Some plants look so similar that it’s hard to tell them apart. Others share part of the same name, making it hard to distinguish exactly what plant you’re looking at.
When it comes to Ficus vs. fiddle leaf fig plants, some people use both terms interchangeably, but let’s figure out what their differences are. Below, we are going to look at the Ficus vs Fiddle leaf debate and figure out what exactly makes each one unique.
Ficus and fiddle leaf fig plants are two popular choices for houseplant enthusiasts. With their large, dramatic leaves and tree-like shape, it’s easy to see why these plants are so sought-after. But there’s often confusion about whether ficus and fiddle leaf figs are different species or just varieties of the same plant. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the key similarities and differences between ficus and fiddle leaf figs.
What is a Ficus Plant?
Ficus is a diverse genus comprising over 800 species of woody trees, shrubs, and vines. Most ficus plants are native to tropical regions and adapted to warm, humid environments.
Some of the most popular ficus houseplants include
- Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) – Features graceful, trailing branches and glossy, oval-shaped leaves.
- Rubber plant (Ficus elastica) – Has thick, rubbery leaves and develops a tree-like shape when mature.
- Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) – Known for very large, violin-shaped leaves with prominent veining.
In general, ficus share some common traits like fast growth milky sap and slight toxicity if ingested. They prefer bright, indirect light and high humidity. With proper care, most ficus varieties can grow into impressive indoor trees.
Defining the Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig belongs to the Ficus genus but is a distinct species known scientifically as Ficus lyrata. As the common name implies, fiddle leaf figs are easily recognized by their very large, violin-shaped leaves measuring 10-16 inches long.
Other distinguishing features include:
- Origins – Native to tropical rainforests of Western Africa.
- Mature size – Grows up to 10-15 feet indoors. Can reach over 40 feet tall in native habitat.
- Growth pattern – Has multiple stems and branches. More shrub-like than other ficus.
- Light needs – Requires very bright, filtered light to thrive. More light-hungry than other ficus.
- Care needs – Demands consistent, high humidity. Prone to leaf drop if conditions aren’t ideal.
So while the fiddle leaf fig is a type of ficus, its unique leaf shape, origins, growth habit, and care needs set it apart as a distinct species.
Key Differences Between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Figs
Now that we’ve defined ficus and fiddle leaf figs, let’s compare some major factors that set them apart:
Leaf Size and Shape
One obvious visible difference is leaf size and shape. Most ficus have relatively small, oval leaves while the fiddle leaf fig has extra large, violin-shaped leaves. Even large-leafed ficus like the rubber plant don’t compare to the huge foliage of the fiddle leaf fig.
Growth Pattern
Ficus generally grow with a single trunk and columnar shape. The fiddle leaf fig has multiple stems and a shrubby, spreading form, staying shorter than other ficus indoors.
Light Needs
While most ficus tolerate low to medium indirect light, the fiddle leaf fig requires very bright filtered light to thrive. Insufficient light causes leaf drop in fiddle leaf figs but most other ficus adjust better.
Humidity Tolerance
The fiddle leaf fig prefers steady 60-65% humidity and is prone to crispy leaf margins and tip burn in dry air. Other ficus plants tolerate lower household humidity a bit better.
Ease of Care
Beyond light and humidity needs, fiddle leaf figs take more effort to keep happy indoors. Their large leaves collect dust quickly, they dislike being moved, and they’ll readily drop leaves if conditions aren’t ideal. Other ficus bounce back from stresses more easily.
Similarities Between Ficus and Fiddle Leaf Figs
While there are clear differences, ficus and fiddle leaf figs share these similarities:
- Both have large, glossy, deep green leaves.
- All prefer warm indoor temperatures from 60-80°F.
- They need infrequent but deep watering, allowing soil to partly dry out.
- Well-draining, loamy potting mix amended with perlite suits most.
- Fertilizing every 2-4 weeks during growing season is beneficial.
- Pruning and training can manage size and shape for indoor growth.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Here are the recommended care guidelines for growing healthy ficus and fiddle leaf figs indoors:
Light
Southern or eastern exposure with bright, indirect sun. Fiddle leaf figs need 4-6 hours of direct sun. Other ficus do best with 2-4 hours of direct sunlight.
