You’ve probably seen two kinds of fiddle leaf figs — the tall, tree-like type with a long, bare trunk, and the short bushy type with leaves that start at the base. These are the same plant, but one has been manipulated through pruning and shaping.
Are there different types of fiddle leaf figs?
Difference between Fiddle Leaf Fig and Fiddle Leaf Fig “Bambino” There exist two varieties of FLF, the normal variety that is fast in growth and irregular in shape, and the smaller brother which is known as FLF “bambino” which is slower in growth and comes out in compact form generally in a straight manner.
How do I know what kind of fiddle leaf fig I have?
The easiest way to tell if your fiddle leaf plant is a true Ficus lyrata ‘bambino’ is to examine the foliage. Bambino produces more rounded leaves that lack the traditional fiddle shape.
How many fiddle leaf figs are there?
Strictly speaking, there are three different varieties you can buy. Although in general it’s likely most stores and sellers will only be selling either the “original” Ficus Lyrata, or Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’ which might also be sold as a “Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig”. Variegated Fiddle Leaf Fig is the third variety.
What is the difference between Ficus lyrata and fiddle leaf fig?
So, what’s the difference between ficus and fiddle leaf figs? Ficus is a large genus of plants that includes more than 800 species. Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) are just one type of ficus plant. Fiddle leaf figs are native to western Africa and grow best in tropical climates.
How do I know if my fiddle leaf fig is a Bambino?
The easiest way to tell a bambino from a regular fiddle is to look at the leaves. Regular fiddles have large, slightly elongated leaves that are shaped like… fiddles. Bambino leaves tend to be smaller, thicker, and more rounded.
Is a little fiddle the same as a fiddle leaf fig?
Little Fiddle Fig Plant Features
But unlike fiddle leaf fig, it stays rather small — only growing about 3 feet tall and wide or so (keeping it at less than half the size of its sibling).
What does a healthy fiddle fig tree look like?
You can tell if your plant is healthy if the fiddle leaf fig has new growth and the new leaves are larger than the old ones. The plant will also look good overall and feature vibrant, shiny green leaves.
Do fiddle leaf figs produce fruit?
If you’ve been scratching your head as to why it’s called a fig sans any fruit, it’s helpful to know that in the wild, fiddle leaf figs will typically flower and produce fruit, which rarely happens when they’re grown indoors.
How do I know what kind of fig tree I have?
Identify fig trees by looking at their fruit when mature. Florida strangler fig, weeping fig and rusty fig each produce small fruit that generally have a diameter no larger than 1/2 inch. These three species produce fruit with different colors, however, which are yellow, red and brown respectively.
Are fiddle leaf figs edible?
The fruits are not toxic, but they don’t taste good! Even when ripe, the fruit of the fiddle leaf fig tree has leathery skin. They are not sweet like the typical figs we consume and are said to range from bland to a bit tart and have an unpleasant mouth-drying effect. Not particularly appetizing!
Why is it called a fiddle leaf fig?
Have you ever wondered why the Ficus lyrata is called the fiddle leaf fig plant? It’s obvious really. The plant gets its name from the violin-like shaped leaves that remind you of a fiddle. The leaves can grow to be huge too.
How do you keep a fiddle leaf fig alive indoors?
Fiddle Leaf Figs need a lot of natural light and do best when placed directly in front of a window. Water thoroughly about once a week, allowing the top couple inches of soil to dry out before watering again.
Why does my fiddle leaf fig keep losing leaves?
Lack of watering and very dry air can cause a fiddle leaf fig to drop leaves. Take care not to put your plant in direct sun or near a heating vent, where it is blasted with dry air regularly. Fiddle leaf figs do not like drafts, so picking a spot away from any vents or blasts of hot air is ideal.
Is a fig tree and fiddle leaf fig the same?
As an indoor plant, the Fiddle Leaf does not bear any fiddles (sadly), fruit, or flowers. Unlike the common fig (Ficus Carica), the fruit that this tree bares, when grown outdoors, is not edible. Though, the fig fruits of these two trees do look fairly similar in size and shape.
Does fiddle leaf Bambino grow big?
Bambinos only grow to be about 3 feet tall as opposed to about 12 feet for an indoor fiddle leaf fig (or 40+ for outdoor!). A bambino is a great choice if you’re nervous about caring for a full-size fiddle, if you have a smaller space, or if you just like how these cute little fiddles look.
Do all fiddle leaf figs grow tall?
The good news is that, once acclimated, the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) can grow to 6 feet or taller, making it a stunning statement piece. There are also other varieties of the plant that don’t grow as tall and are bushier, such as ‘Suncoast’ and ‘Compacta,’ if you’re going for a different look.
Do small fiddle leaf figs grow big?
Ficus lyrata ‘Compacta’ Little Fiddle produces leaves half the size of regular fiddle-leaf figs and grows to less than 5 feet tall. Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’ is a dwarf version, growing 3 to 6 feet tall.
When should I prune my fiddle leaf?
The best time to prune your fiddle leaf fig is in the spring when there will be plenty of light to fuel recovery and new growth. Try to prune in the spring or early summer. You’ll want to get a sharp pair of pruning shears because dull tools or scissors can crush the stems and damage your plant.
How often should you water a bambino fiddle leaf fig?
Water. Allow the top of the soil to dry out a few inches between waters. She likes one big drenching of water every couple of weeks rather than smaller amounts more often. Whatever you do, don’t leave water sitting in the drip tray for more than a day.
How fast do fiddle leaf figs grow?
Fiddle leaf figs can grow a couple feet every year if given the proper care. These popular houseplants can climb up to 6 feet or more in your home. Their green and shiny leaves, coupled with their unique shape make this plant your go-to choice for entertaining areas.