An Absolute Care Guide For Your Ficus Lyrata Compacta

Notes

Ficus Lyrata Compacta is a glossy and easy-to-care-for plant. Unsurprisingly, it is highly sought-after among plant collectors because of its unique appearance and feel.

In this post, we’re hashing out what it takes to keep the Ficus Lyrata Compacta at its happiest! We’re also sharing some purchasing options if you’re planning to take one home for yourself. Keep reading to learn more about this Ficus!

What Is Ficus Lyrata Compacta?

Ficus Lyrata Compacta is from the Moraceae family. It is famous because of its lyre-shaped, dark green leaves. It may also be known as Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees, Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig, or just Fiddle Leaf Fig. However you call it, it is for sure that it comes in a very elegant look.

Ficus Lyrata Compacta is a wonderful addition to your home. It is a tough plant outdoors, with the highest chances of survival in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.

Origin And Family

The Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree is a member of the Moraceae family. This variety of Ficus comes from the lowland tropical forest of Western Africa. Like other indoor plants, it has done well in most households when it has a lot of access to bright light and is grown under the right conditions.

Where To Buy

Ficus Lyrata Compacta can be purchased locally from a nursery or a big box home improvement store. However, it is typically a better option to get one on Etsy, where you will discover more reasonable prices. Etsy also gives us the opportunity to buy directly from plant lovers who grow this variety in their homes.

Price-wise, the Ficus Lyrata Compacta is fairly affordable.

Ficus Lyrata Compacta Plant Size

The Ficus Lyrata Compacta grows about 118 inches tall and 39 inches wide as a houseplant. This stunning perennial prefers to be placed under bright light and is considered a slow grower.

Ficus Lyrata Compacta Care Needs

Most plants are easy to grow with the proper care, and this includes Ficus Lyrata Compacta.

Known for its elegant look, it prefers bright light and moist soil that is not soggy. A general principle when watering this tropical plant is to give it a drink when the top inch of soil feels dry. Like most beautiful plants, you want proper drainage holes in your pot.

Read on for more Ficus Lyrata Compacta details.

Care Difficulty

With enough water, light, and humidity level, the Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig is typically considered easy to care for. To successfully grow this gorgeous plant, you’ll need to be particular with the amount of light and amount of water.

My submission, "Bedroom Jungle" for #HouseplantHour

2 Cheeseplants
Ficus Elastica Abidjan
Ficus Lyrata
Dieffenbachia Compacta
Sansiveria
Spiderplant
Tradescantia
Peperomia

Also a big growbulb.

Best thing I've done in this room. pic.twitter.com/fTwEBWtCW9

— Alexander Louis Sallons (@sallonsax) August 18, 2020

Growth Rate

The Fiddle-Leaf Fig grows to a mature plant height of 118 inches as a houseplant. Typically, you will notice faster and bushier growth in the spring to fall. The majority of Ficus species grow at a slow rate.

Potting

This glossy plant has adjusted well to indoor living and can thrive in almost any type of potting material. In terms of sizing, most plants require a small pot size. Your plant should be safe from root rot as long as your pot includes drainage holes at the bottom.

Repotting

Moving your Ficus Lyrata Compacta into a bigger-sized pot allows more space for its roots to spread. Typically, it’s time to repot when you notice its roots encircling the pot’s edge or masses of roots are protruding from the surface or the pot’s bottom.

Typically, you’d want to repot this glossy plant every year and in a larger pot. It is advisable to replace old nutrient-deficient soil with a new well-draining potting soil when filling up the new pot.

Soil

A well-draining potting soil is the most recommended option for the Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig. To make your soil mixture, use components such as peat and perlite. Adjust the ratio as necessary to ensure that the final mixture is well-aerated. Remember that this plant prefers a somewhat dry growth medium.

The soil type should always support good drainage to avoid root rot and other diseases. We suggest choosing potting mixes such as the following:

pH

For this Fiddle-Leaf Fig, you’ll need a soil pH of around 6.5-7, which is neutral. To monitor your soil’s pH, you can order a simple pH meter device online.

