The Fiddle-Leaf plant is a popular houseplant for several reasons. The large leaves resemble fiddles and make this plant both stunning and rare. Some people find it challenging to care for, while others see it as “just a simple houseplant.”
Types
There are, in fact, two distinct types of Ficus Lyrata that are widely available. The traditional Fiddle leaf plant is a much smaller cousin, the Ficus Lyrata Bambino.
Fiddle-Leaf Fig
In tropical areas, these plants develop into big, evergreen trees that can grow to heights of 15 to 30 meters.
Atop of an erect growing trunk or stem is a thick dome of foliage formed by undulating, fiddle-shaped, glossy leaves that can reach up to 40 cm in length and 30 cm in width.
The plant is a common choice for an indoor potted plant and is frequently utilized in interior design and decorating. It can grow between 2 and 3 meters tall or until it reaches ceiling height, making it suitable for a large specimen plant.
Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig
A bambino plant, also called a dwarf fiddle plant, might be the perfect plant for you if you like the look of this plant but don’t want to be responsible for maintaining a huge tree or if you want to add some diversity to your collection of houseplants.
These plants are more compact alternatives to the standard fig tree. Despite their size, these plants are beautiful and possess all the beauty and charm of their larger relatives.
The maximum height of an indoor fiddle plant is 12 feet, whereas the maximum height of an outdoor fiddle is over 40 feet. Bambinos reach a maximum height of about 3 feet.
Identification Between the Two Plants
You can find dwarf fiddle plants in the plant sections of most garden shops, hardware stores, and even some greenhouses in grocery stores.
In addition, you should be able to locate them in many online plant stores.
On the other hand, bambinos are often misidentified as regular fiddle-leaf figs for some reason. Many individuals won’t discover they have a bambino until their little plant hasn’t developed into a towering tree after several months or even years!
In the world of houseplants, the fiddle tree is the equivalent of bringing up the name of a well-known celebrity.
On Instagram, the popularity of the fig plant shows no signs of abating, and this trend is not likely to change any time soon.
Those willing to put in the effort to care for a fiddle plant will be rewarded for their efforts. The plant leaves are shaped similarly to a violin, where the popular name comes from.
The fiddle-leaf fig leaves are large and fashioned like a pear or violin. In contrast, the leaves of a bambino fig are more oval.
When they are young, bambinos and typical fiddles are not easy to distinguish from one another; nevertheless, a careful examination of the leaves will enable you to determine whether you are dealing with a genuine bambino or not.
Compared to a Bambino, the leaves of a conventional violin are flimsier, while those of a Bambino are more robust.
In addition, traditional fiddles tend to have a stockier physique, while bambinos are more likely to have fuller, more voluminous hair.
Proper Care and Attention
When compared to their larger relatives, dwarf fiddle plants have somewhat different light and water requirements but otherwise require the same general upkeep.
They don’t need as much water or sunlight because their growth is slower. If you want the dwarf fiddle plant to thrive, you’ll need to give it regular feedings of the proper fertilizer.
Light, water, soil, and fertilizer are the four things they value most. The illnesses contracted by a bambino can be cured in a fashion like conventional fiddle plants.
Potting and Soil
It would help if you waited roughly one month after bringing your plant home before repotting any plant. This is because repotting might cause shock to the plant.
This way, it won’t have to become acclimated to a new pot at the same time as it’s getting used to its new home, so it will have more time to settle in and feel comfortable there.
To achieve optimal growth, traditional and dwarf fiddles need a soil mix and a container with sufficient drainage.
When it comes time to replace the container your plant is growing in, choose a container that drains well and has a diameter about two inches bigger than the root ball of your fiddle. You need to select soil that provides enough drainage.
The Right Amount of Light
All varieties of fiddles love the sunlight! Place your fiddle near a window that receives appropriate indirect sunlight but not too much direct sunlight, such as near a brilliantly lighted room.
If you don’t have a window that gets enough daylight or if you can’t feed your plant with at least 8 hours of highly bright light every day, you may need to use a grow lamp to supplement the light it receives.
It’s essential to give your plant the right amount of light for its size if you want it to thrive. A plant’s growth potential is proportional to the amount of sunshine it gets.
More light will be needed as the number of leaves on your fiddle plant increases, which will be proportional to the number of leaves.
How Often Should You Water Your Fiddle Leaf Plants?
Every week is a good watering schedule for the dwarf fiddle plant. Smaller than regular fiddle plants, these varieties are more susceptible to root rot and require less watering.
It would help if you watered them when the top inch of the soil was dry. You may wish to water your plants in colder months less frequently.
See how wet your soil is by sticking your finger in it or using a moisture meter. Reduce watering when soil becomes heavy and sticky or brown spots appear on your fiddle plant leaves.
Be on the lookout for indicators of over- or under-watering, and make sure your soil is draining properly.
Your plant should be watered once every week. These plants are accustomed to extreme flooding followed by dry periods because they evolved in a climate similar to a rainforest. So, while watering at home, ensure the soil is dripping wet, allowing it to dry out entirely.
Most plant owners aren’t conscious of the fact that their plants’ water needs drastically decrease in the winter.
Overwatering the plant during the colder months can cause browning of the leaves and even death of the plant.
Humidity & Temperature
As tropical plants, both Fiddles thrive in humid conditions. Putting your plant on a pebble tray or keeping a humidifier nearby is a good idea if your home’s relative humidity is less than 40%.
Fiddle plants thrive in temperatures between 65- and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 and 30 degrees Celsius) and should never be allowed to drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).
Keep your plant away from any sources of drafts, space heaters or vents, etc. If this happens, the leaves may get drier.
Benefits of Growing Both Fiddle Plants
There are several advantages to having a fiddle plant or a bambino plant in your home. Both plants and bambinos contain properties that can filter the air, which might lead to better air quality, which is one of the most significant benefits.
The process of photosynthesis involves the transfer of gas between the plant’s roots and leaves. Airborne chemicals and poisons might be included in this gas.
This kind of plant also has the added benefit of requiring little care. They are ideal for inexperienced gardeners who want to add color and texture to their outdoor spaces but have limited room.
It’s simple to make more of these plants by cloning or propagation once you have one, but locating one is tricky and costly.
It has been demonstrated that giving attention to a low-maintenance houseplant, such as a fiddle plant or bambino plant, can benefit a person’s mental health.
Not only do these plants provide a calming and settling effect, but they also have a high rate of reproduction.
Our Final Thoughts
The fiddle-leaf fig tree is the houseplant that refuses to let go of its status as the “it” plant. There is a common perception that caring for fiddle plants may be challenging, and the dwarf variety is not an exception to this rule.
The good news is that if you follow the instructions carefully, you’ll soon see signs of growth on your fiddle tree. If you get the fundamentals right, taking care of them won’t be difficult.
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Hi! I’m Sophia, and I love plants – especially an expert in growing house plants. I stay in Chicago, United States of America, and through my blog and social media platforms, provide tips and tricks on how to grow healthy, vibrant plants indoors. Check out more here.