HousePlantJoy is supported by our audience. When you purchase through one of our links, we may earn a small affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Your cost is not affected.
==================
Large-Leaf Ficus Houseplant
Plants are a great way to give an accent to the home decor. Many people opt for plant ornaments to spice up their living space. The warm and green nature of the leaves makes you feel one with nature. Being close to greenery makes us feel more at ease and comfortable in our surroundings. So to show our collective love and interest in plants, we created a National Houseplant of the Month. We chose the Large-Leaf Ficus Houseplant for September. Others call the Fiddle Leaf Houseplant and have been on the market for many years.
Ficus Indoor plants are a good air-purifying agent. It has large leaves giving it a rugged and rustic vibe. It’s been a trending house plant across the internet and has been a holy grail of every plant enthusiast. Moreover, the giant glossy leaves and upright trunk of the ficus houseplant can set the mood inside a room. If you’re looking for a jungle look, this fiddle fig indoor plant is for you. This large ficus leaf will elevate your home. The beautiful and varied leaves of this plant make it easy to maintain. It can be your house’s statement piece.
Let’s dig deeper into our chosen houseplant for September, the Large-Leaf Ficus Houseplant. In this article, I will give you the things you must know before buying your fiddle leaf houseplant. By reading, learn about the plant’s variations, how to care for them, and what makes them special!
What is a Large Leaf Ficus Houseplant?
“Ficus” is known for its Latin name for fig, so you might also hear them as Fiddle-leaf Fig. A large leaf ficus house plant is a temperate species member of the mulberry family. Most are widespread in tropical and subtropical regions, less so in temperate climates. Asia and Western Africa are home to ficus houseplant varieties. Yet, due to the growing demand, these green giants are now globally famous.
Large fiddle leaf figs are stunning indoor trees, whose huge, lyre-shaped green leaves. The prominent, eye-catching veins on its dark green leaves add to the structure. Making it stand out more. Due to its warranted top-tier quality. Bloggers and interior designers consider the ficus houseplant a must-have plant. It gives a home a unique touch. This can grow 50 feet tall if taken care of.
You will most likely see them for room inspirations on Pinterest and Instagram. large leaf ficus houseplant dominated the market. That provides a sense of happiness to every Fiddle-Leaf Fig owner. For home decoration, it is a must-try.
Types of Ficus Plants
So you might be wondering what other large leaf ficus houseplant types are available in the market. As we know, there are countless varieties of the Ficus genus; there are about 800 species. No worries because these plants require similar care and low maintenance. If you’re looking for a ficus indoor plant, this list may help you with your choice. Here are some types to get you started in your plant journey!
1. Large leaf ficus cyathistipula
Large leaf ficus houseplant, also known as african fig, can crawl along a branch. This type of ficus indoor tree grows about 5m tall you can see its dark, smooth and leathery leaves dangling. You might also notice its tiny figs during its early growth. Also, you can count on this plant to serve as a statement piece. While purifying the air that filters pollutants.
Moreover, the African Fig is native to South Africa and found in the tropical forest of Cameroon and Kenya. But, this ficus houseplant is low maintenance and easy to care for inside your home. To know more about some tips for an in-depth guide to taking care of your African fig.
Proper care for fiddle leaf fig ficus cyathistipula
You do not need to worry about where to put your African Fig. It can tolerate dry air and a low-light environment, unlike another ficus indoor plant that needs direct sunlight. If you have a small apartment, this plant can flourish. But, it is still best to put it in a bright room to be healthy. Make sure to have a well-draining potting soil also to avoid root rot.
To maintain steady growth, only water the plant when it shows dryness at the top. So better to check it often during the growing season and reduce watering during winter. You must take note the ideal temperature for an African Fig is between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. Even though it doesn’t have any specific humidity need, it is best to do occasional misting.
2. Large leaf ficus lyrata
If you’re looking for a plant to decorate your home, this fiddle-leaf fig houseplant or the Ficus Lyrata is for you. It is hard not to notice its beautiful appearance because of its large leaves. This large leaf ficus plant can be your home’s center of attraction. Its violin-like green leaves give leathery feels, and the undersides are somewhat matte.
Because of the wasps, you can find this ficus houseplant in Liberia to Gabon jungles. Ficus Lyrata can grow 6 – 10 feet tall, so placing it on the floor is ideal. This Ficus species can harm cats and dogs, so bear this in mind. To take care of this plant, read below for more information.
Proper Care For Large Leaf Ficus Lyrata Fiddle
We know that Africa has a warm environment, but it can be tricky to imitate that at home. So it is wise to mist the leaves every few days. You can do this in the morning for the leaves to dry out in the evening. Also, you can place your ficus indoor tree on the spot that receives indirect sunlight. But with a bit of direct morning sun. Don’t forget to use a good quality potting mix that retains soil nutrients.
Watering your Ficus Lyrata is somehow challenging. Here’s something to help you check your large leaf ficus houseplant moisture right. You can buy a soil moisture meter designed for ficus house plants. Then, water the top of the plant but not too much because if the plant drowns, root rot can happen. But never worry because ficus lyrata is a strong plant. It can thrive in a different environment for a long time.
