A ficus lira (ficus lyrata) is a popular indoor tree with large, heavily ribbed, pale leaves that grow upright on a trunk. The floor plan is perfect as a focal point in a room if you can place it in a floor vase where the plant can grow to at least 1.8 meters in height, although most indoor species reach around 3 meters.
It is a very fast producer that can be bottled at any time of the year. Bear in mind, however, that this beautiful plant is toxic to cats and dogs. So if you have a pet, avoid growing it at home.
- Common name: Ficus-lyra
- Botanical name: Ficus lyrata
- Family: Moraceae
- Plant type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Adult size: 15 meters tall (outdoor), 3 meters tall (indoors)
- Sun exposure: Partial shade
- Soil type: Clay, medium moisture, well drained
- Soil pH: from 6 to 7
- Flowering time: Rarely sprouts outside its native range
- Native Area: Tropical West Africa
- Toxicity: Toxic for dogs and cats
Ficus lira care
These plants are native to tropical parts of Africa, where they thrive in conditions very hot and humid. This makes them a bit of a challenge for the home grower, who will likely have trouble duplicating these wet conditions.
However, they are relatively hardy plants that can withstand a less than ideal environment for quite a long time.
Lyre ficus aren’t particularly demanding plants, as long as you can get the growing conditions right. When grown as an indoor plant, be prepared to rotate it every few days so that a different part faces the sunlight source. That way it will grow evenly instead of leaning towards the light.
Also, every week or two clean the leaves with a damp cloth. Not only does this make the leaves look brighter and more attractive, it also allows more sunlight to reach the leaves for photosynthesis.
In addition, you can cut off damaged or dead leaves as they emerge, as they no longer benefit the plant. And if you wish, you can prune the top of the main stem for a denser growth habit.
Light
Ficus lira requires strong, filtered light to grow and look your best. Direct sunlight can burn your leaves, especially exposure to hot afternoon sun. Also, plants that are kept in low light conditions do not grow quickly.
Ground
Any quality indoor potting mix should be suitable for a lyre ficus. Make sure the soil drains well.
Water
Ficus lira likes a moderate amount of moisture in the soil. If the plant doesn’t get enough water, its leaves will wither and lose their bright green color. And if given too much water, the plant can drop leaves and suffer from root rot, which can kill it.
During the growing season (spring through fall), water the plant when the topsoil is dry. During the winter months, water a little less.
Also, these plants are sensitive to high salt levels in the soil. Therefore, it is ideal to wash it until the water runs out of the bottom of the vase at least once a month. This helps prevent salt buildup.
temperature and humidity
Lyre ficus does not like extreme temperature fluctuations. An environment that is between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius is usually fine, although you should position the plant away from areas with draftsas well as air conditioning and heating vents, which can cause sudden changes in temperature.
Opt for a humidity level between 30 and 65%. If you need to supplement moisture, mist your plant with clean water daily. Or you can place it in a pebble tray filled with water, as long as the bottom doesn’t touch the water. Additionally, lyre ficus can benefit from being in a space with a humidifier.
Fertilizer
fertilize the plant throughout the growing season with a high-nitrogen plant food, following label directions. There are fertilizers made especially for the species. You generally won’t have to feed your plant during the winter.
Types of Ficus-lyra
The main species, Ficus lyrata, is the most common fig tree that gardeners grow. But there are also several cultivars available, including:
- Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’: This is a dwarf variety that only reaches a few meters in height.
- Ficus lyrata ‘Compacta’: This variety can reach up to 1.5 meters in height and has smaller, more closely clustered leaves than the main species.
- Ficus lyrata ‘Variegata’: This is an unusual variety with showy leaves that are a mixture of green and cream.
pruning
A lyre ficus benefits from having its leaves pruned from time to time. Trim away any damaged leaves, overgrowth, or crossed branches to let the plant breathe.
Make cuts about an inch away from the trunk to avoid damage. If you are taking a dead brown leaf, pull it off very carefully before trying to cut it, as it may come off on its own.
Ficus lira propagation
It is easy to propagate the plant with stem cuttings and extremely difficult to do with seeds. Working with a cut is virtually fail-safe.
Use sharp scissors to cut a stem about 12 to 18 inches long with a few leaves. Remove all sheets except one.
Place the cutting’s vase in a jar or vase filled with clean, room-temperature water and place it in a warm place with bright but indirect light. Change the water only when it is cloudy.
In a few weeks, small white bumps will appear at the base of the stem that is in the water. In a few weeks after that, roots will grow in the water at these spots.
When the roots reach 2 to 5 inches long, plant the cutting in a 1-gallon pot filled with potting soil and water until moist, and continue to keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Ficus lira potting
Plan to replant a young fig tree annually each spring. Select a sturdy pot that is approximately two inches larger in diameter than the existing pot. Gently release the plant from the current pot, lift it while supporting the base, and place it in the new pot. Fill the spaces around the plant with the potting mix.
By the time the plant is mature, it will likely be too big to replant. If so, remove the top few inches of soil each spring and replace it with fresh soil.
Also, if you are doing the potting work outdoors, do it when the temperature is at least 10 degrees Celsius. Anything colder can cause a lot of stress for the plant.
Common pests and plant diseases
These plants don’t have serious pest or disease problems, but they can be prone to spider mites, scale, and bacterial or fungal diseases. With these problems, you may notice leaf damage such as dark spots, as well as small insects on the leaves.
Treat the problem as soon as possible with a fungicide, pesticide, or other appropriate remedy. And make sure your plant has adequate air circulation and isn’t in overly humid conditions, which can help prevent future problems.
Common problems with lira ficus
A lira ficus can be sensitive to its environment and watering schedule, so when something is off about it, you can tell through the behavior of its leaves.
The plant may develop leaf spots or fallen leaves, sometimes at a rapid rate. Be on the lookout for the first signs of leaf distress.
discolored leaves
If you see light brown or bleached spots on the tops of the leaves, the plant may be getting too much direct sunlight. This is called leaf burn.
In the case of a lyre ficus, you can prune the leaf with sharp shears and relocate your plant away from direct, strong rays of the sun.
Brown spots on the leaves
If your green leaves develop dark brown spots or blackened edges, the plant may be suffering from root rot from being in too much water.
Check the roots to see if they are brown and mushy. Cut the spotted leaves and gently cut the soft parts of the roots. Replant and monitor your watering to ensure the plant is not overwatered.
Brown spots can also mean the plant is experiencing extreme temperature swings, so check for draft spots or heating/cooling units or vents and move the plant to a consistently warmer location.
yellowed leaves
If younger fig leaves are turning yellow, this could indicate a bacterial problem. It may be too late to save the plant. But try to cut off the affected leaves and replant the plant in fresh soil.
Falling leaves
When a fig tree loses its leaves, it’s usually a sign that the plant is getting too much or too little water. Additionally, the plant can be exposed to extreme changes in temperature, which can also cause the plant to drop leaves.
Move the plant away from any heating or air conditioning units, vents, or drafty areas. Pull the watering back a little so the soil is never soggy and only slightly damp.
Common questions
Is lira ficus easy to care for?
These plants can be fussy at times, but can easily thrive with proper conditions and care. They need heat, humidity, lots of brightness, indirect light, some direct light and lots of water. Even if they love water, beware of excess.
How fast does lira ficus grow?
This houseplant can grow 60 centimeters a year, reaching about 1.8 to 3 meters in height.
Will a lira ficus bear fruit?
An indoor fig tree plant will not produce fruit.
*Via The Spruce