Growing Ficus Lyrata Indoors: The Ultimate Australian Guide

The Ficus lyrata — commonly known as the Fiddle Leaf Fig — is one of the most iconic indoor plants in the world. With its large violin-shaped leaves and striking upright form, it instantly elevates any interior space.
But as beautiful as it is, the Fiddle Leaf Fig can be a little fussy. The key to success is understanding its natural environment and recreating those conditions indoors.

This guide covers everything you need to know to grow a healthy, vibrant indoor Ficus lyrata in Australian homes.

Why Ficus Lyrata Makes a Stunning Indoor Plant

Fiddle Leaf Figs are popular because they offer:

Bold, architectural foliage
Impressive height for interior styling
A clean, modern look that suits any design style
Air-purifying qualities
A dramatic impact with just one plant

It’s the perfect plant for living rooms, entryways, offices, and bright corners where you want a strong statement piece.

Choosing the Right Spot for Your Ficus Lyrata

Your fiddle leaf will only thrive indoors if the location is right.
Think: bright, warm, and stable.

Light Requirements

Ficus lyrata needs bright, indirect light.

Ideal conditions:

Near a large window
Eastern or northern exposure
A position with filtered morning sun

Avoid:

Direct harsh afternoon sun
Dark corners
Rooms with poor natural light

If the plant isn’t getting enough light, you’ll see:

Leaf drop
Stunted growth
Sparse foliage

A grow light can help in low-light homes.

Watering Your Indoor Fiddle Leaf Fig

This plant dislikes extremes — not too dry, not too wet.

Watering Tips

Water when the top 3–5cm of soil feels dry
Water deeply until it drains from the bottom
Empty saucers immediately (prevents root rot)
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows

Signs of overwatering:

Brown edges
Black spots
Dropping lower leaves

Signs of underwatering:

Dry, crispy edges
Drooping leaves

Consistency is key.

Humidity and Temperature

Fiddle Leaf Figs are native to tropical African rainforests.
To mimic their environment:

Temperature

Best range: 18–25°C
Protect from cold drafts
Avoid heaters blowing directly on the plant

Humidity

They prefer medium to high humidity.

Boost humidity by:

Misting occasionally
Grouping plants together
Using a humidifier in dry climates
Placing the plant on a pebble tray

Choosing the Right Soil and Pot

Soil

Use a well-draining premium potting mix with ingredients like:

Pine bark
Perlite
Peat or coco coir

This prevents waterlogging while retaining enough moisture.

Pot

Select a pot with:

Drainage holes
Enough space for root growth
A heavy base (to prevent toppling in tall plants)

Repot every 12–18 months or when roots circle the pot.

Feeding Your Indoor Ficus

Regular feeding keeps foliage lush and encourages vibrant growth.

Fertilising Schedule

Spring & summer: Liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks
Autumn: Light feeding
Winter: Minimal or no feeding

Choose a fertiliser high in nitrogen for strong leaf production.

Pruning and Shaping

Pruning helps control height and encourages a bushier shape.

Prune when:

The plant becomes too tall
You want to promote branching
You need to remove damaged or yellowing leaves

How to prune:

Use clean, sharp secateurs
Cut above a node to encourage new shoots
Remove any crossing or crowded stems

For a classic tree shape, remove lower leaves gradually over time.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Leaf Drop

Cause: Low light, inconsistent watering, cold drafts
Fix: Improve light, stabilise watering schedule, move away from cold air sources.

Brown Spots or Edges

Cause: Overwatering, underwatering, low humidity
Fix: Adjust watering, improve drainage, boost humidity.

Pests (Scale, Mealybugs, Spider Mites)

Fix:

Wipe leaves with mild soapy water
Use neem oil
Increase airflow

Healthy plants are naturally more pest-resistant.

Tips for Long-Term Success

Rotate the pot every 2–4 weeks for even growth
Wipe dust off leaves to improve photosynthesis
Avoid moving the plant too frequently
Keep away from air conditioners and heaters

Fiddle Leaf Figs love stability — sudden environmental changes cause stress.

Final Thoughts

Growing a Ficus lyrata indoors is incredibly rewarding when you understand what it needs. With bright light, consistent watering, and the right humidity, your fiddle leaf will thrive and become a long-lasting centerpiece in your home.

Growing Ficus Lyrata Indoors