Ficus Lyrata

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Moraceae

Order

Rosales

Genus

Ficus

Species

lyrata

Description

An evergreen houseplant suited to bright, temperate areas, though it also thrives in semi-cool environments, where temperatures do not fall below 14/15°C. In warm temperate regions, it can be grown outdoors, reaching heights of up to 3 or 4 metres.
It has striking, decorative foliage with broad, violin-shaped leaves of a deep, glossy green.
It adapts very well to the conditions found in homes, shops and offices, in both semi-shaded and bright areas, either on its own or combined with other green plants in planters.
If left in areas of the home that are too dark and cold, it may lose its leaves;
in fact, it often ceases to grow (vegetative dormancy) due to low temperatures and/or insufficient light.

Curiosities and special features

The Ficus lyrata species holds a place of honour in interior greenery design – specifically as an indoor plant – thanks to its large, striking leaves, which resemble the shape of a violin or a lyre, hence its common names ‘violin-leaf fig’ or ‘lyre fig’.

Origin and distribution

A species native to the tropical rainforest biome of West and Central-Western Africa.

Leaf

The leaves, which are up to 35–40 cm long and have a cordate base, have an obovate blade resembling a violin body, with distinct sunken veins on the upper surface and a slightly wavy margin.

Leaf colour

Plain, glossy deep green.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.9 to 3 m, depending in part on growing conditions.

Lifespan

Perennial evergreen plant.

Where to plant

Due to its bushy growth habit and thermal requirements, it is grown as a pot plant , in planters or in indoor planters.

Stem

It has a semi-woody stem with brown or dark grey bark; the plant has no thorns.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It develops an erect habitus visually reinforced by its large leaves.

PH

It requires a slightly acidic substrate pH, with optimal values between 6.0 and 6.8.

Pay attention to the acidity level of the water used for watering; it is best if it has a sub-acidic pH.

Sun exposure

Suitable for the following types of light exposure: indoor light source, full sun.

In low light, it tends not to grow (growth stagnation).

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 28 °C, whilst also ensuring a medium to high level of humidity.

In areas with a temperate climate, it can be grown outdoors.

At temperatures below 13/14 °C, the foliage turns yellowish.

Use

It is widely appreciated for the uniqueness of its foliage in:
Outdoor ornamental use Indoor ornamental use

(The scope of use depends on the prevailing climatic and temperature conditions).

Hardiness

A plant of moderate hardiness.

Soil

Use a good-quality potting mix specifically designed for green plants, containing both light and dark peat, to ensure that excess water drains away properly and prevent harmful waterlogging.

Difficulty

Once the plants have settled in properly and provided they are kept under the right light and temperature conditions, growing them is fairly straightforward and requireslittle maintenance.

Growing tips

Some specific cultivation tips for promoting better vegetative growth:
Expose the plant to as much light as possible Keep the growing medium dry at low temperatures Exposure to direct light

Combinations with other plants

It is often grown in suitably sized pots alongside other green plants with the same or similar requirements, such as Ficus elastica, Sansevieria andZamioculcas.

Propagation

Vegetative or agamic propagation can be carried out by layering, apical cuttings and node cuttings.

Repotting

Before summer, preferably in spring, repot the plant into a slightly larger pot with drainage holes in the base; take care not to damage the roots, and ensure the root ball is completely covered with soil. Use a new, good-quality potting mix, specifically designed for foliage plants and with excellent drainage to allow excess water to run off. After repotting, water moderately, taking care to avoid both letting the soil dry out completely and allowing water to become waterlogged.

Watering

Keep the growing medium consistently moist but not waterlogged or soggy, checking the moisture level – even just by touching it with your fingers – before watering. Avoid heavy watering if kept in areas with little heating and low light, such as stairwells.

If the ambient humidity is low – which causes the foliage to become dehydrated and dry out – it is helpful to mist the leaves regularly several times a day, using soft water to avoid soiling or causing build-up on the leaf surface.

Fertilising

It is a plant that requires a lot of fertiliser, which can be added regularly to the pot in the form of granular fertiliser. During the summer, you can add a liquid fertiliser specifically designed for foliage plants to the moist growing medium, diluting it in the watering water according to the appropriate doses and frequencies as indicated on the product label.

Insufficient fertilisation leads to stunted growth and a thickening of the stem, accompanied by the development of adventitious roots.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible

Toxicity for humans

Wear gloves when handling this product due to the presence of latex.

Tip

Avoid overwatering if kept in areas with little heat and little light, such as stairwells or similar spaces. In late spring and summer, it can be taken outside, even into full sun. It is a plant that requires a lot of fertiliser, which can be added regularly to the pot in the form of granular fertiliser. In temperate climates, it can be planted outdoors.