Living with Plants: Fiddle Leaf Fig

Do you grow houseplants? I can't live without them. You probably already knew that. Some of you who know me might say I have a green thumb. But I don't really like that term, or its opposite (black/brown thumb). I don't like the implication that some people have the ability to grow plants and other people lack it. I think anyone can grow plants. And everyone should. It's good for you. Good for your spirit. Good for the air. Plants are pretty. They bring you joy.

I recently shared my newest Houseplant Portrait here*, but I thought I'd share it again in today's post because I wanted to talk a bit about growing fiddle leaf fig plants.

My fiddle leaf fig plant is my newest houseplant; I've only had it since last summer, but I'd wanted one for years.

I'm not one to go in for trendy, but fiddle leaf figs are very trendy plants right now. For good reason. They're big and dramatic -- when mature they become sizable trees -- and they look good with many different decorating styles.

I was a bit hesitant when I first brought my plant home because I'd read that they're finicky, sensitive to drafts, moving or even the slightest change in their environment.

I shouldn't have worried (and you shouldn't either). I've grown finicky plants before and this is not one of them.

I give it bright light (a southern window). I pay attention to the soil (always important with any plant), watering it when it's dry. I've noticed that if I let it go too long between waterings it might lose a newly forming leaf. It will grow another, though, and no permanent damage is done. I turn the pot every once in a while to help it grow evenly. I dust off the leaves when they get dusty. And that's about it. My plant has doubled in size since I brought it home.

It seems happy and I'm happy every time I see it.

If you are yearning to grow a fiddle leaf fig of your own, don't hesitate. Give it a sunny window (with plenty of space), pay attention to the soil and you'll be good.

It's not surprising that my plant has been an inspiration in my art.

It's appeared in my sketchbooks and I painted a tiny portrait of it during my month-long painting challenge last fall. Proof that inspiration is everywhere.

Have you fallen under the spell of the fiddle leaf fig?


*(The painting is now available in my web shop and prints in two sizes are available on Etsy).