In recent years, the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) has soared in popularity as a must-have houseplant for collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. This stunning species, which originated in West Africa, is beloved for its large, glossy green leaves and attractive tree-like growth habit. They’re also relatively easy to care for, although they have quite the reputation for being fussy.
Good looks aside, the fiddle leaf fig’s benefits to the home have also been more recognized in recent years. From purifying the air to positively impacting the Feng Shui of a room, it’s easy to see why Ficus lyrata is an obvious choice if you’re looking to invest in some greenery.
In this article, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of the top benefits of fiddle leaf figs and their spiritual meaning, for those who are interested in that additional side of things. This includes that I’ll also take you through the symbolism of the Fiddle Leaf in popular culture.
Table of Contents
Fiddle leaf fig benefits
The fiddle leaf fig tree possesses many benefits, from its ornamental value to its air purification capabilities and overall tolerance for various environmental conditions. These beauties are fast-growing, relatively inexpensive, and are even said to reduce household odors and improve sleep.
There are so many reasons to love the fiddle leaf fig that it’s hard to know where to begin. Like most houseplants, they’re generally purchased for their aesthetic value, and it’s only after a bit of research that one comes to realize how much they have to offer.
In what follows, I’ll take you through no less than 17 qualities of the Ficus lyrata that make it both unique and sought-after. At the end of this, I have no doubt that you’ll be swinging by your local nursery to invest in a Fiddle Leaf or two of your own.
1. Ornamental and aesthetic value
Starting with the most obvious of the fiddle leaf fig’s benefits, let’s unpack the exceptional aesthetic of this plant, especially in an indoor environment. Given its look, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
With its big, dark green lyre-shaped leaves, the Fiddle has an impressive silhouette. The leaves themselves have a leathery texture and pronounced veins in contrast to their delicate, undulating edges. Depending on the maturity of your plant, it may be small and clustered or tall and spindly. Either way, it takes on a tree-like shape that is most unusual for houseplants.
Indoors, fiddle leaf figs add decorative value as floor-standing statement plants or as end table decorations, depending on your needs and taste.
2. Tolerance to drought
While regular, consistent care is advisable, the fiddle leaf fig is perfect for owners with a penchant for forgetting watering day. Though these beauties can be picky, they’re pretty tolerant to a bit of dryness now and then and won’t suffer lasting damage if you forget to water them on occasion.
In fact, fiddle leaf figs are very prone to root rot, so a less-is-more approach works well, with hydration needed only once the top inch or two of soil is dry. Never let your Fiddle Leaf stand in pooled water, and ensure it’s planted in well-draining soil.
3. Mood boosters
Studies have proven that there are benefits to having plants in the home. They improve your mood, create a calming atmosphere, and are thought to reduce anxiety and stress. It is inarguably cathartic to tend to your plants, as it allows you to switch off and relax.
It has also been posited that an environment filled with plants can be beneficial for those recovering from trauma or illness or for people suffering from neurological conditions like dementia.
4. Productivity and mental capacity
Offices, workspaces, and homes filled with plants may boost productivity. While the reason for this is unclear, scientific studies have shown that people who work in spaces with plants are significantly more productive than those who don’t. It is suggested that this is related to the impact of plants on the air in a room, particularly their oxygenating properties.
Similarly, improved productivity is directly related to boosted cognitive function. The more peaceful an environment, the easier it is to concentrate and focus.
5. Better acoustics
Fiddle leaf figs are not only beautiful, but they’re also helpful in improving the acoustics in a home or office. This is due to the unique size and shape of their leaves, which absorb sound waves.
Say goodbye to that unpleasant, echoing sound of emptiness, and hello to pleasant audio.
6. Better sleep
In today’s fast-paced world, sleep is more important than ever. So, if you’re having trouble getting good rest, consider investing in a fiddle leaf fig.
Ficus lyrata boosts the oxygen levels in a home environment by emitting O2 during the process of photosynthesis. While they don’t photosynthesize at night, they generally produce enough oxygen during the day to enrich your home and encourage neuron restoration.
Oxygen is beneficial for encouraging your brain to stay in a prolonged state of deep sleep, which is valuable for your overall health.
7. Air purification
This is a big one. The fiddle leaf fig purifies air by removing toxic particles through natural gas exchange processes.
These exchanges take place in the leaves and roots of the plant during photosynthesis and are especially prevalent in the Fiddle due to the size of its foliage.
In other words, they don’t only provide oxygen – they also clean the air.
8. Ease of care
The fiddle leaf fig is an excellent plant choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike. They are considered easy to look after, provided their environments are conducive to plenty of light and relative humidity.
With a regular watering schedule and occasional fertilization, you should have no problem getting your Fiddle Leaf to thrive.
Related: How Often Should You Water a Fiddle Leaf Fig?
9. Low-maintenance
The best things in life are low-maintenance, and if this is your mantra, then you’re in luck when it comes to the fiddle leaf fig. They require very little pruning (perhaps once per year) and don’t like to be moved around once they’re settled.
10. Easy diagnosis of health issues
Fiddle leaf figs are renowned for telling you how they feel, which is a huge benefit for keeping them healthy. Any sign that they’re feeling unwell shows on their big, beautiful leaves.
