Fiddle leaf fig care in offices
Ficus lyrata
A fiddle leaf fig needs bright, indirect light. Water it regularly in spring and summer, and give it less water from fall to late winter. Keep it above 55°F.
Fiddle leaf fig facts
- Botanical name
- Ficus lyrata
- Family
- Moraceae (fig family)[1]
- Native range
- West and west-central tropical Africa, from Guinea-Bissau east to Cameroon and Gabon[1]
- Light
- Bright, indirect light or part shade. Protect it from afternoon sun.[2]
- Water
- Water regularly in spring and summer. Do not overwater. Give less water from fall to late winter.[2]
- Temperature
- Grows best above 55°F, in medium humidity[3]
- Cats and dogs
- The ASPCA has no page for this species. The ASPCA lists figs (Ficus sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. NC State Extension lists the fiddle leaf fig as poisonous, with low severity.[4][3]
- Common problems
- Scale, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. Leaf drop from too much or too little water.[3]
Light and location
A fiddle leaf fig needs bright, indirect light or part shade. Protect it from hot afternoon sun.[2]
Keep ficus plants away from drafts. Indoor ficus plants do best between 65 and 80°F.[5]
Water
Water the plant regularly during the growing season. Give it less water from fall to late winter. Do not overwater it.[2]
The plant can drop leaves when it gets too much water or too little water.[3]
Pests and problems
Indoors, look for scale, aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. Bacterial and fungal diseases can also occur.[3]
How MotherBotanist cares for a fiddle leaf fig
On each weekly visit, the technician does these tasks for each plant:
- Check the soil, and water only if the plant needs it
- Look for pests, disease, and signs of stress
- Remove dust from the leaves
- Cut off dead or damaged leaves
- Turn the plant so that all sides get light
The technician records the care and adds a photo to the plant profile in your client portal.
Fiddle leaf fig questions
Short answers about this plant in an office.
How much light does a fiddle leaf fig need in an office?
It needs bright, indirect light or part shade, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Protect it from hot afternoon sun.
How often should you water a fiddle leaf fig?
Water it regularly in spring and summer, and give it less water from fall to late winter, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden. Do not overwater it. NC State Extension says that the plant can drop leaves after too much or too little water.
Is a fiddle leaf fig toxic to cats and dogs?
Treat it as toxic. The ASPCA has no page for Ficus lyrata, but it lists figs (Ficus sp.) as toxic to cats and dogs. NC State Extension lists the fiddle leaf fig as poisonous, with low severity.
Sources
- Ficus lyrata Warb.. Plants of the World Online, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
- Ficus lyrata (Plant Finder). Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Ficus lyrata. North Carolina State University Extension, Gardener Plant Toolbox.
- Weeping Fig (Ficus sp.). ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
- Publication EP136, Ficus. University of Florida IFAS Extension.
Need weekly care for the plants in your office? Plans start at $2,500 per month.