Money Plant
Epipremnum aureum
low lightpet cautionToxic to pets
SPECIMEN NO. 624
Native toTropical Western and Central Africa
Pet caution
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Ficus lyrata
Also known as: Banjo Fig, Lyre Leaf Fig
A dramatic statement plant with large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves and prominent veining. Popular with interior designers, though known for being sensitive to changes in its environment.
7–10dwatering range
bright indirectlight needs
16–27°Ctemperature
Watering amount
How much water does my Fiddle Leaf Fig need?
Estimated guideline, not a precise measurement — scale up for larger pots, brighter light, or active growth; scale down for smaller pots, lower light, or winter dormancy. Always water until it drains from the pot's base rather than measuring exactly. Use soil moisture and plant condition as the primary guide; the ml value is only a rough estimate.
Watering guide
Season note
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in low-light winter months.
Overwatering signs
Root rot, brown spots with yellow halos, leaf drop
Underwatering signs
Wilting, dry crispy brown edges
Light & placement
Light level
bright indirect
Best rooms
Care details
Soil
Well-draining, loamy potting mix
Humidity
Prefers moderate to high humidity
Fertilizer
Feed once in spring and monthly through summer; skip in winter
Temperature range
16°C – 27°C
Plant care guide
The fiddle leaf fig, Ficus lyrata, is native to tropical western and central Africa, including countries such as Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and neighboring regions. In its native habitat it grows into a genuinely massive tree, reaching heights of 30 to 60 feet or more, a dramatic contrast to the modestly sized potted specimens familiar from apartments and design magazines. It belongs to the fig genus, Ficus, and the mulberry family, Moraceae, making it a close relative of both the rubber plant and the many other fig species found throughout the tropics.
One of the more surprising facts about fiddle leaf fig's life cycle is that it doesn't begin growing from the ground the way most trees do. Ficus lyrata can begin life as an epiphyte, a growth strategy seen in several tropical figs: a bird or other animal deposits a seed high in the canopy of another, larger tree, where the seed germinates in a spot with abundant sunlight unavailable to seedlings on the shaded forest floor below. From there, the young fiddle leaf fig sends roots downward toward the ground while its stem and leaves grow upward, eventually forming a substantial trunk of its own and, over time, potentially overtaking or even outcompeting its original host tree for space and resources — a dramatic growth strategy shared with several other banyan-type fig species. In the wild, mature trees produce small, round, fleshy green figs that turn red as they ripen, though fruiting is uncommon on ordinary houseplants and successful seed production depends on the species' pollination biology and suitable pollinators.
Toxicity
Pets: Toxic to pets — keep out of reach
Humans: Toxic to humans if ingested
Sap contains calcium oxalate crystals; causes oral irritation, drooling, and skin irritation on contact. Same toxic mechanism documented as harmful to humans in clinical/poison-control literature.
See our full guide to houseplants toxic to cats and dogs for pet-safe alternatives.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I water a Fiddle Leaf Fig?+
Roughly every 7–10 days, once the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry — it dislikes both overwatering and prolonged dryness.
Why is my Fiddle Leaf Fig dropping leaves?+
Leaf drop can follow moving or rotating the plant, inconsistent watering, insufficient light, temperature changes, or drafts; keeping conditions stable helps reduce stress.
Is Fiddle Leaf Fig toxic to pets?+
Yes, it's toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, and the sap can irritate skin — wear gloves when pruning.
Common problems
Drooping & Wilting
Wilting means a plant’s stems and leaves have lost turgor pressure — the internal water pr…
Stunted or Slow Growth
A stunted plant has stopped growing, or is growing far more slowly than expected, well out…
Transplant Shock
Transplant shock shows up as wilting, leaf drop, or stalled growth — the main symptoms to …
