16 Reasons the Fiddle Leaf Fig Is Popular (and Expensive)

Not to be confused with a fig leaf tree, the fiddle-leaf fig is one of the most popular plants when it comes to interior design. From the stylish appearance to the ease of maintenance, these plants are an excellent choice for almost any household.

Fiddle leaf figs are popular because they’re statement plants that contrast modern interior decor, and they boast bold beautiful green leaves. Once you get the hang of it, they’re easy to maintain, they grow quickly, and you can control the size by the pot’s shape. They can regrow from a trimmed trunk.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Are Easy to Maintain

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need much of a green thumb to take care of a fiddle leaf fig. Many people believe that you have to have all sorts of gardening supplies and special attention to detail to maintain these plants. Fortunately, there are only a few tips to keep your fiddle leaf fig alive and thriving.

Follow these suggestions to maintain your plant easily:

• Wipe off the leaves once per week. Fiddle leaf figs are notorious for getting dusty, dirty leaves. Not only does the debris build-up to ruin the appearance, but it can also prevent oxygen and sunlight from getting to the leaves. This process results in browning and yellowing.

• Get a pot with drainage holes and only water the soil when it’s dry. According to Kathy Kuo Home, fiddle leaf figs are prone to flooding and root rot if you add too much water. The soil is a clear indicator of when it’s time to start watering your plant again.

• Make sure your plant has enough indirect sunlight throughout the day. Despite the fact that they are indoor plants, they need to be in the sun for plenty of time each morning and afternoon. Ensure that the leaves don’t burn or dry out by keeping direct sunlight off of them.

• Consider fertilizing the plant monthly and repotting it as necessary. You will learn more about controlling the plant’s size in a later section, but the fertilizer should be applied monthly to provide proper nutrients found in the soil.

As you can see, maintaining a fiddle leaf fig is quite easy. You do not need to be a professional gardener to grow a healthy, lively plant. In fact, with the proper setting, they require less than 15 minutes of hands-on maintenance per week.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Are Much Larger Than Other House Plants

Another reason that fiddle leaf figs are so popular and occasionally pricey is that they are bigger than traditional house plants. Many of us often think of flowers, succulents, and other low-sitting, small plants in kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. However, the fiddle fig takes traditional house plants to the next level.

As stated by Dandelion Chandelier, fiddle leaf figs can get as big as six feet tall in most pots. However, you can make them grow even bigger by providing the proper growing conditions. The leaves are large, and the roots can be thick, but they’re nowhere near the size of the well-known fig tree.

The thin nature of the fiddle leaf fig’s trunk contrasts well with the plant’s large leaves and overall height and width. If you are accustomed to taking care of small potted house plants, then there’s no denying that this plant might come to you as a bit of a handful. As you learned in the previous section, the good news is that you do not need to be an expert to own one.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Are Statement Plants

Due to the massive size and bold colors, fiddle leaf figs are a statement plant. Rather than decorating the room with background visuals, they are a centerpiece of many homeowners’ bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms, and so on. They’re far from simple, and even further from a small piece of interior decor.

One of the main reasons that fiddle leaf figs have taken the industry for so long is that they have been in demand for over a decade. As people learn that it’s popular, they are more likely to want to get their hands on them. If you are trying to make a statement that you’re updated with the latest trends, then fiddle figs should be at the top of your list.

They also show that you’re focused on bringing nature indoors. Rather than having your plants sitting outside in your backyard or high up on a balcony, you’ll be able to bring nature right to the rooms of your choice. Such a bold statement is hard to find in the vast majority of other house plants on the market.

From the industry presence to the stunning outdoor-indoor aesthetic, fiddle leaf figs are an undeniable statement piece for your home.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Sunlight Requirements Are Not Demanding

Although they need a little bit of sunlight spread evenly throughout the day, you don’t have to worry about it wilting from not having 18 hours of sunshine. Many houseplants need to be placed by windows. They also need to be moved around to get sunlight at all times of the day. Fortunately, that’s not the case with fiddle leaf figs.

