Houseplantdex
Fiddle-leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Fiddle-leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata Warb. · Moraceae

Toxic to pets Also known as Fiddleleaf Fig, banjo fig, lyre-leaf figtree

Pet safety

Toxic to pets. Toxic to cats. Toxic to dogs. Toxic to horses.

Clinical signs: Decreased appetite, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation from sap contact.

Source: Pet Poison Helpline .

Care

  • LightBright indirect – Direct sun
  • WaterLet the top inch dry
  • HumidityAverage household
  • Temperature18°C – 24°C · 64°F – 75°F
  • DifficultyDifficult
  • SoilStandard potting mix
  • FertilizingMonthly, growing season

Size & habit

  • Mature height (indoor) 1.8–3 m
  • In the wild 9–15 m
  • Habit UprightShrubby
  • Growth rateModerate

Common problems

  • Spider mites
  • Root rot
  • Leaf spot

Propagation

  • Stem cutting
  • Air layering

Sources

  • Taxonomy GBIF #5361899
  • Toxicity Pet Poison Helpline
  • Supporting sources
    • Pet Poison Helpline — Ficus (genus) — explicitly names fiddle-leaf fig: Toxic to cats and dogs — irritating sap
    • ASPCA — Ficus benjamina (sibling species, same genus): Toxic to dogs, cats, horses — ficin and psoralens
    • MSD Veterinary Manual — Ficus spp.: Furocoumarins, psoralens, ficin
  • Care references Cross-checked — see methodology.