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Growing Ficus Lyrata Bambino 27 Care Tips To Know Before You Grow

Ficus Lyrata Bambino is a tropical plant with unique features that make an excellent addition to any plant lover’s collection.

Caring for this little bambino can be a bit tricky at times, so we’ve got everything you need to keep it healthy and happy.

If you’re looking to buy one for yourself, we’ll discuss various options to check out. Read on to learn more about the exciting attributes of this unique plant.

What Is Ficus Lyrata Bambino?

Ficus Lyrata Bambino is from the Moraceae family. It’s most commonly known for its large, lyrate-shaped, dark green leaves. It also has very bushy foliage that sets it apart among houseplants.

It may be referred to as Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig, Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig, and F. Bambino.

Often confused with its cousin Ficus Lyrata, the Bambino can be easily spotted through apparent differences such as its size and foliage.

The Bambino has smaller and thicker leaves, and its coloring is darker than the regular Ficus Lyrata. New baby leaves are light green but get beautifully deep dark as it matures.

Another difference between the regular fiddle leaf fig and the Bambino is that the leaves of the dwarf ficus grow closer together, so the plant appears to be fuller, giving it a more compact look.

Ficus Lyrata Bambino is a beautiful plant for your collection that does well in bright indirect light.

If you’re growing this beauty outdoors, we only recommend you do so in hardiness zones 9-11.

Origin And Family

This Ficus plant was first identified in 1992 by Eduard J.M van der Knaap as a mutation of an unknown cause growing among Ficus Lyrata plants. Its native habitat is in the rainforests of Western Africa.

Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig belongs to the Ficus genus in the Moraceae family.

Where To Buy

Are you planning to buy a Ficus Lyrata Bambino but unsure where to order one?

From what I’ve seen recently, Etsy is becoming one of the best places to buy plants online.

Etsy makes sure that you’re buying from trustworthy sellers who grow the plants themselves. They will know how to pack and ship the plants in the best way, and most of the time, they can answer questions about how to care for the plant.

With very affordable prices, the Ficus Lyrata Bambino is usually available for $20 for smaller plants to $40 for larger or more mature plants.

Ficus Lyrata Bambino Plant Size

The Ficus Lyrata Bambino grows about 2-3 feet tall and has leaves that are around 5-7 inches wide when grown indoors.

Ficus Lyrata Bambino Care Needs

When adequately cared for, your Ficus Lyrata Bambino will thrive. With its bushy foliage, this plant expects high humidity and wants relatively dry soil – be careful about overwatering.

Speaking of that, you’ll only want to water your Ficus when the top two inches of the soil are dry and allow plenty of time for the water to flow through the pot’s drainage hole. This charming plant needs bright indirect light to thrive in terms of lighting.

Read on to see more specific advice about plant care.

Care Difficulty

The Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig is typically considered moderately easy to care for with its light, water, and humidity needs. Proper watering, well-draining soil, and bright indirect light are the main factors to successfully raising this Fig.

The biggest problem with raising this fiddle leaf fig is that its susceptible to most diseases and pests. Read our section at the end of the article to combat these issues.

Growth Rate

When grown indoors, the F. Bambino plant grows to 2-3 feet, and it grows the fastest during spring and summer. It’s considered a fast-growing plant.

Potting

When it comes to potting, you can go for a medium-sized decorative pot made of terracotta or clay.

The main requirement is that the pot contains at least one drainage hole. Leaving your Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig in wet soil for extended periods could kill your plant, do proper drainage is a must.

Repotting

Most of the time, you’ll need to repot this plant every two years to accommodate the fast growth of the roots.

When repotting your Ficus Lyrata Bambino, you should use a new batch of standard commercial potting soil, which gives your fig access to more essential nutrients.

Soil

Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Figs prefer commercial potting soil. Peat and perlite are suitable soil additives and adjust the ratio to get a well-aerated mixture. This plant likes dry soil.

Root rot and other diseases can be prevented with well-drained soil. We recommend these potting mixes:

Photo Title Price Buy
Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting...image Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix, Grows beautiful Houseplants, 6 qt. (2 Pack) $13.42 ($0.03 / Ounce)
Burpee, 9 Quarts...image Burpee, 9 Quarts | Premium Organic Potting Natural Soil Mix Food Ideal for Container Garden-Vegetable, Flower & Herb Use for Indoor Outdoor Plant $12.99 ($0.04 / Ounce)
Sun Gro Horticulture...image Sun Gro Horticulture 8-Quart Black Gold 1310102 Purpose Potting Soil With Control, Brown/A $14.95 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)
Miracle-Gro Potting Mix,...image Miracle-Gro Potting Mix, Potting Soil for Outdoor and Indoor Plants, Enriched with Plant Food, 2 cu. ft. $34.65
FoxFarm Ocean Forest...image FoxFarm Ocean Forest Potting Soil Mix Indoor Outdoor for Garden and Plants | Plant Fertilizer | 12 Quarts | The Hydroponic City Stake $23.99 ($0.06 / Fl Oz)

pH

For the F. Bambino, you’ll want your soil to have a neutral to acidic pH, approximately between 6.0-6.5. The pH level of most commercial potting soil is close to that range, so you don’t have to worry too much.