Temperature
Consistently warm temperatures between 60-80°F. Avoid drafty areas.
Humidity
Maintain 40-60% humidity. Fiddle leaf figs thrive around 60-65% humidity. Mist leaves frequently.
Water
Allow soil to partly dry out between waterings. Water thoroughly until it drains from holes.
Soil
Use a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite and orchid bark.
Fertilizer
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the growing season.
Potting
Size up every 1-2 years until reaching desired height. Prune roots when repotting.
Choosing Between Ficus vs. Fiddle Leaf Figs
When deciding between ficus vs. fiddle leaf figs, consider your growing conditions and commitment level.
Fiddle leaf figs make stunning statement plants but need very bright light and high humidity to flourish. They also dislike being moved.
Other ficus like rubber plants and weeping figs are more forgiving and adaptable to typical indoor environments. Their smaller leaves also make them easier to manage.
Whichever you choose, provide proper care and your ficus or fiddle leaf fig will reward you with lush, tropical elegance indoors. Just pick the variety that best suits your space and plant parenting approach.
Ficus vs. Fiddle Leaf Fig: What is a Ficus?
Ficus is a classification of woody trees, shrubs, and other plants in the Moraceae family. There are many different types of plants under the Ficus umbrella, including Weeping Figs, Fruiting Figs, Fiddle Leaf Figs, and more.
Ficus trees are generally a tropical tree that prefer temperate climates and are relatively easy to care for. You can typically find one or two different kinds of Ficus trees, shrubs, or plants in plant nurseries in your area, sometimes more! Online plant retailers will usually give you a more widespread variety to choose from. Read more about Ficus vs. Fiddle Leaf Fig trees.
To make informed choices for your indoor garden, delve into the comparison of Ficus vs. Fiddle Leaf Fig.
Weeping Fig trees are a very popular indoor tree. It looks beautiful, it thrives in temperatures that homes are normally kept at, and it’s pretty easy to take care of. It has dense, glossy leaves that pop against the light brown trunk and branches, and is often found in many staged homes and offices.
These trees are pretty tough, and can handle some dryer environments, but to thrive they need good growing conditions including temperatures in the 60-80 degree range, the right amount of water, and bright indirect sunlight.
Exploring the differences between Ficus vs. Fiddle Leaf Fig is crucial for effective indoor plant care.
Rubber plants are also a very popular houseplant. Its botanical name is Ficus Elastica. They grow 3-6 feet tall when kept in a pot indoors, but can also be planted outside if your climate allows it. The rubber plant is another Ficus tree that requires bright, filtered sunlight to thrive, and while it can tolerate some direct sunlight, it’s not recommended for long periods.
Rubber plants are a shrub-like plant with thin stems and larger leaves. It is a beautiful houseplant, and as long as you maintain the proper light and water requirements, this plant will brighten up your space for a long time. Continue learning more about Ficus vs. Fiddle Leaf Fig trees.
Ficus Benjamina is just the botanical name for Weeping Fig trees. They make excellent houseplants and can even be grown outside if your temperatures remain in the 60 degree to 80 degree range. They can tolerate slightly lower or higher temperatures, but it’s not recommended for an extended amount of time.
Many times, this tree will simply be listed as “Ficus” in stores or plant nurseries because it is the plant most people think about when they hear the word “Ficus.”
Here is more information about Ficus vs. Fiddle Leaf Fig trees. Fruiting Fig trees are also becoming more popular with each new year. Like its botanical relatives, this tree is easy to grow. It’s a bit hardier than the other versions of Ficus trees, and produces delicious figs for you to enjoy! You can grow this tree in USDA zones 8 and up, although too much heat and sun may harm this tree.
There are many different varieties of fig trees, so if you’re considering one, make sure to look up the different types and match one to your environment and your needs.
Subgenus Ficus is the term used to classify all of the different types of Ficus plants. In their natural habitat, Ficus plants are an important food source for many animals, including monkeys, bats, and birds. They are also a source of latex, and most of the tree can be used for many different things.
