The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is a popular houseplant known for its dramatic, large, violin-shaped leaves. This tropical tree species can reach impressive heights, but its size is highly flexible and determined by its environment and container. The height expected in a home setting varies widely, making it a popular statement floor plant. Understanding these factors is the first step in managing the plant’s vertical growth.
The Difference Between Outdoor and Indoor Growth
The difference between the plant’s natural habitat and a living room explains the variation in height. Originating in the tropical rainforests of West Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig grows as a vigorous tree outdoors. With unrestricted root systems, abundant rainfall, and high humidity, the plant can easily reach heights of 40 to 50 feet.
This natural, unconstrained growth is curtailed when the plant is potted and brought indoors. For a standard Ficus lyrata houseplant, the typical maximum height is between 6 and 10 feet, though some specimens in large containers may reach 15 feet. The physical constraint of the pot and indoor conditions limit its potential size. Once established, the plant generally grows slowly, adding 12 to 15 inches of vertical growth per year.
Environmental Factors that Determine Size
The growth rate and ultimate size of an indoor Fiddle Leaf Fig are influenced by several environmental elements. The primary factor is light exposure; the plant grows faster and taller when it receives ample bright, indirect light for photosynthesis. Plants in darker locations grow slower and become “leggier” as they stretch for light. Those near a south or west-facing window show more vigorous vertical development.
The size of the container is another passive control mechanism, as root restriction limits the plant’s overall growth. A slightly root-bound plant will experience stunted growth and remain smaller than one frequently repotted into larger containers. Root-trimming during repotting can slow vertical growth indefinitely, keeping the plant manageable. If height is a primary concern, the dwarf cultivar, Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino,’ is genetically programmed to top out at a smaller 3 to 6 feet.
Techniques for Managing Vertical Growth
When passive measures are insufficient, physical intervention is necessary to control the plant’s height and shape. Pruning is the most direct method for managing vertical growth and encouraging a bushier, tree-like appearance. The practice of “topping” refers to removing the apical meristem, which is the growth point at the top of the main trunk.
Cutting this growth point signals the plant’s auxiliary buds lower down the stem to break dormancy and form new side branches. This process halts the upward trajectory of the main trunk and redirects energy into lateral growth. For best results, heavy pruning should be done during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing and can recover quickly.
A more targeted technique, called notching, stimulates a new branch to grow from a specific spot on the trunk. This involves making a shallow, horizontal cut, about one-eighth of an inch deep, just above a dormant node. The cut should be made with a clean, sharp blade. Topping and notching are powerful tools for controlling a plant growing too close to a ceiling, as the goal is to keep the highest leaves at least 8 to 10 inches below the overhead structure.