Houseplant (small tree)
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Ficus lyrata
Beautiful but notoriously fussy — it drops leaves in response to any sudden change in light, temperature, draught, or watering routine.
| Light | Bright, indirect light; some direct morning sun |
|---|---|
| Water | When top 2-5 cm of soil is dry; consistent schedule |
| Spacing | Needs floor space and room to spread; keep away from vents |
| Zones | Houseplant everywhere; outdoors zones 10-11 |
| Harvest | N/A — foliage plant |
| Difficulty | Advanced |
It hates change
Moving the pot, a draught from a door or air vent, or a sudden shift from a growing to a dark season can all trigger leaf drop. Pick a bright spot away from vents and doors and leave it there.
Brown spots vs dropped leaves
Brown edges on otherwise healthy leaves usually mean inconsistent watering or low humidity; whole leaves dropping green points to a sudden environmental shock rather than a slow nutrient problem.
More plant profiles
- TomatoThe most-grown vegetable in home gardens, and the one most improved by consistent water and a cage or stake set at planting time.
- LettuceA fast, forgiving crop that bolts to seed in heat, so timing and shade matter more than soil fertility.
- BasilThe most temperature-sensitive common herb — it sulks below 10°C and needs regular pinching to stay leafy rather than flowering.