The ficus tree is a member of the Moraceae family, which includes over 1,000 species of plants. The fiddle leaf fig is a member of the subgenus Pharmacosycea within the Moraceae family. This subgenus includes only about 150 species of plants.
One of the main differences between these two types of ficus is their appearance. Ficus trees are typically tall with a single trunk, while fiddle leaf figs are shorter with multiple stems. Ficus trees also have smooth, leathery leaves, while Fiddle Leaf Figs have large, wavy leaves.
Another difference between these two types of ficus is their growth habits. Ficus trees in general are usually fast-growing and can reach up to 100 feet tall, while fiddle leaf figs are slower-growing and usually only reach about 10-15 feet tall. Most Ficus trees can tolerate a full day of sun, while Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer indirect sunlight.
The Ficus subgenus Sycidium is a group of about 100 species of figs found in the tropics. They are small to medium-sized trees with smooth bark and elliptical leaves. The fruit is a small, fleshy drupe.
The Ficus subgenus Sycidium includes the following species:
- Ficus aurea – the golden fig or yellow-fig tree, native to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
- Ficus benjamina – the weeping fig or Benjamin fig, native to Asia and Australia
- Ficus cotinifolia – the red leaf fig or prune fig, native to Mexico and Central America
- Ficus elastica – the rubber fig or Indian rubber tree, native to India and Nepal
- Ficus ingens – the giant fig or African banyan, native to Africa
- Ficus lyrata – the fiddle-leaf fig or trumpet fig, native to Africa
Even within their own subgenus, each type of Ficus tree has many variations, making this a very interesting family of plants.
The Sycamore Fig (Ficus Sycomorus) has leaves that look like a mulberry. It is native to Africa and the Tropic of Capricorn, and grows up to and sometimes over 65 feet tall. This tree requires the presence of a fig wasp to produce the fig fruit, like the Fruiting Fig tree, and was even considered the Ancient Egyptian’s “Tree of Life.”
Although this tree still grows in many places, there are some areas of the world where the wasp that can fertilize the flower that produces this tree’s fruit has gone extinct. In those areas, the tree will still grow, but will not produce the fig fruit.
Subgenus Synoecia is a type of Ficus tree that originated in Asia. It produces a fig with a more pronounced point on the bottom, and also requires fertilization from a Fig wasp. The leaves of this subgenus are usually smaller and smoother than some of the other Ficus subgenus.
The Ficus subgenus Urostigma includes some of the most popular houseplants, such as the Fiddle Leaf Fig and rubber plant. These plants are known for their large, glossy leaves and easy-care requirements. While both are great choices for indoor plants, there are a few key differences between these two subspecies.
Fiddle Leaf Figs are native to tropical Africa, while rubber plants are native to Southeast Asia. This means that fiddle leaf figs will require more humidity than rubber plants. Fiddle leaf figs also have a tendency to drop their leaves if they are not getting enough light, while rubber plants will tolerate lower light levels.
Ficus Urostigma is similar to the Fruiting Fig, but it does not produce large fig fruit. This subgenus produces smaller, berry-like figs. This Subgenus is even broken down further into different leaf patterns, but each produces these berry-like figs.
DWARF Fiddle Leaf Fig | Ficus Lyrata VS Ficus Lyrata DWARF | Ficus Lyrata BAMBINO
FAQ
Are Ficus and fiddle leaf fig the same?
Ficus is a large genus of plants that includes more than 800 species. Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) are just one type of ficus plant. Fiddle leaf figs are native to western Africa and grow best in tropical climates. They are characterized by their large, leathery leaves, which are often variegated or mottled.
Are figs and Ficus the same thing?
Ficus (/ˈfaɪkəs/ or /ˈfiːkəs/) is a genus of about 850 species of woody trees, shrubs, vines, epiphytes and hemiepiphytes in the family Moraceae. Collectively known as fig trees or figs, they are native throughout the tropics with a few species extending into the semi-warm temperate zone. The common fig (F.
What is the best fig tree for indoors?
Weeping figs, rubber trees, and fiddle leaf figs are especially popular for indoor growing. They are also used in creating bonsai.