3. Large leaf ficus elastica
The Ficus Elastica Variegata is the Latin name for rubber plants. Through the years, the rubber plant has attracted attention. You can see it in various trending posts on Instagram and Pinterest since it is an ornamental plant from the Ficus genus. Hence, this makes an ideal indoor plant and trees, too, if not prune. Its dark green and sometimes glossy purple leaves will look fabulous in your home. It is aesthetically pleasing and also easy to maintain. So what more can you ask for.
You can place this ficus houseplant next to door entrances or plant it outside. Moreover, rubber plants produce milky saps from the stem and leaves. Containing toxic latex. So better if you keep them out of reach of children and your house pets. Always handle the plant carefully. Refrain from scratching its woody stems and glossy leaves for the white sap to drip.
Proper care for large leaf ficus elastica fiddle
The Ficus Elastica requires low maintenance and is an ideal plant for beginners. This ficus houseplant loves warm temperatures around 16 – 24 degrees celsius. Like its Ficus relatives, rubber plants like direct sunlight or subtle light. They are frail to extreme cold, so never put this near your air conditioner. Having this will avoid leggy and yellow spots on the leaves.
Since rubber plant care is simple, you only need to water when the soil dries at the top. Be sure that the water reaches its roots to keep the soil moist. It can be fun to water our plants, but be careful with rubber plants because they are prone to rot. Additionally, feed the plant a weak dose of fertilizer, especially during its growing season. You only need to once or twice a month.
4. Large leaf ficus alii
Planters usually call Ficus Alii a Banana Leaf Fig. Since it appears like a banana tree with long and narrow leaves. Just a fun fact, Alii means king in the Hawaiian language. It originated from the warm climates of Southeast Asia, mainly in China and India. Its unique appearance will look amazing in your home. Plus, just like its Ficus cousins, it can purify the air.
Banana leaf fig can grow up to 3 meters in height, so you must regularly prune according to your preference. Be cautious when pruning the Banana Fig ficus plant, as this might stress the plant and weaken its growth. Ficus Alii is also a tropical plant. It can survive heat and humidity. Then look no further because Amstel King Ficus Tree is one fine ficus specie.
Proper care for large leaf ficus alii fiddle
Banana Fig is low maintenance in nature; in caring for ficus alii, keep the plant moist but not drowning in water. It is good to water it with lukewarm water as its root system is fragile to sudden temperature changes. Banana Fig Ficus flourish in well-lit rooms under indirect sunlight. If you’re a starting plant enthusiast, this might be your plant. It can also survive in medium or low light. Its smaller leaves take longer for its foliage to form, so be patient. Also, remember to rotate the houseplant. Dusting the leaves so they can undergo photosynthesis.
For temperature, anything that will go in between 16 – 24 degrees celsius is okay. Having this will make your ficus indoor plant live long. You do not need to change its place always. As well as, you may need an excellent fast-draining potting mix. It will give hydration and soaks up the nutrients. Here’s another tip you can include: compost in your potting mix. Plus, this avoids fertilizer burn.
Best Place For Fiddle Leaf Fig Indoors
Fiddle Fig indoor plants love warm and humid environments with a direct source of sunlight. However, these plants can survive both inside and outside the house. Be careful in choosing the place as these plants can be pretty sensitive. When placing a ficus indoors, it is expected they won’t bear any figs, fruits, or flowers. Usually, the ficus tree grows up to 15m outdoors and 3m only on indoors.
Occasionally, some ficus indoor trees do grow larger, though. Removing them from air vents and drafts is best when you cannot control them. Your ficus houseplant will love it if you place it close to a Southern or Western facing window as long as it can receive a good amount of direct sunlight. They are also one of the best indoor floor plants where you can put indoor entrances and hallways as long as it gets at least six hours of natural light daily. If your house has little humidity, it is best to buy a humidifier to keep your ficus big leaves growing.
How To Make Ficus Grow Leaves?
Why is my leaf ficus houseplant won’t grow leaves? One of the common questions from beginners in ficus planting. The struggle is real when your ficus plant stops growing new leaves or hasn’t developed a single leaf. Yes, it is stressful, but you need to ensure that you have a healthy plant. Growing leaves for ficus plants can be tricky, but as long as you follow these tips. You’ll be seeing new leaves sprouting in no time. Start following these tips, and you’ll be a pro. Ficus plant is not that hard and easy to grow. Just tender care, and you’re good to go.
Tip 1: Choosing the right spot
Remember, these fiddle fig indoor plants are not fans of cold temperatures. Keep them warm and cozy in one place with enough direct sunlight. New leaves will grow once they adjust to their new home.
Tip 2: Notching technique
Notching can be scary to do, but you must do it. You must make a small cut in the branch for your ficus houseplant to urge new shoots to grow for leaves to appear. Be patient because this takes time, but you’ll love the results.
Tip 3: Pruning the ficus branch
A straightforward way is pruning your ficus house plants. You will simply be removing the top of the plant as easy as it is, right!. So that new branches will sprout, giving you another set of ficus big leaves.