The proper way to care for a fiddle fig is listed in the first section, but keep in mind that sunlight remains an integral part of their success. You can’t have a fiddle leaf fig without giving it the proper amount of sunlight. Just because they’re not as demanding as other types of houseplants doesn’t mean you can leave it out altogether.

Note: The filtered sunlight hitting the plant should be altered monthly. Consider rotating the plant weekly or bi-weekly to ensure that all sides of it are getting the proper amount of sunlight. If you only have the sunlight hitting one side of the plant, it’ll dry out, and the other side will wilt. Rotation is key to growing a fiddle leaf fig in filtered sunlight.

If the leaves of your fiddle fig are drying out, then either rotate the plant or move it further from the window. Another option is to close the blinds or curtains a bit.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Are Incredibly Eye-Catching

As you’ve probably noticed by now, the statement appearance of a fiddle leaf fig is undeniable. They’re towering taller than other house plants, the leaves are much bigger, and the planter pots are significantly larger than you’re probably used to seeing. Whether you’re going for the statement look or you want to decorate your home with something new, they’re a top choice.

The eye-catching appearance of fiddle leaf figs starts with the large basket, heads up the thin trunk, and shows itself in the vibrant leaves. When someone walks in the room, it’s impossible not to notice the beauty and size of a fiddle leaf fig, which is one of the main reasons that so many people continue to incorporate these plants into their lives.

As you’ll soon discover, fiddle leaf figs are still quite eye-catching in their early days. The young plants still have bold leaves that continue to grow with the trunk. Rather than waiting around for the plant to become visually appealing, it’s attractive at all stages of its life. Start it off on the kitchen counter, then move it to the living room once it’s big enough.

Remember that you shouldn’t ever have a fiddle fig near children or pets. The leaves are poisonous, which could result in a trip to the hospital if they’re ingested. Safety should be the top priority when it comes to placement.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Are Unlike Any Other Plant

Fiddle figs are a plant unlike any other houseplant or outdoor plant that you’ll come by. The size is the most notable difference, but we can’t forget the size variety, leaf shape, and other impressive features.

Below, you’ll find a handful of reasons that the fiddle leaf fig is a unique plant.

• You can choose between spindly or bushy plants. Fiddle leaf figs come in two types. One type looks spindly, and it winds in different directions. The leaves are all at the top of the plant. The other type looks completely vertical, with the broad leaves bushing out like a shrub.

• They require quite a bit of humidity, so you’ll need to ensure that they’re hydrated and warm from sunlight. If you live in a dry environment, you should consider installing a humidifier near the plants. Furthermore, overly humid environments could contribute to mold and mildew.

• Fiddle leaf figs are so big that they provide shade. If you have it positioned in front of open blinds, a fully-grown fiddle fig will block the sunlight, preventing you from heating up inside of your home. They’re one of the few house plants that can cool down your home when placed properly.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Follow Seasonal Cycles

Kiki Interiors shows us that fiddle leaf figs have the tendency to go with the seasons just like outdoor plants. During the spring and summer, they bloom and have vibrant colors, unlike any other plant indoors. On the other hand, autumn and winter see the leaves wilting and sometimes dying off.

Regardless of whether or not the leaves fall off or wilt, they’ll come back in full swing come spring. Most other house plants, including succulents, tend to run on their own annual cycle. They thrive for a long time since they don’t require much water, but you won’t be able to enjoy watching nature take its course.

The seasonal cycles of each fiddle leaf fig are different since they’re exposed to changing environments. If you live in a humid, warm climate, then there’s a good chance that the plant will thrive much longer than a plant that’s in a cold, dry climate. Following the aforementioned maintenance steps, your plant will come back in full force soon enough.

If you’re worried about your plant getting too cold, dry, humid, or warm, you can control them with various devices. Space heaters and humidifiers (or dehumidifiers) work excellently, but make sure they’re not too close to the plant. Slight variations have a drastic impact.

