How to identify Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)

How to identify Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)

Fiddle-leaf fig, also known as Fiddle-leaf

Fiddle-leaf fig stands as a petite indoor tree, stretching anywhere from 2 to 10 feet (0.6 to 3 meters) in height, with a sturdy, woody trunk secreting a milky latex. Prominent attributes include its sizeable, fibrous, and lyre-shaped foliage, each leaf reaching lengths of up to 18 inches (45.7 cm) and widths near 12 inches (30.5 cm). These deep green leaves present a somewhat crinkled surface, matte in finish and heavily veined, contributing to a distinctive, sculptural appearance. While fiddle-leaf fig may grandly display its foliage indoors, it typically refrains from flowering or bearing fruit in such environments.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Fiddle-leaf fig

Large, lyre-shaped leaves, up to 18 inches (45.7 cm) long, with crinkled matte surface and prominent veining.

Sturdy, unbranched stem measuring 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) in diameter, producing milky latex when damaged.

Spherical fig fruit, 0.5-1.25 inches (1.27-3.18 cm) in diameter, with white flecks transitioning from green to red.

Glossy dark green obovate leaves, wavy-edged, pale green beneath, with distinct yellowish veins on top.

Trunk evolves from flaky brown bark in youth to smooth gray bark in maturity, with tactile textured surface.

Detailed Traits of Fiddle-leaf fig

Leaf Features

Fiddle-leaf fig has large, obovate to lyrate leaves up to 15 inches (38 cm) long and 12 inches (30 cm) wide. The leaves are glossy dark green on top and pale green beneath, with prominent, yellowish veins that stand out on the upper surface. The edges are often wavy and the texture is thick and leathery. The leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and initially have a fine pubescence that later becomes smooth. They are highly distinctive and a key identifying feature of the plant.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of fiddle-leaf fig are minute and hidden within the inner walls of the fleshy receptacles called synconia. They are monoecious, with both male (gall) and female flowers on the same tree but housed in separate synconiums. Each flower lacks distinctive showy petals and collectively appear inconspicuous. They are unisexual and pollinated by fig wasps. Typically, these flowers go unnoticed when grown as houseplants due to their rarity in blooming.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of fiddle-leaf fig is stiff and sturdy, presenting a smooth texture. It is generally unbranched in younger specimens, giving it a solid and columnar appearance. The color is typically a pale to medium green, which may darken as the plant matures. The stems do not have aerial roots but produce a milky sap when cut or damaged. The thickness can vary but usually measures around 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) in diameter.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of fiddle-leaf fig is a spherical fig typically growing either alone or in pairs in leaf axils at the tips of branches. It has a fine, downy texture and is adorned with subtle white flecks on green skin, transitioning to red as it ripens. These figs span roughly 0.5 to 1.25 inches (1.27 to 3.18 cm) in diameter, and while they are a rarity on indoor plants, they may occur seasonally outdoors in native environments. The figs are hollow structures known as synconiums, embellished with yellowish depressions and a tough consistency.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

A Botanist in Your Pocket

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them

Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Fiddle-leaf fig and Their Similar Plants

Rubber tree vs. Fiddle-leaf fig: What's The Difference?

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Indian Laurel vs. Fiddle-leaf fig: What's The Difference?

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Weeping fig vs. Fiddle-leaf fig: What's The Difference?

Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) is an evergreen tree native to Asia and Australia. It is one of the most popular houseplants in the world, known for its elegant, glossy leaves. However, people with allergies should avoid weeping fig, considering that it is a major source of indoor allergens. All parts of the plant are poisonous except the fruits.

Common fig vs. Fiddle-leaf fig: What's The Difference?

Ficus carica, colloquially known as the common fig, is a deciduous small tree or shrub widely known for its sweet, chewy fruits. This shrubby plant has a very, very long cultivation history. The earliest evidence of its cultivation was found in the Jordan Valley and go all the way back to the tenth millennium BC.

Creeping fig vs. Fiddle-leaf fig: What's The Difference?

Creeping fig (Ficus pumila) is a plant species native to China, Japan and Vietnam. Creeping fig has been naturalized in parts of the United States. It can be cultivated as a houseplant. The FDA lists this species in its Database of Poisonous Plants due to the plant's toxic sap, which causes inflammation.

Ficus Ginseng vs. Fiddle-leaf fig: What's The Difference?

Ficus Ginseng is distinct for its thick, bulbous roots, which resemble ginseng roots. It is easy to grow and grows fast, making it a popular plant for bonsai.

Long leaf fig vs. Fiddle-leaf fig: What's The Difference?

Many long leaf fig species have elongated leaves, but this particular species, Ficus maclellandii, is commonly referred to as the long leaf fig. In the horticultural context, the long leaf fig is most present in the form of a cultivar called 'Alii' and can be cultivated as a houseplant.

Roxburgh fig vs. Fiddle-leaf fig: What's The Difference?

The roxburgh fig is named for Sir William Roxburgh, one of the founders of Indian botany. The Latin name Ficus auriculata means ear-like and refers to the ear shapes found at the base of the plant's leaf. The tree's fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and feature in chutneys, juices, and curries.

Identify Fiddle-leaf fig easily and quickly

We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.

Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Fiddle-leaf fig

Attributes of Fiddle-leaf fig

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

2 m to 15 m

Spread

50 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Color

Green

Fruit Color

Green

Red

Stem Color

Green

Leaf type

Evergreen

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Fiddle-leaf fig

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Mulberry

Genus

Fig trees

Species

Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)

Learn More About the Fiddle-leaf fig

Distribution Map of Fiddle-leaf fig

Fiddle-leaf fig, a plant native to the humid lowland tropics of Western Africa, thrives in a range of environments across continents such as Asia, the Americas, and parts of Europe. It has been introduced and cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, reflecting its adaptability and popularity.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Fiddle-leaf fig

A Comprehensive Guide to Fiddle-leaf fig How to Grow and Care for Fiddle-leaf fig