Yellowing and wilting usually indicate root rot, dehydration, or chemical burn. Similarly, brown leaves on a fiddle leaf fig are a sign that they may be scorched (by the sun) or suffering from water-related issues.
Leaves dropping from a fiddle leaf fig may be a sign that they aren’t getting enough light. All of these symptoms are easy to spot and, therefore, easy to diagnose and treat.
11. Tolerance of varying light conditions
It may come as a surprise, but fiddle leaf fig trees can be surprisingly accommodating to a variety of lighting conditions. While they prefer 6 to 8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily, they won’t suffer too much if you can’t provide this all the time.
They do just fine with supplemental lighting (like grow lights) or in slightly darker spaces, too. They may just not grow as quickly as expected.
Find out more: Best Grow Lights For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig to Thrive
12. Benefits for allergy sufferers
Indoor fiddle leaf figs rarely, if ever, produce flowers (no pollen). This greatly reduces the chance of them having a harmful impact on allergy sufferers.
While they contain trace amounts of latex that can irritate those with latex sensitivities, the effect is likely to be minor to unnoticeable. This makes the Ficus an excellent choice for people who usually don’t fare well with plants.
13. Reduction of household or office odors
Fiddle leaf figs release oxygen into the air and purify it, making the environment smell fresher and cleaner overall. Together with this, plants in the Ficus genus remove toxins that cause unpleasant odors, like benzene, formaldehyde, and toluene.
14. Antibacterial properties
Testing is ongoing, but recent studies have proven that the Ficus lyrata contains antibacterial compounds capable of combating certain bacteria. This is an exciting development for exploring the potential of this plant for better hygiene and better health.
15. Fast-growing
Say what you will. Everyone loves a gratifying grower, and the Fiddle Leaf doesn’t disappoint. In an ideal growing environment, this stunner develops new leaves every few weeks and can reach maturity indoors in as little as 2 to 3 years.
Just be mindful that your plant doesn’t become rootbound, in which case you will need to repot your fiddle leaf fig into a larger container.
Related: How Fast Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Grow?
16. Easy propagation
Propagation is beneficial for those looking to multiply their existing plants. Or if, like me, you can’t stand pruning and throwing away excessive growth.
Ficus lyrata is easy to propagate and can be rooted in water or directly into prepared soil. All you need is a lot of sun and a little growth hormone, and you’ll be well on your way to growing juveniles.
17. Cost effective
Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of the fiddle leaf fig is that they are easy to find and affordable to purchase.
With their striking good looks and endless benefits, it’s nice to know that you can have one in your home without breaking the bank.
Do fiddle leaf figs have any spiritual meaning?
In popular culture, the fiddle leaf fig’s spiritual meaning is abundance, fortune, and fertility. They also have religious connotations in relation to parables of restoration after times of hardship. Blooming fig trees symbolize positivity and spiritual gain.
For those with esoteric inclinations, the fiddle leaf fig is beneficial not only for its health and environmental impacts but also for the fortune it brings to a home. Careful placement can attract wealth and fertility and wash away negative energies.
Is the fiddle leaf fig a lucky plant?
Fiddle leaf figs are ranked among the luckiest of plants, bolstering longevity, happiness, and prosperity. They brighten up the atmosphere of a home or office, which improves the mindset overall. A positive mental state can heighten your chances of good fortune.
And if you’re a little superstitious, consider them a gorgeous good luck charm.
Is ficus good feng shui?
The Ficus lyrata is excellent for improving your home’s Feng Shui. Its large, curvy leaves ward off dark energies and draw in positive nourishment. They also soften harsh edges and blocked, bare corners. Additionally, these exquisite houseplants symbolize luck and fertility and bring good fortune upon your path.
East and South-West placement in your house’s Bagua map is ideal for attracting good auras and neutralizing messy, uneasy spaces.
Are fiddle leaf figs good for you?
There are undeniable health benefits to having fiddle leaf fig trees in your home or office environments. They improve oxygen levels, clean the air, improve your sleep, and bolster your mental state. Together with this, they better the overall atmosphere of a space.
While there is no cure-all to the daily grind, having a few plants around you can’t hurt. Species like the fiddle leaf fig are especially good for this purpose because of their proven wellness benefits.
Do fiddle leaf figs purify air?
Studies that have been conducted on various species in the Ficus genus have shown that relatives of the fiddle leaf fig aid in removing toxic particles from the air. During photosynthesis, sophisticated gaseous exchange processes draw in and eradicate toxins while simultaneously releasing oxygen.
While studies on the Ficus lyrata specifically are still underway, their close relation to other Fig species correlates with this argument and earns them their place among the top houseplants to have in your home.
Does the fiddle leaf fig give oxygen at night?
Technically, fiddle leaf figs don’t release oxygen at night, as this process only occurs when they photosynthesize, for which they need sunlight. However, given the size and stature of their leaves, the oxygen that they do emit lasts in the air while you rest.
Is the fiddle leaf fig good for indoors?
The fiddle leaf fig is an excellent choice of indoor plant because of its numerous benefits. Not only is it ornamental and striking, but it also has proven health and wellness benefits. With its simple care requirements and affordable market price, it makes perfect sense as an investment.
Generally speaking, you can’t go wrong with a fiddle leaf fig. They’re relatively low-maintenance, gratifying, and all-around good for your well-being. If you’re looking for the perfect houseplant, search no further than Ficus lyrata.