Have you ever gone to a nursery or scrolled through Instagram and seen a beautiful Ficus or Fiddle Leaf Fig tree and wondered if they were one and the same? If so, you’re not alone! Many people are curious about the differences between these two popular houseplants.
In this article, we’ll take a deeper look at the Ficus genus, what a Fiddle Leaf Fig is, the differences between them, what they have in common, how to best care for them, common mistakes to avoid, and the advantages of growing them.
Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig are both members of the Ficus genus, but they are not the same species.
Ficus is a very large genus of trees and shrubs that contains many different species, while Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is just one of those species.
Fiddle Leaf Fig is a very popular houseplant, known for its large, wavy, fiddle-shaped leaves, while other species of Ficus may have smaller leaves, different shapes, and other characteristics.
Overview of the Ficus Genus
The Ficus genus is a large family of plants that includes about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, and epiphytes.
These plants are native to many parts of the world, including tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, Asia, and South America.
Ficus plants are known for their attractive foliage, and many species have glossy, dark green leaves that make them popular houseplants.
While some species can grow to be quite large, most are relatively small and can easily be grown indoors.
Ficus plants are relatively easy to care for and can tolerate a wide range of light levels, making them an ideal choice for both experienced and novice gardeners.
Ficus plants require regular watering and occasional pruning to promote healthy growth.
Some species are known to produce aerial roots, which can be shaped and trained to form interesting shapes and patterns.
Additionally, Ficus plants are known to attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them a great addition to any garden.
What is a Fiddle Leaf Fig?
A Fiddle Leaf Fig (FLF) is a species of Ficus, a large genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, and epiphytes.
Native to tropical West Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a popular indoor plant due to its large, fiddle-shaped leaves.
FLFs are easy to care for, tolerate low-light environments, and require occasional pruning.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a great addition to any home or office space and can add a bit of tropical flair.
This species of Ficus has a unique growth habit.
The leaves are glossy and vibrant, ranging in size from 10-30 cm in length.
The leaves can be either a deep green or a variegated pattern of green and white.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig’s stems grow upright, with the leaves growing in an alternating pattern.
The stems are woody and can reach up to 3 meters in height.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a low maintenance plant, requiring only occasional watering and pruning.
The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry, and fertilized with a balanced fertilizer once or twice a year.
Pruning should be done to promote new growth and to keep the plant looking its best.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is an easy to care for plant that is well suited for both indoor and outdoor settings.
Its unique look and low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for those looking to add a bit of tropical flair to their space.
Differences Between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig
When it comes to the differences between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig, its important to understand that while they are both part of the Ficus genus, they are not the same.
Ficus is a large genus of around 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, and epiphytes, while Fiddle Leaf Fig is a specific species of Ficus native to tropical West Africa.
Ficus is known for its wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, ranging from small shrubs to tall trees.
Fiddle Leaf Fig, on the other hand, is known for its large, fiddle-shaped leaves and is often used as an indoor plant.
In terms of care, both Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig are easy to care for, tolerate low-light environments, and require occasional pruning.
However, Ficus plants tend to be more hardy and resistant to pests, while Fiddle Leaf Fig plants are more delicate and prone to leaf-drop and other issues.
Ficus plants tend to be more drought-tolerant and can handle more direct sunlight than Fiddle Leaf Fig plants, which prefer lower light and higher humidity.
Ficus plants also require less frequent watering than Fiddle Leaf Fig plants, which should be watered when the soil is dry.
Finally, the most noticeable difference between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig is their size.
Ficus plants can reach heights of up to 60 feet, while Fiddle Leaf Fig plants usually stay much smaller, usually growing up to 6 feet in height.
Similarities Between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig
When it comes to similarities between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig (FLF), there are many.
Both plants belong to the Ficus genus, and they both have a woody texture.
Both plants are also tolerant of low-light environments, making them great for indoor growing.
