The fiddlehead fig is one of the most beautiful Ficus species and can reach a height of up to four metres. It is also particularly attractive due to its easy care.
The violin fig, also called Ficus Lyrata in Latin, is at home in the rain forests of West Africa. Here it reaches a height of up to 25 meters. Their leaves alone can reach a size of 20 to 50 centimeters. It belongs to the mulberry family and is related to the rubber tree. Incidentally, the violin fig got its name from its growth form, which is strongly reminiscent of a violin. Its property of filtering toxins from the air has proven to be particularly useful, which is why it can contribute to a he althy climate at home. In general, however, the plant itself and its unripe fruits are poisonous.
Short profile of the violin fig
| Ficus lyrata |
|
|---|---|
| Family: | Mulberry family |
| Growth: | up to 4 meters |
| Growth form: | Violin body with large reeds |
| Location: | lots of sun, little shade |
| Floor: | commercial potting soil |
| Special Features: | almost never flowers in the pot, especially poisonous for animals. |
Location for the fiddle fig
The fiddlehead fig prefers a place that is bright, but at the same time does not get direct sunlight. The fact is that the brighter the site, the denser it can grow. To protect them from too much sun exposure, just put a thin curtain between the plant and the sunlight.
In addition, you should also protect them from drafts or cold, as they are somewhat sensitive to this. Temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius are ideal. If she isn't standing in a corner of the room, she can optimally develop her growth.
The fiddlehead fig is best placed in a conservatory or in a greenhouse. The latter is particularly well suited, as this is where the necessary humidity forms, which the violin fig needs. It should be as high as possible. To support this process,you can spray the plant regularly with lukewarm water or alternatively place a bowl of water near it.
The right soil for the violin fig
In general, a permeable soil is sufficient for the fiddlehead fig. The plant does well with regular potting soil. A mixture of sand, soil, compost and peat is ideal.
The older the plant is, the more permeable the soil should be so that the plant can breathe. You can loosen the soil and make it more permeable by adding additional clay, sand or polystyrene to the soil.
Caring for the fiddler fig
Water properly
The violin fig loves high humidity, but wet roots should be avoided. It's perfect for the plant if it's not too dry, but not too wet either.
Its water requirements are moderate, so most owners water the plant about every five days. In between, it makes sense to check the moisture content of the soil. If it's dry, you can water it. However, excess water should be poured away.
In winter, the fiddlehead fig requires even less water. Here it is enough to water them about every two weeks.
Is it necessary to fertilize?
Within the first year you can do without fertilizing the plant, since most of the potting soil or the substrate is already pre-treated. After that, it is sufficient to treat the plant about every 14 days with a liquid or slow-release fertilizer. The latter is available in the form of granules or pellets.
However, the timing of fertilization is important. It is best done between April and September, since the fiddle fig is in its growth phase during this time.
Needs a cut?
Regular pruning of the violin fig is not required. Only the dried leaves should be removed by hand.
Repot fiddle fig
In order to plant a violin fig correctly, it is important to purchase the right pot. Ideally, this has a few holes on the underside so that excess water can drain off.
On the other hand, the plant is only repotted if it is absolutely necessary. Because the move stresses her unnecessarily and so she may die afterwards. It is repotted correctly as follows:
- The pot should be well rooted. Plants that have reached an age of two to three years can also be transferred to a larger pot.
- The ideal time is between spring and summer.
- The new potshould be larger, but not much larger.
- The substrate should be prepared beforehand with some styrofoam, which promotes the permeability of the soil.
- Before putting the soil in the new pot, cover the bottom with a drainage layer. This can consist of expanded clay, for example.
- The new substrate goes on top of that, along with some horn shavings.
- The plant is placed on top and the pot is filled with soil.
- Press the soil well and water it vigorously.
- You should avoid fertilizing for the first six to eight weeks after repotting.
What are the special features of care?
Since the fiddler fig develops very large leaves and at the same time needs humidity, it is important to dust off the leaves regularly. Wiping down with a damp rag can also help increase humidity levels for the plant. Therefore, this handling is definitely recommended.
It also makes sense to observe the plant after it has been set up for the first time. If it is in the wrong location, it reacts relatively quickly with drooping leaves in the lower area. If the leaves turn yellow, this indicates that it is not getting enough nutrients. On the other hand, if the leaves have turned yellow and have brown-black spots, root rot may be present.
Propagating Fiddler Fig
The plant can be propagated in a number of ways. This includes:
- Sowing
- Head cuttings
- Leaf cuttings
Propagation by seed
The sowing of the plant is possible, but rather unusual. In order to achieve success here, the seeds are distributed on a special substrate and lightly pressed. Moisten the whole thing and finally cover it with foil. Since the seeds are light germinators, it requires a warm place to see the seedlings under the foil after a few days.
Propagation by cuttings
If you want to propagate them by cuttings instead, you can do this with both head cuttings and leaf cuttings. Head cuttings are about ten centimeters long shoot tips, which are cut off in the spring and the cutting point of which is then left to dry a little.
The leaves are then shortened by a third and the cuttings are planted in potting soil. This ideally consists of earth and sand in a ratio of 1:3. In order for the cutting to form roots, it is covered with a film that lets light through. One discoversbuds for a while, the film can be removed.
In the case of leaf cuttings, on the other hand, a leaf is removed from the mother plant and then placed about two centimeters deep in the substrate. This should not be too wet. Again, a foil is put over it. At temperatures of around 25 degrees, roots and new shoots will develop on the leaf after around five to eight weeks.
Tip: A greenhouse is ideal for growing the cuttings:
Wintering fiddle fig
If it's a bit cooler in winter, the fiddlehead fig should get some support. If the temperatures are below 15 degrees Celsius, this has a negative effect on the plant. The plant then also reacts very sensitively to:
- Draft
- Cold Feet
This means she shouldn't be placed directly in an area that gets regular fresh air. To do this, you should take a closer look at the soil on which the pot is standing. Tile or stone floors don't particularly suit her. That's why it's best to put a styrofoam sheet between the pot and the ground over the winter.
You should also make sure that their leaves are not leaning against a window or that they are not exposed to additional warm heating air from below. This puts stress on the plant, causing it to become ill.
You can completely do without fertilization during the winter.
Diseases and Pests
Unfortunately, the fiddlehead fig is susceptible to various pests that can appear both in summer and winter. The following are particularly common:
- Scales: They appear as small black-brown spots on the forks of the leaves.
- Mealybugs and Mealybugs: They can be recognized by their small, white, fluffy appearance. The leaves are also coated with a sticky secretion.
- Red Spider: They lay their eggs on the underside of the leaves and nest themselves in the flowers.
- Thrips: They sit on the underside of the leaves and turn the leaves silvery. Furthermore, many of the leaves are riddled with holes.
Regular checking for an infestation is essential, as is prompt treatment.
Mould spots in the substrate occur as further signs of damage that are not related to pests. Also, many fiddler figs lose their leaves for no apparent reason. In both cases is mostly a wrong onepouring behavior responsible. Again, a good guideline is that the top layer of soil is best dried before watering the plant again.