{"product_id":"small-fiddle-leaf-fig-trees-ficus-lyrata","title":"Small Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees  - Ficus Lyrata","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Fiddle Fig is the most sought after ficus and usually the most expensive variety you can buy. The tree form is the current superstar of houseplants knocking the Cheeseplant of its lofty 70's perch as the most sought after houseplant. We take great care to choose only the most impressive specimens at Happy Houseplants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to West Africa where it grows in tropical rainforests. In the wild it usually starts life in the crown of a tree before sending roots down to the ground which suffocate the host tree. It can grow in the wild up to 20m tall but will usually be much smaller at home (unless you live in the tropics!).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Fiddle Fig is not hard to keep but we think the best advice we can give is to be a little bit neglectful. Most trees die from too much love. Go light on the watering and keep to a routine if you can. It's tropical so avoid those drafts. It loves light but remember it grows in a jungle so a bit of shade as well. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eQuick Guide \u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight:\u003c\/strong\u003e High or Direct Light\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Only water when soil is dry to the touch\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePets\u003c\/strong\u003e: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Guide: \u003c\/strong\u003eIdeal For Beginners but choose a sunny spot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIdeal Location:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dry sunny spot\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSize: \u003c\/strong\u003eW26cm x H100cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cu\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHouseplants Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the care of houseplants can vary from species to species because they all come from different environments around the world there are a few basic rules to follow that will ensure you have the best chance of success keeping your plant healthy and well in your home. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLight\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight is critical for any plant, most houseplants will thrive in indirect light through the whole day. In general plants that have variegated leaves or flowers will require more light than other plants. Cactus or succulents are typically the only plants that can tolerate direct light in the summer months. Move plants away from direct light in the summer to avoid burned leaves. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost houseplants you buy will thrive between 60-72 Fahrenheit, if your plant becomes too cold or too hot it will show signs of distress such as dropped leaves or wilting. Most modern homes will stay between these temperatures but if you go away remember to move your plants to a warm spot in winter or away from direct sunlight in summer. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWatering little and often through the growing season is ideal with less watering in the winter months when most plants become dormant and stop growing. The frequency of watering will vary depending on the size of your plant, the size of your planter, the location of your plant and the type of soil you use. Typically we recommend checking the soil carefully before you water, to ensure the soil has not become waterlogged, the soil should dry out completely between each watering. Overwatering is the number one killer of houseplants, if you overwater and your plant is dying, repot immediately.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHumidity\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlmost all the houseplants you find for sale will naturally grow in the warm and humid tropics. Most modern centrally heated homes are dry in winter so almost all plants will benefit from regular misting or being placed on a tray of pebbles with a small amount of water that will naturally evaporate into the air. Plants also can also benefit from being placed and grown together to create a natural micro climate. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeeding\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFeeding your plants through the growing season can have real impact. Using a good quality feed like \u003cspan\u003eHappy Houseplants \u003c\/span\u003eown vegan plant food can boost your plants immune system and help it grow quickly. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Repot?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost plants will be very happy for 1 to 2 years in the pot they arrive in but depending on the growth of your plant, when it does require repotting a planter 2\/3 inches bigger is usually enough. Most plants will respond well to repotting growing well after the roots have been disturbed allowing more room and oxygen into the soil. Use a general purpose potting soil (John Innes number 3) and ensure any planter you use has sufficient drainage which is critical. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProblems\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll plants take time to recover being moved from grower to seller to their new home, some plants will look sad for a few weeks but this is normal and they will recover when they have adapted to their new home. Sometimes plants need a bit more care, be confident changing your routine or moving a plant to see if it will grow better in a new spot. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLong Stems or 'leggy' plants \u003c\/strong\u003eusually means your light levels are too low. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrown \u0026amp; Black Leaves \u003c\/strong\u003eusually means too much light or feeding is excessive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaf Drop\u003c\/strong\u003e Some leaf drop is normal and to be expected, most plants will want to grow taller and will drop lower leaves naturally as they grow taller.  Excessive leaf drop usually means you have overwatered. Repot with dry soil immediately and your plant may recover. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWilting and Drooping Leaves \u003c\/strong\u003emeans you have usually been under watering\u003cspan\u003e. Almost all plants will recover quickly if you soak and drain the soil. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFaded Variegation \u003c\/strong\u003eusually means the plant is not getting enough indirect light. try moving your plant to a different spot. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Happy Houseplants1","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":39736992595991,"sku":"","price":99.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0558\/1130\/9591\/products\/98bb8d_0e1fa089e7b04f42bf05960753a836e4_mv2.jpeg?v=1640842836","url":"https:\/\/www.happyhouseplants.co.uk\/products\/small-fiddle-leaf-fig-trees-ficus-lyrata","provider":"Happy Houseplants ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}