Additionally, Ficus and FLF both require occasional pruning to maintain their shape and size.
Both plants are also easy to care for, as they do not need much water and can thrive in a variety of soil types.
Finally, both Ficus and FLF can be propagated either through stem cuttings or by division.
This means that if you have a healthy Ficus or FLF plant, you can easily propagate it to create multiple plants from just one.
How to Care for Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig
When it comes to caring for Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig, the two plants are quite similar.
Both plants require a lot of bright, indirect sunlight and should be kept in a spot where they’ll get at least four hours of sunlight daily.
Additionally, both plants prefer slightly moist, but not soggy, soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
To keep the plants looking their best, it’s important to prune them regularly to encourage new growth and avoid overcrowding.
Additionally, Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig both respond well to fertilizers and should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the winter months.
Lastly, both plants should be kept away from drafts and cold air, as this can cause them to become stressed and suffer damage.
Common Mistakes when Caring for Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig
It is easy to confuse Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig (FLF) due to their similar appearance and both belonging to the Ficus genus.
However, they are not the same plant.
While both plants are easy to care for and tolerate low-light environments, there are still several common mistakes that people make when caring for them.
Firstly, Ficus and FLF do not need the same amount of light.
Ficus plants prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate some direct sunlight.
On the other hand, Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers bright, direct light and will not tolerate too much shade.
Secondly, Ficus and FLF require different amounts of water.
Ficus plants should be watered when the top inch of soil becomes dry, while Fiddle Leaf Fig should be watered when the top two inches of soil are dry.
Over-watering or under-watering can cause both plants to become stressed and even die.
Thirdly, Ficus and FLF require different types of fertilizer.
Ficus plants prefer a balanced fertilizer that is applied monthly during the growing season.
On the other hand, Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers a fertilizer with higher levels of nitrogen and should be applied every other month.
Lastly, Ficus and FLF require different pruning techniques.
Ficus should be pruned in the spring or summer months to encourage new growth and stimulate the plant to produce more leaves.
Fiddle Leaf Fig should be pruned in the fall or winter months to maintain the shape of the plant.
By understanding the differences between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig, and following the right care instructions, you can ensure that both plants remain healthy and vibrant.
Advantages of Growing Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig
When it comes to growing plants, Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig (FLF) have a lot to offer.
With their large variety of species, Ficus plants are a great choice for any garden or home.
Not to mention, Fiddle Leaf Fig is a particular species of Ficus that is native to tropical West Africa and is known for its large, fiddle-shaped leaves.
Both of these plants are quite easy to care for, making them ideal for beginner gardeners or those who dont have a lot of time on their hands.
Not only are Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig easy to care for, they also tolerate low-light environments.
This means that they can be grown indoors or outside in shaded areas.
Additionally, they require occasional pruning, which helps to keep them looking their best.
As an added bonus, pruning helps to encourage new growth, which can make your plants look fuller and healthier.
Another advantage of Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig is that they are both very affordable.
This makes them ideal for those who are on a budget and want to add some greenery to their home or garden.
Plus, these plants can be found in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that will fit perfectly in your space.
Overall, Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig offer many benefits for gardeners and indoor plant enthusiasts.
They are easy to care for, tolerate low-light environments, and require occasional pruning.
Plus, they are affordable and can be found in a variety of sizes, making them a great option for anyone who wants to add some greenery to their home or garden.
So, if youre looking for a plant that is easy to care for and wont break the bank, Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig may be just what youre looking for.
Final Thoughts
It’s clear that Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Fig are two very different plants, although they are both members of the same genus.
Ficus is a large, diverse genus, while Fiddle Leaf Fig is a specific species of Ficus native to tropical West Africa.
Both plants are easy to care for and can tolerate low-light environments.
Additionally, both plants require occasional pruning and watering.
If you’re looking for an indoor plant that is easy to maintain and adds a hint of greenery to your home, Ficus or Fiddle Leaf Fig may be the perfect choice for you.