He Ficus lyrata or fiddle leaf ficus It is not an “easy” houseplant. compared to others, but, once you understand its needs for light, water and pruning, it becomes a long-lived, elegant species with an incredible ability to beautify any corner. It is one of those plants with large leaves that give personality to the house and fill it with greenery.

Its large shiny leaves are impressive and it is a plant that can grow very tall, since in the right conditions it can grow up to between two and four meters high. Of course, in addition to informing you about the care it needs, pay attention to where you place it. It is a plant that does not like to be moved too much, even turning it after a while can disturb it excessively: choose the site well from the beginning and it will conquer you!

Care of the fiddle leaf ficus (ficus lyrata)

Choose a good location for your Ficus lyrata It is basic, because it is the way to ensure that you respect its needs for light and environmental humidity. But it is also very important to find the right irrigation point that suits you. Here we give you all the details so that you can enjoy a splendid ficus for many years.

THE Light, the first key factor TO TAKE CARE OF IT WELL

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The fiddle leaf ficus need a lot of bright light, but never direct scorching sun. The ideal is to place it near a window facing east or south with a light curtain that filters the light.

A low light location will cause leaf drop and weak growth. If your house is dark, you can rely on LED grow lights.

Remember that he does not like to be moved constantly, so choose his place and try to keep him there to avoid unnecessary stress.

How to Water the ficus lyrata in the right amount

One of the most common mistakes with this ficus is water it too much, because its roots are very sensitive and do not tolerate waterlogging.

It is advisable to wait until the substrate is dry in the first 3 to 5 centimeters before watering again. A good trick is to stick your finger into the soil or use a moisture meter.

Also, make sure the pot has good drainage. In winter, reduce the frequency of watering, as growth slows down.

Environmental humidity, another decisive factor

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He Ficus lyrata is native to tropical climates, so it enjoys humid environments. A relative humidity between 50% and 65% is ideal to keep it with firm, shiny leaves.

If the environment in your house is dry, you can increase the humidity with a humidifier, placing the pot on a plate with pebbles and water or grouping several plants together.

Avoid frequently spraying the leaves, since it could favor the appearance of undesirable fungi.

Nutrition, the food of its large leaves

During the growing seasonfrom spring to summer, it is convenient pay it every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer. This will give it the boost it needs to develop new, healthy leaves, and also to continue growing upwards.

In autumn and winter You can space out the applications or even suspend them, as the ficus enters a calmer phase. A sign of a lack of nutrients is yellowing of leaves younger.

Stimulate a bare trunk to revive your ficus

If you Ficus lyrata has lost the leaves on the lower part and has been left with a bare trunk, still you have options to revitalize it. According to some nurserymen, two main techniques can be applied.

• Cut the top of the plant: Doing so redirects energy to the rest of the stem, which can trigger new shoots. However, it is not always safe, since sometimes you only get a “V” branch.
• Trunk twist: This method consists of carefully bending the stem, to the point where the plant allows it, without breaking it. The result is usually more effective, because it stimulates sprouts in different areas and also gives the ficus a more sculptural appearance.

Pruning and cleaning to keep it healthy

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He Ficus lyrata thank you for one light pruning when some branches are dry or when growth gets out of control. It is always better to prune in spring, so that the plant has the entire active season ahead of it.

It is also essential clean its large leaveswith a damp cloth to remove dust. This not only improves its appearance, but also facilitates photosynthesis and prevents pests such as red spiders or mealybugs.

Common pests and problems of ficus lyrata

The most common problems in Ficus lyrata are:

• Falling leaves: It may be due to excess watering, lack of light or sudden changes in location.
• Brown spots: They usually indicate excess water or damaged roots.
• Dry tips: It is usually a lack of environmental humidity.

Check the plant regularly and adjust care according to the season It is the best way to avoid complications.

The reward of taking good care of it

Although at first it may seem like a challenge, once you get the hang of it, the Ficus lyrata It becomes a long-distance companion.

Its imposing appearance and bright green leaves provide character and freshness to any interior space. Dedicating a little attention to watering, light and humidity will allow you to enjoy a ficus that grows happily for years.