Decorating Guides

Play Up Some Fiddleleaf Figs for a Lively Indoor Song

The fiddleleaf fig, Ficus lyrata,with itslarge, dramatic leaves which audience on top of narrow trunks, is perfect for filling a corner and providing a welcome shot of green that operates with each style. But minimalists might benefit the most. The fiddleleaf fig happens to look most fabulous in pristine interiors, where its own sculptural fiddle-shaped leaves become nearly cartoon-like. Interestingly, while really tropical in origin, ficus lyrata appears similar to something one could see in a medieval backyard or a nicely illustrated children’s novel — no beachy decor vibe here.

In addition to all of those great design qualities, fiddleleaf is also known among the easiest ficus forms to look after, and in my study I have yet to come upon any negative comments.

A tall fiddleleaf fig fits perfectly between two armchairs here, creating a park-like vibe. The huge scale and slightly retro fabric on the cushions nicely complement the big green leaves.

Chris Barrett Design

The rustic furnishings and design in this Palos Verdes, California, home are elegant and spare, providing the perfect setting to get a fiddleleaf.

Wettling Architects

The plant even works well with a mostly neutral midcentury modern design in Manhattan.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

Artfully paired using ultrawhite decoration in this Portland, Oregon, home office, fiddlelleaf fig steals the show. Notice that in this scenario at least three or four young trees have been planted in 1 container to get a voluminous effect.

Taylor Jacobson Interior Design

A large-leaved ficus fills a corner in this Los Angeles home, bringing a joy to a room that might have gotten heavy (regardless of the attractiveness) due to the timber flooring, doors and lots of molding.

Peter Vincent Architects

This fiddleleaf fig in an open living room in Hawaii adds interest to the vertical distance and brings the outside in, along with the thin tree trunk nicely complements the delicate side-chair frames.

Dana Frieling Interiors

The gray walls in this Austin, Texas, home are a stunning backdrop for a nice-size fiddleleaf ficus. The tall wicker basket visually impacts the top-heavy shrub, and it’s very likely that the true pot is propped up within the basket to give the illusion of a tree that is taller — a great trick to use everywhere.

If your design needs something somewhat less rustic, consider with an enameled metal garbage can or even a tall ceramic planter. You can fill the lower half of the pot with filler stones or dirt prior to adding the plant or tree.

Shaw Coates

If you’re thinking about adding a fiddleleaf ficus to your home, consider investing in two. A pair of plants which flank the fireplace certainly works well in this Rancho Santa Fe, California, home.

When introducing green plants into a neutral environment, you might wish to consider also adding another color of green (or yellow-green) at a lighter worth to ease the contrast between the dark green leaves and the light walls and furnishings. The drapes here do the trick and make a look that’s sophisticated, elegant and comfy while maintaining a very contemporary feel.

The best way to care for fiddleleaf fig:
Light: Moderate to bright. The plant requires more mild if it appears to be reaching toward the light, has falling leaves or has fresh growth that’s restricted or smaller than older growth. Too much direct sunlight may result in bleaching, browning or discoloration of leaves. Temperature: Prefers indoor temperatures between 60 and 85 levels. Water: Water moderately and permit the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Overwatering can cause root rot. Browning on the edges of the leaves is quite likely a indication of overwatering. Drooping or yellowish leaves which begin falling are quite likely a indication of underwatering. Use room-temperature water, and if you would like to be particularly cautious, use water that’s been sitting for at least 24 hours, which allows for chlorine absorption. Soil: General-purpose soil that’s full of organic matter and has good drainage. Feeding: Fertilize monthly or as frequently as every two weeks using a water-soluble fertilizer during the spring and summer, if wanted. Other factors:
Size: The fiddleleaf fig can grow up to 12 feet high and 6 ft wide; therefore at some stage you may need to prune it — however keep your pruning shears packed away, since it isn’t a pristine plant. If you’re looking for a huge shrub to fill a particular space, it would be sensible to invest in a plant that’s near the size you desire. Air purification: The larger the leaves, the more toxins they could eliminate. Poison indicator: This plant may be poisonous if digested, so please keep it away from little ones — yet another reason to put money into the large tree of your dreams (the leaves are going to be out of reach). Native habitat: Western African tropical jungle atmosphere. The plant grows edible fruit when outside in its native habitat.

See related