How To Keep Healthy The Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Let’s say you already have a ficus fig indoor plant. However, you’re having a hard time keeping it healthy. To keep our plants happy, we do our best to thrive inside or outside our homes. Many people get overwhelmed in properly taking care of their ficus house plants. Here are some ways to help keep your Fiddle-Leaf Ficus growing healthy.
- You can use large ceramic pots with a fair amount of well-draining potting mix.
- You should place your ficus tree in bright indirect light or bright shade.
- Only water the fiddle leaf fig houseplant if the top shows dryness.
- To achieve total growth, you can add a small dose of fertilizer once a month.
- Mist and dust often the ficus big leaves remove dirt and keep it shiny.
Is Fiddle Leaf Fig Hard To Care For?
No! Fiddle Leaf Fig houseplant is one of the effortless indoor plants to take care of and maintain. Fiddle leaf houseplant is for you if you’re on the beginner level. The plant can adjust quickly to its new environment with proper direct sunlight. You’re going to love this being around your home.
Keeping Large Leaf Ficus Clean
The leaves of Large Leaf Ficus are no exception when it comes to dust. It can be irritating sometimes to see leaves lose their shine. As a plant parent, you do not want that to happen. Keeping your fiddle leaf big leaves can help it breathe easily and photosynthesize. Here’s a list of steps to keep your Large Leaf Ficus clean.
- Mix the mild hand soap and lukewarm water into the spray bottle.
- Get a soft washcloth, then spray the top and undersides of the leaves.
- Gently wipe the surface and bottom part of the leaves.
- Repeat this process until all leaves are spotlessly clean.
Extra tips if you want the leaves to be shinier. Reader’s Digest recommends using mayo to add shine to your large leaf ficus. Florists even use this trick to keep their plants shiny. For other options, you can buy leaf shining products online from your trusted retailer.
Adding Fiddle Leaf Fig Ficus to Your Home
Some local growers offer this ficus house plant in various sizes and containers. But let me tell you the easier way to attain top-quality plants. Many of our plants are ordered online and delivered in pristine condition. You may want to consider these options:
- Large-leaf Ficus look best when standing free against a light background.
- It offers various leaves, branches, and trunk structures suited to your style.
- Having this is great for new plant parents, but you can also explore other Ficus species that are high maintenance.
- It is proven to purify the air, improving the air quality in your home.
- It is a good statement plant that can enhance your home’s interior.
Benefits Of Having Large Leaf Ficus Plant
Having at least one Large Leaf Ficus plant inside your home can benefit you and your space. Large leaf ficus is not an ordinary plant, which adds an extra twist to your home. It even improves your mental state, which everyone needs. To answer your question, what are the benefits of having a large leaf ficus plant. Here are some of the benefits of this magnificent ficus large leaf plant.
1. Large leaf ficus plant is an excellent air purifier
Who wouldn’t want clean air, right? Look no more because Large Leaf Ficus are great for filtering harmful toxins floating in the air. How incredible this ficus houseplant is in keeping our lungs healthy and protected.
2. Large leaf ficus plant is easy to maintain
Plants that are low maintenance can bring so much convenience. You do not need to be a professional gardener to grow this plant. This does not need much attention throughout the day since this large leaf ficus can adjust to any environment with proper care.
3. Large leaf ficus plant can be a home decoration
Placing indoor plants as a decorative piece has been a trend ever since. The large leaf ficus matches many interior designs. You can put it beside your fireplace, door entrances, hallways, and bedside table. It will still manage to radiate its beauty anywhere in your house.
4. Large leaf ficus plant is not too expensive
Yes, you heard it right. This fantastic ficus houseplant has a low price tag depending on its size and appearance. Making it a perfect gift idea for your loved ones that would not hurt your pocket. You can shop online for more price ranges that meet your budget.
5. Large leaf ficus plant can make you happy
Seeing plants can signal our brains to release happy hormones. Plants are like friends who bring an extraordinary amount of joy. Different ficus house plants around the home can improve moods and less stress. A large leaf ficus is vital to give a splash of happiness to one’s life.
Conclusion
After reading this article, the chosen house plant of the month is the Large-Leaf Ficus. It proved its worth because you won’t get an ordinary ornament only for display. This ficus houseplant is affordable, purifies the air, and is easy to care for. You can now decide what type of Large-Leaf Ficus Houseplant. That will suit your vibe, taste, and personality.
Before this time, you might have already chosen the Ficus plant. Can meet your budget, convenience, and level as a plant owner. You can start your planting journey with one Ficus plant, then work your way up. Worry no more because whatever Ficus plant you pick. As long as you have tender, loving care, you’ll love the results, and your plant will love you back.
Read more:
Growing Ginseng Ficus Bonsai (Ficus Retusa)
12 Best Bonsai Trees For Beginners
7 of the Best Indoor Tropical Plants
Decorate With Houseplants – Home Oasis
What is Ficus Plant ? (Brittinica)
Large-Leaf Ficus Houseplant