Use a standard soil moisture meter, which also works as a pH tester, to find out the pH value of the soil.

Water

Your Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig will do best if the soil is allowed to become somewhat dry in between its scheduled waterings. Check if the top two inches of the soil are dry using your finger to probe the soil. If this is the case, saturate your plant entirely with water until excess water begins to drip out of the bottom of the container.

You need to keep your Ficus from becoming waterlogged by using soil that drains effectively and a container that has holes in it.

Light

The Ficus Bambino comes from the rainforests of Western Africa. Since these plants are pretty small, they would experience – at most – indirect light due to the canopy above them.

Give your Ficus about 8-10 hours of indirect light a day to emulate this. An east-facing or west-facing window would be a good option in most situations.

You’ll know your Ficus Lyrata Bambino is getting too much light when its foliage shows signs of scorching. And if you see drooping, this can be a sign that your plant isn’t getting enough light.

Avoid putting your Ficus Lyrata Bambino in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

This plant loves bright sunlight, so you can also place it in front of a south-facing window but put a sheer curtain to protect it from direct sun and create a light shade.

Fertilizer

During the spring and summer, your Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig is growing, so you should be fertilizing it. Once a month, give it a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during this time of the year.

You shouldn’t be fertilizing your Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Bambino in winter, though.

Propagating Ficus Lyrata Bambino

Stem Cuttings In Soil

One of the fundamental ways to cultivate a Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig is by putting stem cuttings straight into the ground. If you don’t already have this plant, you may get a cutting of it by shopping on Etsy or the Facebook Marketplace in your area.

It is recommended to propagate your plant during the early spring since this will make it easier for the plant to recuperate from the trauma of being transplanted.

Here are the steps to properly take a stem cutting

1. Cut. Make a clean cut through a robust portion of the plant using sharp scissors, and remove it. An ideal cutting has a few leaves and nodes.

2. Plant. Put the nodes of the stem into a container or pot filled with moist soil. To keep the plant from moving, either tighten the ground around the stem or use skewers made of wood. Too much movement might be detrimental to the formation of roots.

3. Maintain. Put your container where it will receive strong, indirect light by positioning it near a window. It is important to remember to keep the soil wet.

4. Wait. You should anticipate new growth in roughly two to three weeks. The appearance of a new shoot is the surest sign that your cutting has been effective in producing roots.

Stem Cuttings In Water

Another simple technique for giving your Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig cuttings new life is to use water propagation. The following are some steps that should be followed:

1. Cut. After you have collected a cutting that is in good condition, you should remove the lower leaves from its stem.

2. Submerge. The cutting should be allowed to soak in the glass of water. Make sure no leaves are lying below the water level so that you can prevent rot from occurring.

3. Maintain. Always make sure you’re cutting in a well-ventilated space with strong, indirect light. The presence of a humidifier in the vicinity of the plant can improve its health.

4. Refill. When the water seems cloudy, you should start fresh with new water. For quicker root development, make sure the nodes are constantly immersed.

5. Transplant. When the cutting’s roots have reached the appropriate length, you should plant it in soil that is clean and has adequate ventilation. It will be helpful for the roots if you keep the soil wet.

Humidity And Aeration

Your Ficus Lyrata Bambino needs high humidity of 60% or higher.

If you’re concerned about the humidity or if you see browning edges on your plant leaves, you may purchase a humidifier and place it near your plants. This addition will make a big difference in your Bambino’s health.

You might want to invest in a humidifier and position it in the vicinity of your plants if you are concerned about the relative humidity or if you see browning around the leaf margins of your plants.

The inclusion of a humidifier will have a significant impact on your Bambino’s overall health.

Temperature

Warm temperatures between 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit is best for your F. Bambino. As much as possible, try to mimic a tropical climate in your indoor garden to keep this plant happy and healthy.

As I’m sure you’re aware, fig trees don’t like extreme changes, and this is especially true for temperature.

Changes in temperature that happen all of a sudden can shock or even kill your F. Bambino. During the winter, close the windows and seal up any other places where cold air could get in. Don’t put your plant next to things that give off heat.

Toxic

Unfortunately, the Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig is poisonous to both humans and animals, including cats and dogs. Expect the following symptoms if you consume this plant: vomiting, lack of appetite, drooling, and stomach discomfort. In the majority of instances, this plant is deemed non-lethal. This plant can also cause mild skin irritation.

For most growers, I recommend using gloves when handling it.

