13 Interesting Facts About Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees

There are many interesting facts about fiddle leaf fig trees.

Fiddle leaf fig trees have become a popular plant to own among houseplant enthusiasts. Known for their beautiful, large green leaves, they make beautiful centerpieces in any home.

Here are some interesting facts about fiddle leaf fig trees that you may not have known.

Fiddle leaf figs can make any home seem more welcoming. Though they do require specific care, they are great plants to own. With the proper maintenance, they can thrive in your home.

The fiddle leaf fig is a species of fig tree that is native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa. They do best in warm, humid climates where they can receive lots of light. They need regular watering in order to thrive.

Over the last couple of years, they have grown in popularity among the houseplant community. These magnificent trees can grow to be 6 feet or taller when kept indoors. Their signature look has made them a favorite among many.

Let’s go over some of the most interesting facts about fiddle leaf fig trees.

1. They Can Grow Much Larger When Kept Outdoors

With pruning and proper maintenance, most people keep their indoor fiddle leaf fig tree around 6 feet tall or under. However, when kept outside, the tree is able to grow much taller. Some fiddle leaf fig trees can grow to around 60 feet tall when they grow outdoors.

Read on for more facts about fiddle leaf fig trees.

2. They Will Sprout From the Trunk if You Cut Them Back

If a fiddle leaf fig is cut, they will sprout from the trunk. Oftentimes when this happens, they will grow back with several more leaves and be fuller than they were before.

3. The Leaves Need to Be Kept Clean

More interesting facts about fiddle leaf fig trees is about the leaves. Due to the large size of their leaves, fiddle leaf figs are prone to gathering dust and mites, as well as other pests. In order to help prevent the leaves from turning yellow or brown and rotting, they need to be regularly cleaned. The leaves should be washed off or wiped down with a damp washcloth 1-4 times a month.

4. When Kept Outdoors, They Are Pollinated by Wasps

When fiddle leaf fig trees grow outside, they produce flowers that are pollinated by wasps. These tiny wasps, referred to as fig wasps, use the fruit to feed their larvae; then when the female emerges, she moves on to a new fruit. She then pollinates the new fruit with pollen from the one she left and lays more eggs, continuing on the circle of life.

When a fiddle leaf fig tree is kept somewhere without freezing temperatures during winter, they are able to produce fruit with the help of fig wasps. However, this fruit is not edible for people.

5. Only Fiddle Leaf Figs Kept Outdoors Will Produce Flowers and Fruit

This is a lesser know of the facts about fiddle leaf fig trees. If you have an indoor fiddle leaf fig plant, it will not produce flowers or fruit. Only fiddle leaf figs that grow outside are capable of producing flowers and fruit. However, they need the right climate and fig wasps in order to produce fruit.

6. The Leaves Can Grow to Large Sizes

Fiddle leaf figs are known for their beautiful, large green leaves. They are the main attraction of this plant and are the reason why many people choose to keep them in their homes. The leaf of a fiddle leaf fig can grow up to 30 inches in length, which is quite remarkable.

The leaves are known for their signature semi-lobed, oval shape. In fact, their uniquely shaped leaves are the largest in their genus. Read more facts about fiddle leaf fig trees below.

7. They Got Their Name From the Shape of Their Leaves

The fiddle leaf fig got its name because the shape of its leaves is similar to that of a fiddle. The large leaves shaped like a violin represent the appearance of a fiddle.

8. Their Sap Is an Irritant to Animals and Children

If you own animals or have children, you want to make sure your fiddle leaf fig is out of their reach. Their sap is mildly toxic to dogs, cats, horses, and children if consumed.

9. They Have Been Named “The ‘It’ Plant of the Design World”

In 2016, The New York Times named the fiddle leaf fig “The ‘It’ Plant of the Design World” due to its growing popularity and style. They have even made numerous appearances in TV shows, commercials, and movies.

10. In the Wild They Are Epiphytes

In the wild, fiddle leaf fig trees are epiphytes. This means that they grow on top of other plants, where there is plenty of sunlight. As they grow down, they may strangle the plant as they compete for resources.

11. They Belong to the Moraceae Family

Fiddle leaf figs are members of the Moraceae family, which includes figs and mulberry trees. There are over 1,100 species in the Moraceae family, most of which are found in tropical and subtropical areas. They are part of the Ficus genus, which includes about 850 species.

12. They Don’t Like to Be Moved Around

Fiddle leaf figs are finicky plants. Once you choose an adequate spot for them, they don’t like to be moved around. They often need time to adapt when you first get them to their new home.

13. They Can Live Up to 50 Years or Longer

If cared for properly, fiddle leaf figs can live for 25-50 years. In order for them to live this long, they require regular care and upkeep. Since they can be tricky to keep, not everyone’s fiddle leaf fig will live that long.

This sums up our 13 interesting facts about fiddle leaf fig trees.

A Beautiful Addition to Your Home

If you are looking to get a new plant for your home, the fiddle leaf fig may just be the perfect plant for you. Though they aren’t the easiest plants to take care of, with the proper research and dedication, they can thrive in your home. The takeaway from these facts about fiddle leaf fig trees? These unique and beautiful trees make bold statement pieces in any house!

Grab the Essentials for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig:

• Premium Fiddle Leaf Fig Potting Soil
• Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food
• Root Rot Treatment to treat one of the most common issues affecting fiddle leaf figs.
• Houseplant Leaf Armor to protect against insects, bacteria, and fungus (As an added bonus, it also cleans and adds shine to your plant’s leaves!)
• Moisture meter to always know when your plant is thirsty.
• Houseplant Propagation Promoter to propagate more quickly and with more success.

To learn more facts about fiddle leaf fig trees:

• Sign up for our free Fiddle Leaf Fig Care 101 Webinar or enroll in our free Fiddle Leaf Fig Course for advanced fiddle leaf fig care.
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• Read The Fiddle Leaf Fig Expert, your complete guide to growing healthy fiddle leaf fig plants. The book is available in full-color paperback or Kindle edition on Amazon now!
• Click to join our community on Facebook: Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource Group.