The Fiddle Leaf Fig, Ficus lyrata, has become an extremely popular statement piece in interior design due to its distinctive, large, violin-shaped leaves. This tropical tree, native to the rainforests of West Africa, commands attention with its architectural foliage. The question of whether it should be grown indoors or outdoors depends entirely on your local climate and whether you can replicate its native environment.
Determining Suitable Placement
The Fiddle Leaf Fig originates from warm, humid regions in Western and Central Africa. This natural habitat dictates the plant’s fundamental requirements: consistent warmth and high moisture. Permanent outdoor planting is only viable in climates that closely mirror these conditions year-round, specifically those classified as tropical or subtropical.
For permanent placement in the ground, the plant requires a climate where temperatures consistently remain above 50°F (10°C). In the United States, this generally limits permanent outdoor cultivation to specific warm regions, such as USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12. Within its ideal outdoor range, the tree can reach heights of up to 40 to 50 feet.
Outside of these perpetually warm zones, the Fiddle Leaf Fig cannot survive the winter outdoors and is strictly grown as a container plant. For the vast majority of people, the plant must be kept indoors to protect it from cold temperatures and frost.
Optimizing Indoor Growing Conditions
Successful cultivation of Ficus lyrata indoors relies on replicating its tropical needs. The correct light exposure is paramount, as the plant requires bright, indirect light for at least six to eight hours each day. This simulates its position beneath the rainforest canopy, where light is abundant but filtered.
Placing the plant near a south or west-facing window is often suggested, but the light must be diffused by a sheer curtain or positioned slightly away from the glass. Direct, intense afternoon sunlight can scorch the large, leathery leaves, resulting in unsightly white or brown patches. Conversely, insufficient light will cause the plant to grow slowly, become leggy, or drop its lower leaves.
Overwatering is the most frequent cause of problems, as the plant is highly susceptible to root rot. Allow the top two inches of soil to dry out completely before watering again. When watering, soak the soil thoroughly until the water drains freely from the pot’s drainage holes.
Never allow the pot to sit in standing water, as this creates the anaerobic conditions that encourage fungal growth and root rot. The plant thrives in stable indoor temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C and 29°C). It dislikes drafts from doors, air conditioning units, or heating vents, which cause sudden temperature fluctuations and can lead to leaf drop.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig appreciates higher humidity, ideally between 40% and 60%. The dry air common in heated homes can cause the leaf edges to turn brown. Increase humidity by placing the potted plant on a shallow tray filled with pebbles and water, which increases moisture through evaporation.
Seasonal Outdoor Placement and Climate Limits
Moving a potted Fiddle Leaf Fig outdoors temporarily during the summer can significantly boost its growth and overall health. This transition must be handled with care to prevent shock. The minimum temperature the plant can tolerate is 50°F (10°C), so it must be brought back inside before nighttime temperatures drop below this range.
The move requires a gradual process known as ‘hardening off,’ which acclimates the plant to the harsher outdoor conditions, especially the intense sunlight. On the first day, place the plant in a fully shaded, sheltered location for just two to three hours. Over the next week to ten days, slowly increase the duration of its outdoor exposure and gradually introduce it to brighter light.
A sheltered location that receives morning sun or filtered light throughout the day is the safest outdoor placement. Protect the plant from strong winds, which can tear the large leaves and cause stress.