Ficus Pandurata or Ficus Lyrata Tree

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The fiddle-leaf fig is the common name for Ficus Lyrata or Ficus Pandurata comes from the family Moraceae. It’s related to the rubber plant.

The plant gets its name from its large leaves which resemble the case of a fiddle or violin.

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The leaves are much bigger the popular weeping Ficus benjamina.

Other species under the fig family (Moraceae) include:

Indoors large, the green leaves of the pandurata tree plants can grow to reach 12″ inches long and capable of almost the same width.

Ficus Pandurata bush leaves which are rather thick and leathery always seem to have a luxuriant shine as if someone had shined it. This Ficus tree is generally considered easy to grow.

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Like its relative the “weeping fig,” pandurata plant care requires plenty of light and room – in height and width.

Although, as indoor plants, I’ve seen some handsome fiddle leaf ficus grown as a column rather then cutting the tops back and allowing it to branch.

I’ve also noticed that many home renovation and flipping shows feature the fiddle-leaf fig as “the tree” in the reveal part of their show.

You’ll also find many of these 30+ cool plants to grow indoors.

Give Pandurata Room

The Fiddle leaf ficus bush grows best when it is given plenty of space.

A sun-porch with good air flow would provide some ideal conditions, where the plant can grow very rapidly. With lots of bright light, side shoots often develop allowing the pandurata almost as wide as it is tall.

As the plant grows, it will lose its lower leaves, which is normal. This leaf loss exposes the dark brown and unique trunk which has “cracks” in it.

More on Ficus Pandurata Care

Fiddle Leaf Pest and Problems

The larger, thicker leaves compared to Ficus benjamina does not transpire (lose as much water), therefore they require less water. Do not overwater. Provide a well-drained soil for the ficus plants.

When humidity is low or lyrata does not get enough water, leaves may droop and edges of leaves may dry and crispy in areas.

Remedy: Completely soak the soil. (I like to dunk the whole pot in a 5-gallon bucket of water).

If the plant gets too much water, the large “fiddle leaves” can turn yellow and drop off.

Remedy: Reduce water and soil moisture, move the plant to a brighter area. With such large leaves you cannot afford to lose too many leaves.

Mealybug shows up as fluffy spots around the base of leaves.

Remedy: Clean leaves regularly, remove mealybug by “wiping” them with cotton swabs dipped in alcohol. Leaves have tiny, pale yellow dots and spots and there are webs are present. Look for spider mites!

Wipe down leaves with a homemade insecticidal soap, use natural neem oil for plants or other chemical control.

bush form of Ficus pandurata in hotel lobby AlabamaPin
Bush form of Ficus pandurata in Alabama hotel lobby | PlantCareToday.com

Buying Tips

When selecting a plant look for one that has dark leaves, which are shiny and “lush” or succulent. A small plant unless grown as a tree should have leaves top to bottom.

If leaves have dropped off or started dropping the plant may have undergone some stress.

House plants bought at the garden-center are usually sturdy and compact.

After a few months indoors the plant will “open up” and leaves grow their “fiddles” much larger.

Most of the fiddle leaf ficus grown today are from tissue culture and should have a pot full of leaves.

Pandurata can be bought anytime of the year and with proper care provide years of enjoyment.

Once the plant is acclimated indoors it should stay indoors.

Moving the plant out during the summer can easily burn the leaves which could take a while to replace.

Use the Pandurata as a houseplant. For figs you can eat, read our article on How To grow the edible fiddlehead fig tree outdoors.

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Image: Leaf Botany Hawaii.edu

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