genus Ficus and fiddle folio Libyan Fighting Group are two popular choices when it comes to houseplants . With their large , spectacular leaves and tree - like shape , it ’s loose to see the appeal But there ’s some discombobulation over whether these plants are the same or different mintage permit ’s take an in - profundity look at ficus vs. fiddle folio fig to understand their key similarities and deviation .
What is a Ficus Plant?
Ficus is a diverse genus represent over 800 species of woody trees , shrubs , and vines . Most genus Ficus plant life are aboriginal to tropical regions and adapt to fond , humid environments .
Some of the most popular ficus varieties kept as houseplants include
weep common fig tree ( Ficus benjamina ) – Features graceful , trailing branches and delicate , lustrous green leaves .
natural rubber plant ( Ficus elastica ) – Has compact , leathery leaves and a Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree - like shape when mature .
violin leaf fig ( Ficus lyrata ) – experience for its very large , fiddle - shaped leaves with outstanding veining .
Ficus works generally share some common trait such as being tight - rise , have milklike sap , and being slimly toxic if absorb . They prefer undimmed , indirect visible light and humid weather condition . With the veracious care , most ficus can grow into telling statement tree in indoor environment .
What Defines a Fiddle Leaf Fig?
The violin leaf fig belongs to the Ficus genus but is a trenchant species known scientifically as Ficus lyrata . As their common name suggests , fiddle leaf figs are easily recognized by their very big , fiddle or fiddle - shaped leaves that quantify anywhere from 10 - 16 column inch long .
Other characteristics that mark the fiddle leaf fig aside include :
Origins – Native to tropical rainforest of Western Africa .
Mature Size – grow up to 10 - 15 feet tall as a houseplant . Can reach over 40 feet in its native habitat .
Growth Pattern – Features multiple stems and branches . Has a shrub - like growth habit .
Light Requirements – call for very bright , filter visible light to thrive . More light - thirsty than other ficus industrial plant .
charge motivation – necessitate of coherent , high humidity level . Prone to riff drop if condition are n’t idealistic .
So while the violin leaf fig belong to to the expansive Ficus genus , its distinct leaf shape , origins , growth design , and care needs set it apart as its own unequalled specie .
Key Differences Between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Figs
Now that we ’ve defined what get a genus Ficus and a fiddle leaf Libyan Fighting Group , let ’s compare some of the major factors that differentiate these pop houseplants .
Leaf Size and Shape
One of the liberal visible differences is in leaf size and shape . Most ficus change have relatively small , ellipse - shaped leaves while the fiddle folio fig has supererogatory large , fiddle - shaped foliage . Even large - leaf ficus like the rubber flora do n’t come exit the sheer size of it of a fiddle leaf fig ’s iconic foliage .
Growth Pattern
Ficus plants more often than not have a unmarried trunk and grow in a magniloquent , columnar form . The fiddle leaf Ficus carica has multiple stems and a more spreading , shrub - like form . It also tends to stay shorter when grown as a houseplant .
Light Requirements
While most ficus will tolerate broken to medium indirect light , the fiddle foliage common fig needs very bright , filter light to flourish indoors . Insufficient light leads to leaf fall in fiddle leaf Libyan Islamic Fighting Group . Other ficus are more whippy .
Humidity Tolerance
The violin leafage fig prefers consistent humidity around 60 - 65 % and is prone to crispy leafage margins and top burn in ironical indoor air . Most other ficus plant are a morsel more resistant of miserable household humidness levels .
Ease of Care
Other than light source and humidness needs , violin folio fig require a snatch more effort to keep happy and tidy indoors . Their great leaf roll up dust quickly , they do n’t care being move , and they ’ll expend leaves easily if growing conditions are n’t optimal . Other ficus can rebound back from stresses more readily .
Similarities Between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Figs
While there are some exonerated difference , genus Ficus plants and fiddle leafage figure deal the following similarities :
Both have large , showy , abstruse dark-green leaves .
All prefer warm indoor temperatures between 60 - 80 ° F .
They require frequent but moderate lachrymation , allowing soil to partly dry out out between waterings .
Well - draining , loamy potting mix amended with perlite suits most varieties .
Fertilizing every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season is beneficial .
Pruning and grooming can avail manage size and shape for indoor growth .
Ideal Growing Conditions
Here are the recommend care guideline for get healthy ficus and fiddle leaf figs indoors :
Light : southerly or easterly exposure with bright , collateral sunshine . violin leaf fig need 4 - 6 hour of daily direct sun . Other ficus do comfortably with 2 - 4 hours of sun .
Temperature : systematically lovesome between 60 - 80 ° farad . Avoid drafty domain .
humidness : Maintain 40 - 60 % humidity . violin leafage Ficus carica thrive around 60 - 65 % . Mist allow often .
Water : allow for soil to partly dry out between watering . Water thoroughly until it drains from holes .
ground : Use a well - draining potting admixture amend with perlite and orchid barque .
Fertilizer : Apply a balanced smooth plant food every 2 - 4 calendar week in the growing time of year .
Potting : Size up every 1 - 2 years until progress to desired tiptop . Prune roots when repotting .
Choosing Between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Figs
If you ’re essay to make up one’s mind between a genus Ficus plant vs. a fiddle foliage fig , consider your develop precondition and care commitment .
Fiddle leaf fig make stunning financial statement plants but require very bright illumination and incessant humidness to flourish . They also dislike being move .
Other ficus like the rubber plant and weeping Libyan Islamic Fighting Group are a bit more absolvitory and adaptable to typical indoor environments . Their small leaves also make them prosperous to manage .
No matter which you opt , provide the right caution detailed above and your genus Ficus or violin foliage fig will pay back you with lush , tropical elegance indoors . Just be sure to opt the variety that good matches your space and industrial plant parenting style .
DWARF Fiddle Leaf Fig | Ficus Lyrata VS Ficus Lyrata DWARF | Ficus Lyrata BAMBINO
FAQ
Are genus Ficus and fig tree diagram the same ?
Are there 2 types of fiddle leafage figs ?
What is another name for a violin leafage Libyan Fighting Group ?
Why are violin leaf fig so heavily to care for ?
