Ficus lyrata Maintenance & Care Checklist
1. Plant Family Overview: Ficus lyrata
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is the "stunner" of the office plant world, massive architectural leaves define a space.
Appearance: Distinctive, large, leathery leaves shaped like a violin (fiddle). It typically grows as a single-stemmed tree or a multi-stemmed bush.
Common Varieties: Standard Ficus lyrata (large tree), Ficus lyrata 'Bambino' (dwarf variety, smaller leaves, more compact).
Office Characteristics: A statement piece. It provides significant vertical height and visual drama for reception areas or executive suites.
Key Sensitivities: Change and Drafts. Moving it or cold drafts may cause leaf drop. It can also suffer from root rot if overwatered.
2. Ideal Conditions
Light: High light requirement.
Target: Within 1–2 metres of a large window.
Tolerance: Needs bright indirect light. Will not survive in low-light corners or windowless rooms. Can tolerate some morning sun, but avoid harsh midday scorching.
Temperature: Warm and consistent.
Ideal: 18°C – 26°C.
Limit: Avoid temperatures below 15°C or placing near automatic doors or AC vents.
Humidity: Prefers high humidity (50 - 60%) but will adapt to office air (40%) if watered correctly.
Water Quality: Tepid (room temperature) water. If possible, let tap water sit in an open container overnight to allow chlorine to evaporate.
Potting Mix: (soil plants) Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil (peat-free with perlite/bark).
Feeding: Moderate feeder during the growing season.
3. Weekly / Fortnightly Maintenance Checklist
Perform these tasks on a consistent day (e.g. every Wednesday).
Watering Check (Soil Plants): (The "Stick Test")
Ficus lyrata loves a "soak and dry" cycle. It hates "wet feet."
Insert a wooden skewer or finger deep into the soil (at least 5–7 cm) or use a moisture meter.
Action:
If soil is damp/cool or soil sticks to the skewer: DO NOT WATER.
If soil is dry (skewer comes out clean): Add water.
Quantity: Water thoroughly until it flows out the base, but ensure it does not sit in water.
Visual Sign: If the top leaves look droopy, it is likely thirsty.
HydroCare Plants: Leave for 7-10 days on minimum before topping up, never go above optimum on the water level indicator.
Cleaning:
Dusting: The huge, horizontal leaves are dust traps. Dust blocks photosynthesis. Wipe leaves weekly with a damp microfiber cloth or dust gloves.
Support: Support the leaf with your hand underneath while wiping to avoid snapping the stem.
Positioning & Environment:
Draft Check: Verify that no new drafts (opened windows, AC redirection) are hitting the plant.
Stability: Ensure the tree is stable in its pot and not leaning.
Quick Health Scan:
Scan for Spots: Look for brown spots on leaves.
- Crispy brown spots: Dry air or underwatering.
- Dark brown/black mushy spots: Overwatering (Root Rot).
Scan for Drop: Check the floor. One leaf drop is okay; lots of shedding is an issue.
4. Monthly / Bi-Monthly Tasks
Fertilising (Feed):
When: March to September.
What: Soil Plants; General-purpose liquid houseplant food. HydroCare Plants; Hydroponic liquid plant food.
Frequency: Once a month.
Rotation:
Rotate the pot slightly (quarter turn) every month. The Fiddle Leaf Fig leans towards the light. If not rotated, it will grow crooked.
Soil Surface Loosening:
Gently aerate the topsoil with a fork to prevent compaction.
5. Seasonal Adjustments
Spring / Summer (Active Growth)
Watering: Consumption increases. Check weekly.
Growth: New leaves emerge from the top covered in a reddish-brown husk. This is normal, do not pick it off; it will fall off naturally as the leaf expands.
Autumn / Winter (Dormancy)
Watering: Reduce significantly. The plant slows down. Check every 10–14 days.
Risk: Overwatering in winter causes the infamous "black leaf drop."
Light: Move closer to the window if possible to maximise available light during dark days.
Humidity: If the office heating is aggressive, mist the leaves occasionally.
6. What NOT to Do
Don't move the plant unnecessarily. It takes weeks to acclimate to a spot. Moving it causes shock.
Don't pull off the brown husk on top of a new leaf; you will damage the delicate baby leaf inside.
Don't water on a schedule (e.g., "every Monday"). Only water when the soil check says so.
Don't place near a radiator or under an air conditioning vent.
Don't use leaf shine sprays excessively; those leaves need to breathe.
7. Red Flags & Early Warning Signs
Use this troubleshooting guide to catch and treat issues.
Mass leaf drop (Green leaves)
Shock (Drafts or Moving)
Stop moving it. Check for AC vents.
Brown spots (Center/Edge)
Root Rot (Overwatering)
Stop watering. Allow soil to dry out.
Crispy, curling edges
Dry air / Underwatering
Water immediately. Mist leaves.
Yellowing lower leaves
Nitrogen deficiency / Old age
Feed if in season. Else, remove leaf.
Red spots on NEW leaves
Edema (Inconsistent watering)
Normalises as leaf grows. Steady watering.
Leaves looking dull/grey
Dust buildup
Wipe leaves.