If the pH of your soil is extremely high, you can improve acidity by adding sulfur or aluminum sulfate. If the pH of your soil is very low, you can add baking soda, calcitic or dolomitic lime, or wood ash.

Water

A proper watering schedule with the right amount is essential for Fiddle-Leaf Fig. If you water your plant excessively, you risk causing diseases such as root rot. If given very little water, your plant’s roots may dry out, especially during warm days. In general, Fiddle-Leaf Fig should have a growing medium that is relatively moist.

There’s an easy method to determine if your plant should be watered. Pierce a wooden skewer or a pencil into the pot to see whether there is still moist, muddy soil sticking to it. Alternatively, you may just touch the soil with your finger to feel for dampness. It’s time to water your plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.

An aerated, chunky soil mix plus a porous pot with drainage holes can help get rid of excess moisture.

Light

Ficus Lyrata Compacta prefers bright indirect sunlight for about 6-8 hours per day. Keep in mind that you’re trying to recreate its growing conditions in the lowland tropical forest of Western Africa. Placing this plant somewhere facing a window works well in most situations.

You’ll know your Ficus Lyrata Compacta is getting too much light when its leaves burn, turn into brown spots, and notice that the plant drops leaves. On the contrary, if it doesn’t get enough light, no worries because it can usually tolerate low light. Make sure to avoid putting your Ficus Lyrata Compacta in direct sunlight, as this could severely damage or even kill it.

Fertilizer

Plants need more food when actively growing because they are using up a lot of their energy. For the Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig, this growth spurt usually happens from spring to fall. During this time, you can apply a fertilizer with 3% nitrogen, 1% phosphorus, and 2% potassium solution once.

During winter, there is no need to feed it because plants’ roots usually go dormant in the cold. This means they won’t be needing extra food for growth.

Propagating Ficus Lyrata Compacta

It is possible to propagate a Fiddle-Leaf Fig with the right methods. Here are various techniques for propagating this glossy houseplant.

treated myself to a ficus lyrata compacta today 🤠 pic.twitter.com/nR73gFbOd5

— knitting sensei (@ampullaofv8r) October 17, 2020

Stem Cuttings In Soil

One basic method to grow a Fiddle-Leaf Fig is by directly planting stem grafts into the soil. If you don’t have this plant yet, you can purchase a cutting from Etsy or from your local Facebook Marketplace.

1. Cut. Cut a healthy piece of the plant off with clean shears. Make sure it’s at least three inches tall and has a few leaves and nodes.

2. Plant. Place the nodes of the stem in a pot or container filled with wet potting soil. To keep the plant in place, pinch the dirt around the stem or use wooden skewers. Excessive movement might limit root development.

3. Maintain. Keep your container near a window that receives both direct and indirect light. Keep the soil wet at all times.

4. Wait. New roots should appear in around 2-3 weeks. A developing sprout is the strongest sign that your cutting has established roots effectively.

Stem Cuttings In Water

To propagate Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig cuttings in water, follow these steps:

1. Cut. Take a 4-6 inch portion of your plant and cut it in half. Cuttings that are too long may turn lanky.

2. Submerge. Allow the cutting to sit in a glass of water to form roots. Remove leaves that are below the water’s surface to avoid rot.

3. Refill. Every 3-5 days, refill the glass with clean water. Keep the plant nodes submerged for rapid roots.

4. Transplant. When the roots have grown sufficiently, transfer your cutting into sterile potting soil. Keep your plant moist to aid the roots’ journey into the soil.

Air Layering Technique

Air layering, also known as marcotting, is a propagation method utilized for rare and expensive plants or for sensitive varieties. This procedure reduces the loss of lower leaves which is typical in fresh cuttings that are actively growing roots.

Follow these steps to air layer your Fiddle-Leaf Fig:

1. Identify the cutting. For a higher likelihood of success, look for a healthy portion of the plant with at least two nodes.

2. Wrap the stem. Use sphagnum peat moss or coco coir to encase the chosen portion of the stem. Make sure the nodes are completely covered.

