let it drain, using a mix of succulent soil, perlite, and orchid bark for airflow. This plant reacts clearly—brown spots in the middle of leaves often point to overwatering, while crispy edges usually indicate inconsistent watering or low humidity. Sudden leaf drop can happen from environmental changes, but if multiple leaves yellow at once, the roots are staying too wet.
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