Social Media Made Fiddle Leaf Figs Popular Again

Social media has the power to make almost anything a popular topic. Through hashtags and picture posts, people have brought the fiddle fig back to life again. It was thriving for many years, and then it started to get replaced by the plethora of other house plants. However, the modern appearance makes it a top choice once again.

The social media swing that went in favor of the fiddle leaf fig was due to all sorts of reasons, but most people were driven by the plant’s size. Most indoor plants are flowers and other small leafy plants. However, the fact that the fiddle fig is a tree—makes it unique among the rest of the house plants.

Who’s to say when the next house plant will outshine the fiddle fig? With trends always changing, there’s no way of knowing. What’s for certain is the fact that fiddle leaf figs have been popular for over a decade, making it the longest trending house plant since interior decor became a focal point long ago.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Grow Fairly Quickly

PopSugar states that fiddle leaf figs grow between two to three feet per year under the proper conditions. Considering the fact that that’s taller than most house plants ever get, it’s quite impressive. Fiddle leaf figs aren’t short or small by any sense of the word. Their quick growth tends to be one of the motivating factors for new gardeners.

Remember that since they grow so quickly, you have to keep an eye on the size of the planter pot as well as the space they take up. These bold plants are far from conveniently-sized since they typically grow to require a 7-foot by 4-foot space. Keep the room clear of anything that might hinder the growth of your plant.

All fiddle leaf figs grow at a different rate, so don’t be upset if you only notice 12 to 16 inches of growth in the first year. They take quite some time to reach their full potential. The quickest growth happens in the first one to two years, but it’s not uncommon for them to keep growing for plenty of time after that.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Are Finally Budget-Friendly

Anyone who’s owned a fiddle leaf fig will tell you that they’re far from cheap. Their expensive price tag comes from the plant’s size and appearance, so it’s not uncommon for companies to charge loads of money for them. However, recent price changes have made them much more affordable for people who want to have one for themselves.

IKEA and many other retailers offer fiddle leaf figs for under $50, making them just as affordable as other house plants. You can purchase them online, which is why these plants have become so accessible to people all around the world. Combined with their social media presence, the low-cost price tag is why they’ve become so popular.

Remember that you get what you pay for. If you want to save money, your fiddle leaf fig might not grow as quickly or as large as other figs. However, if you make the investment to get a high-end fig, you’ll undoubtedly get the best results.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Have the Appearance of a Tree Without the Hassle

Owning a tree can be one of the most rewarding experiences as a gardener, but not everyone’s able to handle the hassle. Outdoor trees require much more water, fertilizer, and sunlight than fiddle leaf figs. They also tend to grow much larger than any other house plant that anyone’s come across.

Fiddle leaf figs look and act as trees because they are trees. If you like growing trees without waiting several years for them to reach their maximum potential, then you’ll love fiddle leaf figs. They have trunks, branches, large leaves, and deep roots that plant themselves far below the soil.

It’s no secret that we don’t all have the yard space to plant trees, nor do we have the time and energy to invest. If you want a tree minus the hard work and long wait time, then get a fiddle leaf fig. Contrary to what many people know, they’re capable of growing massive outdoors. Due to the fact that they grow so quickly, they can be much bigger than oak and maple trees.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Can Regrow Them From the Trunk

Gardenista observes that fiddle leaf figs can be grown from the trunk. If you notice that the leaves are drying out, turning brown, or overgrowing, then you can still save the plant. 

Below, you’ll find the step-by-step process to regrow a fiddle leaf fig from the trunk.

1. Start by locating the rotten limbs, overgrown leaves, or whatever else you’re trying to remove from the plant. Find a clean location about an inch below everything and use gardening shears to snip the trunk. Depending on how big the trunk is, you might have to use a hatchet.

