The Ficus lyrata, also known as the lyre fig tree, is a plant of tropical origin that is particularly valued for its attractive green foliage and its ability to beautify the interior of your home. The Ficus lyrata is easy to maintain but one important thing remains to be avoided in Ficus lyrata: excess water. The maintenance of this very popular plant on social networks is quite easy. It is indeed a plant that is very suitable for people who do not really have a green thumb and are not used to gardening.
Quickly read our article to find out how to properly maintain your Ficus lyrata!
Maintain a Ficus lyrata by providing it with a good dose of humidity
While Ficus lyrata needs moisture to grow properly, it should still be watered moderately. In summer, therefore, you should not water it more than once a week. Always take care that the substrate is dry on the surface between 2 waterings. The roots of Ficus lyrata do not support excess water and it is therefore absolutely necessary to prevent water from accumulating in the earth or in the bottom of the saucer located under the pot. In winter, you can reduce watering to once every 1 days because the temperatures are lower and the risk of the plant drying out is therefore less.
In addition to suitable watering, you can regularly spray the leaves of Ficus lyrata with water. This spray will create a humid atmosphere and it will also dust the leaves of the plant. Regular spraying will also be an opportunity to improve the quality of the foliage while preventing the leaves from drying out, especially in winter when the heating is on and dries up the ambient atmosphere. Be careful to choose water that is very clear and that this water is not too hard.
Maintain a Ficus lyrata by providing it with good exposure
The Ficus lyrata is a tree that needs a good sunny space to grow and develop to its best. You must still be careful not to put it directly in front of the sun. Too much exposure could damage the plant, prevent it from growing or even end up killing her. In summer, do not hesitate to place it outside so that it can take full advantage of the sunlight and the heat outside. Ideally, try to always place your Ficus lyrata at a temperature between 18 and 25 ° C. Be careful never to place it at a temperature below 7 ° C. The lyre fig tree could not then survive such temperatures.
If you notice that the leaves of your Ficus lyrata are developing dark spots, it may be due to poor exposure. The tree should not be too close to a window where it would suffer too much exposure to the sun.
Maintain a Ficus lyrata by providing it with a suitable fertilizer and repotting
Ficus lyrata needs essential nutrients to grow properly. It is best to always choose natural fertilizers, which are beneficial for the Ficus lyrata. To promote the growth of your Ficus lyrata, you can use a suitable fertilizer, the ideal being to acquire a special liquid fertilizer for green plants. This can be mixed with irrigation water once a month. From the beginning of spring until the end of autumn, that is to say when the plant is growing, adding fertilizer can stimulate the growth of your lyre fig tree.
In order for the Ficus lyrata to reach its normal adult size, it is important to repot it at least once every year. Each time, choose a pot whose diameter is 5 cm larger than that of the previous pot. Preferably, repot the plant in early spring, when temperatures are mild.
When your Ficus lyrata has reached its adult size, then you will not be able to find a bigger pot. You will then have to remove a little soil from the top of the pot each year and replace it with new one. This action is called "surfacing", that is to say that we simply replace the soil on the surface.
Ficus lyrata or lyre fig is a houseplant that particularly likes light. To maintain it as well as possible and to promote its growth, remember to avoid drafts because the plant does not support them. It is also best to avoid moving the Ficus lyrata too much so that it can get used to its surroundings as well as possible.
The sap of Ficus lyrata is irritating and can cause allergic reactions in some people. To avoid any problems, always remember to handle your plant with gloves.