Toxic To Pets? Care Specifics
Botanical Name Ficus Lyrata Bambino
Common Name Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig, Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig, F. Bambino
Plant Family Moraceae
Origin Western Africa
Plant Type perennial
Leaf Shape lyrate
Leaf Color dark green
Recommended Home Placement near an east or west-facing window
Growth Rate fast
Light bright indirect light
Soil standard commercial potting soil
When To Water Water When the top two inches of the soil are dry.
When To Fertilize once a month during growing season
Preferred pH 6.0-6.5
Humidity Range 60% or higher
Toxic To Pets? Yes – symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, drooling, or abdominal pain
Common Pests & Diseases spider mites, brown tips, fungus gnuts, scale insects, yellow leabes, root rot, mealy bugs, drooping leaves

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

The Ficus Lyrata Bambino is not a plant that is resistant to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases, problems, and pests, as well as ways and methods to treat them.

Spider Mites

Spider mites plague F. Bambino plants. Spider mite damage appears as brown or yellow spots on leaves. Your plant may have slowed or stopped growing.

Wash F. Bambino using a sink nozzle, pressure sprayer, or garden hose to remove spider mites. Spray the leaves with a quality insecticidal soap, making sure to cover the underside.

Ladybugs, lacewings, and Stethorus picipes beetles are natural spider mite predators (dubbed as the “Spider Mite Destroyer”). These bugs eat spider mites but won’t harm your plant.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats infest the Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig. Their larvae can wilt and stunt tropical plant development.

Bottom-watering is one way to reduce fungus gnat populations. This keeps topsoil dry while feeding roots.

Plant-safe chemical hydrogen peroxide destroys fungus gnat larvae on contact. Four parts water to one part hydrogen peroxide will kill the pests.

Scale Insects

Mature scale insects stick to a plant, unlike other bugs. Armored scales emerge as brownish lumps on plant stems or petioles.

To fight these pests, mix a teaspoon of neem oil in 500 mL of water to dilute it and spray it on your plant’s leaves.

Mealybugs

Infestations of mealybugs can be found on F. Bambino with considerable regularity. Take fast action if you discover any of your houseplants to be infested with these tiny parasites, which may typically be recognized by the presence of white puffs on the leaves.

Take a cotton ball and pour Isopropyl alcohol over it. The rub that over the plant’s stem and leaves. Additionally, neem oil diluted with water is effective when used as a preventative spray.

Brown Leaf Tips

If you discover that the tips of the leaves on your Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig are browning, you may need to double-check numerous aspects of the plant’s environment.

Check the humidity levels in your home to make sure they are not too low. If the sunlight is too strong, you may diffuse it by hanging sheer curtains in front of the window.

Excess fertilizer can also cause brown leaf tips. To combat this, water your plant, allowing the water to run through the soil for a few minutes so that any excess minerals or salts may be flushed away.

Drooping Leaves

If the leaves of your Ficus Lyrata Bambino are drooping, it’s possible that the plant is dehydrated or in need of increased humidity in the surrounding air. A humidifier can give your plant some much-needed relief.

Excessive exposure to intense light is another factor that might cause leaves to curl downward. In this scenario, you need to just relocate your plant so that it is no longer in direct proximity to any sources of light or heat.

Yellow Leaves

For a plant known for its leaves, it’s especially bad when your bambino’s foliage turns yellow. Yellowing can be caused by a variety of things – everything from lack of light to too much/too little watering or even incorrect nourishment.

You’ll need to troubleshoot to figure out the culprit. Start by cutting down on your watering and test other variables from there.

Root Rot

F. Bambino is commonly killed by root rot, which can be caused by overwatering to compact soil.

The easiest way to keep the Bambino variety from getting root rot is to water it correctly.

Check to see if the top 3 inches of the soil are dry before you water. If not, your plant probably doesn’t need to be watered right away.

Porosity is a property of potting soil that lets air pass through and dry out the soil while also letting excess water escape. Clay, baked terracotta, unglazed ceramic, or concrete can be used to make porous pots. Make sure it has holes in the bottom for water to drain away.

Similar Plants

Are you a Fiddle Leaf Fig lover? Here are some other beautiful plants you should try:

Ficus Lyrata Little Sunshine – This is a new variety of the popular Fiddle Leaf Fig, and it features brighter leaves and grows at around 2-3 feet. If you are a fiddle leaf fig lover but like to keep it small, this plant is for you.

Ficus Lyrata Compacta – This is a beautiful evergreen with a lovely glossy sheen that reflects the light artistically. It is a slow-growing plant, but if given the right growing conditions, it will ultimately become a tall, slender statement plant.

Want to grow plants in your home that you can eat? We recommend starting with a hydroponic system. Check out our Gardyn review for more details.

Conclusion

With its attractive characteristics, Ficus Lyrata Bambino is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a new houseplant to spruce up your house or apartment.

Not enough plant guides for you? Look at these other choices, too.

Help us grow! This post contains affiliate links, which means we receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something recommended. All opinions, however, are our own, and we do not accept payments for positive reviews.

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