Hi Judy
I Live in Houston. I did buy this plant at IKEA about 3 years ago. I suspect that since it was at the store it should be an indoor plant. I did once leave it outside and it was summer time so the poor plant almost died. I have it inside ever since. I water it twice a week. And I’m trying to give it some more sunlight but seems to me it does not like it. One of the leaves did turn yellow so I did move it to a window where it does not get direct light. I’m worried because I see this plant is not as strong as the ones at the store.
Any advice?
Thank you!
Hi,
Your picture is a little dark, but I think the plant is a Ficus Lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig). Here’s a picture; what do you think?
Here are some care tips that might help you.
Light
A Fiddle Leaf Fig requires bright indirect light. Insufficient light causes small new growth and leaf drop on a Ficus Lyrata. Turn a Fiddle Leaf Fig frequently to keep it growing straight. Too much sun causes the leaves of a Fiddle Leaf Fig to fade and lose their dark green color.
Water
A Lyrata, or Fiddle Leaf Fig, requires less water than other ficus trees. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out and the leaves to become soft and flexible before watering a Ficus Lyrata. Keep water off of the large fiddle shaped leaves of this ficus to prevent mold.
Fertilizer
Fertilize a Fiddle Leaf Fig monthly in the spring and summer using a basic houseplant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Too much fertilizer when the plant is not actively growing causes leaf burn.
Temperature
Fiddle Leaf Figs do well in temperatures between 60-80 degrees. Keep the Fiddle Leaf and all Ficus away from air conditioners, drafts, and heating vents. Intense cold or heat causes leaf drop on a Ficus Tree.
Humidity
A Ficus Lyrata plant does well in normal household humidity through it prefers higher humidity.
You can read more about this plant in the Popular Houseplant section of the website.