10 Things Nobody Tells You About Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trees

Fiddle-leaf fig trees continue to reign supreme as the ultimate houseplant phenomenon, refusing to fade from the spotlight even after more than five years of widespread popularity. With an impressive 125,272 Instagram posts (and counting) that showcase its elegant foliage and versatility in home decor, it’s no surprise that this tropical rainforest native has become a staple of modern interiors.

However, behind its Instagram-perfect facade lies a complex plant with strong opinions about its environment. In this article, we’ll delve into the lesser-known facts about fiddle-leaf fig trees, debunking common myths and uncovering the truth about what makes them tick. Here are 10 surprising revelations that will give you a fresh perspective on the world’s most popular houseplant.

You cannot grow a new fiddle-leaf fig tree from a leaf.

To successfully propagate a fiddle-leaf fig tree, it’s essential to begin with a tip cutting – a stem at least 6 inches in length, accompanied by a leaf. Without a stem, any roots that may emerge from leaves will be purely decorative and won’t result in the growth of a new tree.

Another effective technique for propagating fiddle-leaf fig trees or other woody tropical plants is air layering. This method involves making a slanted cut on a stem to stimulate new root development.

You can buy a fiddle-leaf fig tree for $12.99 from Ikea.

It’s astonishing to think about the significant progress we’ve made in recent years when it comes to obtaining fiddle-leaf fig trees. Just a few short years ago, these plants were often elusive and pricey – if you could even find one at all. You’d have had to shell out upwards of $150 or more to take home a Ficus Lyrata from a local nursery or plant shop. Fast forward to today, and the options are vastly different.

With the rise of online shopping, it’s now possible to purchase a live fiddle-leaf fig tree for a fraction of that cost. For instance, you can pick up a 12-inch tall Ficus Lyrata Bambino for around $13 or opt for a more substantial 26-inch tall specimen from Ikea for just under $20.

A tiny fiddle-leaf fig might suit your lifestyle better than a tree.

While Ikea’s Ficus Lyrata Bambino thrives at just 12 inches high on a windowsill, provided with bright and indirect light for $12.99, its indoor counterpart has the potential to be quite the opposite – overgrown. A potted fiddle-leaf fig tree can grow as tall as 10 feet indoors, which is nothing short of impressive. However, it’s not all good news; a happy tree that outgrows your home can be just as problematic as one that’s struggling due to neglect.

A fiddle-leaf fig tree is even more finicky than you thought.

While the iconic photograph by Michelle Slatalla sets the tone for this passage, let’s dive into the often-repeated yet not always fully understood truth: fiddle-leaf fig trees are quite finicky when it comes to their environment. They don’t thrive in conditions that include drafts, overly wet or dry soil, extreme sun exposure, lack of sunlight, dry air, or background noise – yes, just kidding about that last one!

However, if you’re looking for a unique birthday gift for your fiddle-leaf fig tree, consider gifting it a humidifier to create the perfect conditions for its special day.

A fiddle-leaf fig tree houseplant will outgrow your house.

A glimpse of serenity can be found in this stunning fiddle leaf fig tree, thriving in a large planter placed in a sheltered outdoor spot as captured by @thebalconygarden, courtesy of @harrisonlandscaping. Interestingly, if your fiddle-leaf fig tree has outgrown its indoor space, that’s a sign it’s truly flourishing!

In this case, consider relocating the tree to an outdoor area with some protection from harsh weather conditions like strong winds, scorching sun, freezing temperatures, and wayward soccer balls kicked by enthusiastic neighbors’ kids.

To revive a dying fiddle-leaf fig, chop off the top of the trunk.

The accompanying photograph, courtesy of @dear_plants, may not look like much at first glance. However, bear with us as we delve into the subject matter…

A fiddle-leaf fig tree will sprout from the trunk if you cut it back.

In the best-case scenario, your succulent is likely to undergo a transformation – its stems will start producing multiple new leaves, giving it a fuller and more lush appearance compared to when you first began nurturing it.

A spindly fiddle-leaf fit tree can look as good as a bushy one.

While visual harmony is key, it’s equally important to consider the styling of your plants. Take, for instance, the humble fiddle-leaf fig tree. By carefully selecting companion plants that complement its unique shape and size, you can transform a potentially awkward arrangement into a deliberate design statement.

One effective approach is to pair this slender tree with a similarly sleek succulent or euphorbia, allowing their shared lines and minimalist aesthetic to create a visually appealing whole.

A fiddle-leaf fig tree needs likes more humidity than you have indoors.

To give your rainforest escapee the best chance to flourish, you’ll want to create an environment that mirrors its natural habitat. This means maintaining a humidity level of around 65%. Unfortunately, most indoor spaces typically have humidity levels of just 10%, which can be detrimental to your tree’s health. If you notice your tree is looking fatigued or its leaves are browning, it’s likely due to low humidity.

To combat this, consider setting up a humidifier nearby or simply misting the area with water.

If all else fails, you can fake it with a faux fiddle-leaf fig tree.

The 6 Foot Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree boasts a convincing appearance, with broad leaves that mimic those of its real-life counterpart. The poseable branches and textured ‘bark’ add to its realistic look. Available for $179.99 at World Market, this artificial tree is an affordable way to bring a touch of greenery into your home. If you’re interested in learning more about growing and caring for fiddle leaf fig trees, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide.

Additionally, explore our curated design guides on Houseplants 101 and discover new ways to incorporate houseplants into your decor.