3. Cover. Wrap the peat moss or coco coir with cling wrap to keep it in place. Twist ties can also be useful, but be cautious not to overtighten them.

4. Control moisture. Keep the moss or coir layer moist at all times. If there is too much moisture escaping, punch holes in the cling wrap to enable airflow.

5. Transplant after 3-5 weeks. Once you notice any aerial roots growing through the moss, remove the cling wrap. Detach the propagated section from the mother plant and transplant it into the soil.

Humidity And Aeration

Moderate humidity (between 40%-60%) is best for your Ficus Lyrata Compacta. Lack of humidity in houseplants is often characterized by crispy leaves and browning edges. Consider getting a small humidifier, or place your plant in well-lit spaces that are essentially more humid (such as bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms).

Temperature

Temperature ranges between 60-24 degrees Fahrenheit is best for your Fiddle-Leaf Fig.

Sudden temperature swings can be fatal for your Fiddle-Leaf Fig. During the winter, close windows and seal any openings where cold drafts may enter. Don’t place your plant near appliances that emit heat.

Toxic

Unfortunately, the Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig is a poisonous plant both to pets (including cats and dogs) and humans. If swallowed, you can expect the following symptoms: irritation of the mouth, throat, and stomach. In most cases, however, this plant is considered non-life-threatening.

Pests, Diseases, And Other Problems

Even with appropriate care, things can go wrong on occasion. Pests and illnesses are inevitable in the garden. Overall, the Ficus Lyrata Compacta is a disease and pest-prone plant.

Read on for tips on detecting common issues and finding out how you may assist your plant in returning to a healthy condition.

Spider Mites

Houseplants can occasionally invite unwanted guests into your house in the form of pests. The spider mite is one such example. Although the larvae are not visible, adult mites can be seen scampering around when disturbed.

Spraying diluted neem oil on the leaves of your plants can help eliminate spider mites in their larval stage. Organic Pyrethrin sprays are also excellent at killing adult mites. When spraying pesticides inside, pick compounds that are not dangerous to people if inhaled.

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are tiny insects that eat organic substances in the soil. Their larvae eat roots, which is bad news for your Fiddle-Leaf Fig.

Fungus gnat larvae are killed by hydrogen peroxide on contact, making it a quick and easy solution to get rid of these pests. Soak your soil in a solution of four parts water and one part hydrogen peroxide for one hour.

As an alternative, put bowls of mixed cider vinegar and water close to your plant to attract adult gnats into drowning. They are specifically drawn to the color yellow. Stick yellow adhesive cards onto wooden skewers and into the soil.

Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungus that develops on your Fiddle-Leaf Fig and is caused by heat and poor ventilation. It is distinguished by grey or white powdery patches on affected leaves or blooms.

This disease can be prevented by giving your plants constant airflow and a lot of space to breathe. Prune back clustered leaf growth. Don’t crowd plants too close together. Water directly on the soil while taking care not to wet the leaves.

If the disease has spread heavily, you can mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda, 5 drops of liquid soap, 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, and 1 gallon of water. Generously apply this solution on the leaves of your Ficus.

White Flies

Whiteflies, which are flying insects with delicate bodies, may be attracted to the Fiddle-Leaf Fig. While adult whiteflies are generally harmless, they will lay eggs which hatch into larvae that will feed on your plant’s leaves.

There are insecticides that can eliminate whiteflies in all phases of development, but pick one that is safe to spray indoors. These are some options we suggest:

Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oil are great organic alternatives too!

Scale Insects

Scales are sap-feeding insects. What separates them from other bugs is that the mature scale will attach onto one portion of the plant and remain there. Armoured scales are brownish lumps that can grow on a plant’s stems or petioles.

As a precautionary measure, you can spray your plant’s leaves with a teaspoon of neem oil in 500 mL of water to discourage scales from latching onto your Ficus Lyrata Compacta. Also, releasing ladybugs or lacewings close to your infected plant can take care of the problem for you!