2. Hydrate the top of the cut trunk as soon as possible. Dampen the soil until it’s no longer dry throughout the pot, then add water to the cut trunk portion. This step is important because it prevents the trunk from drying out and cracking.

3. After a few weeks, you’ll notice sprouts coming from the trunk that you cut. Keep them cleaned by dusting them off as you do with the rest of the leaves. They should also have more sunlight than usually since the sprouts take a little more time to start growing to their full size.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Match Almost Any Interior Decor

The light colors found in the fiddle leaf fig make it easy to blend with any interior design scheme. The light brown trunk is a good pair with white, light blue, yellow, and almost any other color in modern housing. The dark leaves provide great contrast, drawing attention to the plant without being overwhelming.

Bringing plants indoors has become increasingly popular in recent years as a fashion statement. Having plants also provides emotional health boosts, so there’s another reason to have a fiddle leaf fig tree! If you’re trying to add flair to your interior decor, then these plants are a top-notch option for anyone.

You might also like the fact that you don’t need to have loads of plants anymore. Many people who want to use plants as an interior design enhancement want more greenery to keep it balanced. Since the fiddle leaf fig is so big, it’s more than enough to represent the outdoors in your home.

You Can Mix and Match the Planting Pot

Planting pots are often a big drawing point for people with house plants. The fiddle leaf fig requires a large pot to prevent it from falling over. There are countless pots to choose from, but the woven basket pots tend to be the most popular options on the market these days.

When you’re ready to get new planter pots for your fiddle leaf fig, consider the VINGLI 3 pcs Wooden Planter Barrel Set from Amazon. It has three different sizes that allow you to transplant your fiddle leaf fig as it gets bigger. The wooden panels are designed to hold loads of soil and roots, and they all have the proper amount of drainage holes.

Planter pots are just as important as the plant when it comes to appearance. People love the look of a beautiful fiddle fig, but nothing makes it better than a stylish, modernized pot. Whether you choose a barrel pot or a woven pot, make sure it fits the scheme of your home to keep it in-line with everything else.

Furthermore, make sure the pot is wide enough and deep enough to handle the constant growth. As you probably know by now, the rapid growth of these plants makes it hard for them to stay in small pots for too long. Wide, deep planter pots allow for much more growth, preventing the roots from tangling or becoming fragile.

Fiddle Leaf Figs Are Perfect for Apartments and City Living

Living in an apartment is usually fun, but it limits the number of plants you can take care of. Many people take advantage of balcony space, but that’s still not enough to grow trees and shrubbery. If you want a large plant without the outdoor space to grow it, then fiddle leaf figs offer a perfect solution.

Even if you have a home, but you live in the middle of a city, you’ll have trouble finding enough space for it. City smog and building shade can make it a hassle to give your plants what they need. Fortunately, since you can keep a fiddle fig indoors, you don’t have to worry about them getting diseases and rotting.

Find a place that gets enough sunlight and hydration because they’re difficult to move when they get large. These massive plants are no stranger to heights over six, seven, or even eight feet. They can get incredibly wide as well, so you might feel overwhelmed in a small apartment. To learn how you can keep the fig small, read on.

You Can Control the Fiddle Leaf Fig’s Size

If you want to keep your fig about five feet tall, then all you have to do is keep the pot small. These plants are known for growing to the size of the room and pot they’re in, which is why they get massive outdoors. Keep it trimmed, cut the trunk down accordingly, and keep the pot small enough to prevent the roots from outgrowing themselves.

While they’re primarily purchased for their size, fiddle leaf figs can be found in small pots that only let them grow to about one to two feet tall. You’ll be able to control the shape and size by following the instructions mentioned above.

Note that the size of the leaves will continue to grow. Since they’re not confined to a pot like the roots are, the leaves have nothing to prevent them from getting bigger.

Final Thoughts

There are countless reasons that fiddle leaf figs are popular and semi-expensive. The prices are becoming much more affordable for these stylish, trendy plants, making them a top contender for modern decor.