Ficus lyrata bambino is a decorative and leafy plant also known as the lyre fig or fiddle-leaf fig. It is a plant native to West Africa and It is a popular choice for interior decoration at home and in the office.
It is characterized by its large, bright green, violin-shaped leaves, which are very original indeed. It is a vertically growing plant, ideal for placing indoors and The “bambino” variety is a more compact version, making it perfect for small spaces.
It can be considered a mini tree and can reach 40 cm in height in a pot. In conditions of abundant light, it can slowly reach around one metre in height.
It is very popular as an indoor plant and you can place it in any room. Due to its attractive appearance and ease of care, it is an ideal plant to place as a focal point in the living room or office, it is very nice to decorate the home.
It can thrive in a variety of conditions, although it prefers bright, indirect light and well-drained soil. It should only be watered when the top surface of the soil is dry, and It is important not to overwater the plant, as this can cause root rot.
Characteristics of Ficus lyrata bambino
It is an impressive ornamental plant, with large, shiny, dark green leaves., with a unique shape resembling a violin or harp. These leaves can be up to 40 cm wide and are often lyre-shaped. Hence the Latin name Ficus lyrata, as “lyrata” means lyre-shaped.
It is a small variety that usually measures between 40 and 50 cm in height as an indoor plant. It is an easy plant to care for and requires minimal maintenance, making it a great choice for any indoor environment.
This plant, if grown as an indoor plant, can very rarely bear fruit.The stems have a milky sap that can irritate the skin.
In addition, It is known for fulfilling the function of air purifier, as it helps remove toxins from the air and can improve the quality of your home's air.
Ficus lyrata bambino care
It is an easy-care plant and can be grown in a wide range of conditions as it is very resistant. However, since it is native to the tropics, The ideal conditions for it to thrive are warm and humid places.
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Prefers bright, indirect sunlight or filtered light, although it can also be grown can withstand some exposure to direct sunlight.
The ideal temperature for proper development is between 18 and 28 °C. You should not expose it to direct sunlight all day because the leaves can burn, therefore, you should rotate the pot so that all sides always receive light.
Irrigation
It should only be watered when the top soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot and should be avoided. So water it frequently, but not excessively. Browning of the leaves can be a sign of too much water.
Land
Remember that this plant is very sensitive to high salt levels., so use a good, fast-draining potting soil. That way it will perform well and grow properly.
Diseases and pests
One of the problems that these plants have are spots on the leaves, which are especially noticeable in those with very large leaves.
They can appear due to wounds on the leaves caused by mechanical damage or by a mite attack. Many times these stains are the result of weather conditions, If the room is too cold and if exposed to cold air, they may appear.
These brown spots can also appear if there are changes in ambient temperature due to ventilation or heating vents.
Fungal diseases can also arise due to lack of air and excess humidity. To prevent these problems you can keep the plant healthy by removing dead leaves and twigs. as it grows.
If the leaves are falling off, it may be due to low humidity or cold, dry air. You can solve this problem by trying to spray the plant regularly. to increase ambient humidity.
Another important factor is that they are sensitive to high salt levels. It is important to rinse the soil well once a month, to prevent fertilizer salts from accumulating at the bottom of the pot.
It is very important to keep it free of dust and pests. You can clean the leaves with a damp cloth from time to time. to keep them looking their best, and it's a good idea to check the plant regularly for pests.
This plant is vulnerable to pests such as aphids, mealybugs, Mites and whitefly. If you discover any pests, you can use a organic insecticidal soap to treat the plant.
Some more factors to take into account
It is important that In the summer months, place the pot outside, either on the terrace or in the patio., and bring it indoors when temperatures begin to drop in the fall. It is crucial to maintain the necessary care since it is a toxic plant for humans, cats and dogs if ingested.
It can cause mouth irritation, vomiting and excessive drooling. The sap can also irritate the skin, so It is advisable to use gloves when handling it, particularly when pruning or propagating it.
If you have children or pets, try to keep it out of their reach by placing it in high places or in hanging pots.
Finally, Ficus lyrata bambino is a beautiful ornamental plant perfect for any indoor environment. Its large, glossy green leaves are unique and easy to grow and maintain.
It is an air purifier that converts carbon dioxide (CO2) into pure oxygen, so can help you eliminate harmful gases and improve the air quality in your home.
It is a great choice if you are looking to add a bit of nature to your space. If you take into account all its care, it can grow in perfect conditions and for a long time.