Ficus Lyrata Compacta 🌱 pic.twitter.com/jYrX4jEbUD

— scottie drippen🌊 (@mvteochandon) June 7, 2020

Aphids

Aphids are tiny insects that will sip the sap of your Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig. Some aphids are crawlers; some are winged. They can be brown, black, green, red, white, and a variety of other hues.

Examine the undersides of the leaves, unfurling shoots, and on vulnerable regions of the stem for aphids. If you come across these insects (which are generally in a cluster), act swiftly before they spread to other houseplants!

Cover the dirt with a plastic bag first. Then, using soap and water, thoroughly clean your plant. You may even use a sponge to ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly cleaned. After cleaning, keep your plant in a shady area with sufficient ventilation so that the soap does not burn the leaves.

If the aphids come back, spray your Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig with neem oil, horticultural oil, or rubbing alcohol. Remember to dilute these products first.

Mealybugs

Your glossy houseplant might be a victim of a Mealybug infestation. Their sucking tubes feed on the plant’s sap and weaken your Fiddle-Leaf Fig.

I recommend applying neem oil to your houseplants once a month as a precaution against a variety of diseases. Make sure to dilute the neem oil first and to only spray in cooler temperatures.

In the occurrence of an infestation, combine a cup of rubbing alcohol and a teaspoon of fragrance-free dish soap in a spray bottle with water. Spray that on Fiddle-Leaf Fig twice a week until the mealybugs are gone.

Brown Leaf Tips

Brown leaf tips on your Fiddle-Leaf Fig can be caused by low humidity, underwatering, root damage, and soil compactness.

Excess minerals, fertilizers, salts, and chemicals in the soil may need to be flushed out occasionally by allowing water to run through for a few minutes. You shouldn’t have to worry about accidentally drowning your plant’s roots if you use a fast-draining substrate and a pot with drainage holes.

 

Drooping Leaves

The leaves of your Ficus Lyrata Compacta might start drooping if it’s not getting the proper amount of moisture and light it needs. Read our Water and Light portions above to find recommended care practices for your plant.

Low humidity also causes drooping leaves, so be sure to monitor the humidity levels in your area and make sure they meet your plant’s demands.

Yellow Leaves

If you see yellowing leaves on your Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig, you may need to evaluate numerous things. Is your plant getting too little or too much water? Is enough light reaching your plant? Have you recently fertilized your plant? Is the weather changing suddenly?

Of course, yellow bottom leaves might simply indicate that your plant is expanding and the leaf’s energy has been consumed. Simply remove the fading leaves so the plant may focus on developing new green leaves.

 

Root Rot

Plant root rot can be caused by overwatering, poor drainage, or fungal spores in the soil. Because root rot is difficult to treat, it is preferable to take preventive measures as soon as possible.

The best way to prevent rot in Fiddle-Leaf Fig is to ensure the root system is not exposed to moist conditions consistently. Before watering your plant, always check the soil moisture level. To enable airflow in the roots, use a chunky soil mix. Above all, use a porous container with drainage holes.

Similar Plants

Love this beautiful ficus lyrata plant? Here are a few similar plant options you should try:

Ficus Lyrata Bambino – The family Moraceae includes the Ficus Lyrata Bambino. It is most well-known for its broad, dark green leaves that have a lyrate form. Additionally, it stands out among houseplants thanks to its highly bushy leaves. It goes by the names F, Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig, and Bambino Fiddle Leaf Fig. Bambino.

Ficus Lyrata Little Sunshine – The Moraceae family includes the Ficus lyrata Little Sunshine plant. It is well-known for its dark green, lyrate-shaped leaves. It can be put close to a window that faces either east or west.

Ficus Benghalensis – The banyan tree Ficus benghalensis ‘Audrey’ is indigenous to India and the surrounding area. It is a variety of the Strangler Fig. Typically, it sheds its leaves pretty easily.

Conclusion

The Ficus Lyrata Compacta, with its elegant look, is a great addition to any plant lover’s collection.

We hope you’ve learned some helpful suggestions from us to successfully cultivate your Ficus Lyrata Compacta, whether you’re just starting out your indoor garden or a long-time hobbyist studying more about this particular plant!

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