If you’ve had your eyes open around Pinterest lately, you have come across the popular Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree. The tree has been in rooms featured in Lonny, Elle Decor, and Rue Magazine, and in homes of the likes of Jonathan Adler and Emily Henderson. It’s officially hit au courant status and is the first subject of the newest Apartment 34 Feature, This is Very Pinteresting!
The fycus lyrata, or Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree {named after its large, leathery leaves resembling the shape of a fiddle} is native to West Africa where it can grow up to 40 feet tall. Loved for its height and the sculptural element it brings to a room, it makes for a perfect indoor plant, especially if you have an empty corner to fill! Let’s take a closer look into the tree that’s stealing everyone’s little design hearts.
Some things you should know before buying the tree:
– There are two varieties of the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree. The column variety is the tree looking plant, with a bare trunk and leaves starting at about half way up the trunk. The bush variety is smaller {perfect on side tables and night stands} and the leaves start at the base of the trunk.
– You can find a plant measuring about 15” at your local gardening store for around $15. I recently bought a five foot Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree at a flower mart closed to designers, but open to the public during certain hours, for only $35! Anything over 5 feet, expect to pay at least $100.
Some things you should know to keep your tree green and healthy:
– The number one mistake people make is overwatering a plant. Water your Fiddle Fig Tree about every 10 days. A good tip is to measure how many cups of water it takes until the water seeps through the bottom of the pot. That way, you know exactly how much water is enough to soak the bottom of the roots because another mistake people make is not watering the plant enough. {My tree, in a 9 inch pot, drinks 7 cups of water every 10 days}
– The plant needs an abundant amount of sun. So, keep it in the sunniest spot of your room. {It will eventually lean towards the sun, so remember to turn the plant every couple of months}
– Since it’s an indoor plant, dust will collect on the leaves, attracting bugs and creating a barrier between the leaves and the sun. “Wash” the leaves with water and a soft towel every two months to ensure the best sun absorption.
What do you guys think? I’ve certainly fallen for the obsession, and I have to say, the Fiddle Fig Tree brings a life and a height to my kitchen that I love.
Will you be testing your green thumb and introducing this beauty into your home?
This is Very Pinteresting was brought to you by the new addition to Team Apartment 34, our intern Bianca of A Fabulous Challenge! I so hope you give her the warmest of welcomes!
images via here, here, elle decor, here, kirra jamison on sfgirlbybay, kim fisher designs on sfgirbybay
My favorite is the single branch in a glass vase. Natural, simple and chic!
I’m actually going to hunt one down this weekend. I’m keeping my fingers crossed I can find one since I know it’s a tropical plant, and well, let’s face it, Seattle is in no way tropical. But I have seen them around in some of the larger office buildings so there is hope!
I have always loved these plants and a little green in any room always looks great.
The picture of the stem in the vase is actually a fig tree stem, with fruit attached. This is an entirely different variety of tree than the fiddle leaf fig.
So excited to see this post because I actually just got one of these a couple of months ago (without knowing it was all the rage!!). : ) It’s my favorite plant in the house. I got it at about 3 ft tall. It’s a good 4 ft. now. I only paid $8 for it at my local Wal-Mart garden center. I actually went back last night to see if I could get a second one and they did not have them any more. : ( You can see it here: http://minasdecorandfashion.blogspot.com/p/our-new-home.html
You’d have to scroll down to the bottom of the house tour to see it. It’s in a green pot with yellow/white flower detail on the planter.
Thanks M. Rosen! I was thinking the same thing myself when I saw it labeled as a fiddle leaf fig on Pinterest and when I Google Image searched it as well! Now I want to do research on how to care for regular fig branches indoors too though – as I love that look, don’t you?!
I just recently purchased a fiddle leaf fig! @Miranda – I too am from Seattle and just picked one up at Ikea for under $10 last weekend!
I have read recently though that they can be toxic to pets and children…is this true? There seems to be differing opinions online and I am nervous b/c I also have a sweet little french bulldog and kitty that I would hate to see get sick!
Oh I really like this. Good tips in the post as well. I’ve killed many an orchid plant by over watering them.
Jenn from champagne & passports
I bought an inexpensive fiddle fig a few months ago and killed it. Oops. However, the care tips you posted might convince me to try again!
Love how the tree adds some green and opens up the space a bit. I love having plants in my apartment… may have to try this!
xx
http://hotchildinchicity.blogspot.com/
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great post Bianca! I so love this plant and planning to get one for my home soon, thanks for the tips!
Sarah – we don’t know if the fiddle leaf is toxic or not. i would definitely check with a vet. I also make a point to not let our pets eat anything out of the ordinary for that exact reason! Let us know what you find out
I love how fiddle leaf figs look planted in baskets so I went on the hunt for the perfect one. I did a round-up here… http://fortandfield.blogspot.com/2017/07/potting-fiddleleaf-fig-in-basket.html
Ah look at it, looks lovely indeed. Plants and greenery create a lovely freshness in any room.