Difference Between Fig Tree And Fiddle Leaf Fig – From Edible Fruits

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Hello, fellow gardeners! Have you ever stood in a plant nursery, admiring a gorgeous tree with huge, violin-shaped leaves, and wondered, “Will this give me delicious figs for my morning toast?” It’s a question I hear all the time, and trust me, you’re not alone in your confusion.

The world of figs is vast and beautiful, but the two most popular members of the family—the fruit-bearing Fig Tree and the statement-making Fiddle Leaf Fig—are often mixed up. They share a family name, but that’s where the similarities largely end. One is a garden workhorse, the other is an indoor supermodel.

I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll understand the difference between fig tree and fiddle leaf fig like a seasoned pro. We’ll explore their looks, their purpose, their unique care needs, and how to choose the perfect one for your home or garden. Let’s dig in and clear up the confusion for good!

Meet the Ficus Family: More Than Just Cousins

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s get our bearings. Both the common, edible fig tree and the Fiddle Leaf Fig belong to the massive Ficus genus. This plant family includes over 850 species of trees, shrubs, and vines, including rubber plants and even creeping figs.

Think of Ficus as a huge, diverse family reunion. The plant that gives us tasty fruit is Ficus carica. The interior design icon with the giant, glossy leaves is Ficus lyrata. They’re related, but they have very different personalities and roles in our gardening lives.

Knowing this little bit of plant science helps you understand why their needs and features are so distinct. This is the first step in our complete difference between fig tree and fiddle leaf fig guide.

The Ultimate Visual Guide: How to Tell Them Apart Instantly

At first glance, you might just see “a big green plant.” But once you know what to look for, telling these two apart is a snap. It’s all in the details. This is how to difference between fig tree and fiddle leaf fig using just your eyes.

Leaf Shape and Texture

This is the most obvious giveaway. The difference in their foliage is night and day!

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata): Its leaves are its claim to fame. They are very large, leathery, and distinctly shaped like a fiddle or violin—wider at the top and tapering toward the stem. They have a glossy, deep green finish with prominent veins.
  • Common Fig Tree (Ficus carica): Its leaves are large but have a completely different shape. They are deeply lobed, typically with 3 to 5 distinct “fingers.” The texture is also different; they feel rough and almost sandpapery to the touch, with a duller, more muted green color.

Stems and Bark

The structure of the plant tells another part of the story. Young plants can look similar, but as they mature, their true character shows.

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata): As a houseplant, it’s often grown with a single, straight, bare trunk that branches out into a canopy of leaves at the top, creating a classic “tree” shape. Its bark is generally smoother and light brown.
  • Common Fig Tree (Ficus carica): This plant naturally grows more like a large, sprawling shrub with multiple stems emerging from the base. Its bark is smooth and a distinctive silvery-gray, becoming more gnarled and textured with age.

Overall Growth Habit

Think about where you see these plants thriving. Their natural growth patterns are adapted for very different environments.

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata): This is an understory tree from the rainforests of western Africa. It’s adapted to grow straight up toward the canopy light. In our homes, it’s a dedicated indoor plant, rarely exceeding 10 feet.
  • Common Fig Tree (Ficus carica): Hailing from the sunny, dry Mediterranean, this is a true outdoor plant. It can grow into a wide, spreading tree up to 30 feet tall and wide in the right climate, providing ample shade.
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Fruit vs. Foliage: The Primary Purpose of Each Plant

Here’s the most important distinction and one of the biggest benefits of understanding the difference between fig tree and fiddle leaf fig: one is for eating, and one is for looking at.

The Edible Delight: Ficus carica

The Common Fig tree is cultivated for one primary reason: its delicious, sweet fruit. For thousands of years, humans have grown Ficus carica for its harvest. When you buy fig jam or fresh figs at the market, they come from this tree.

It produces two crops of figs a year in ideal climates. The fruit itself is technically an inverted flower, a fascinating bit of botany! Don’t worry—most modern varieties are self-pollinating, so you don’t need the specialized fig wasp to get a bountiful harvest in your backyard.

The Ornamental Statement: Ficus lyrata

The Fiddle Leaf Fig, on the other hand, is all about the drama of its foliage. It is grown exclusively as an ornamental plant to bring a touch of the lush, green jungle indoors. Its architectural shape and massive leaves make it a living sculpture.

A key takeaway: While a Ficus lyrata can technically produce a small, green, hard fruit in its native habitat, it almost never fruits indoors. The fruit is also considered inedible. So if you’re dreaming of homegrown figs, the Fiddle Leaf is not the plant for you.

Mastering Their Care: A Side-by-Side Difference Between Fig Tree and Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Guide

Because they come from opposite ends of the world, their care needs are fundamentally different. Giving a Fiddle Leaf the care of a Common Fig (or vice versa) is a recipe for a very unhappy plant. Here are the best practices for each.

Light Requirements

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig: It craves bright, indirect sunlight. Think of the dappled light of a rainforest floor. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect. Direct, scorching sun will burn its delicate leaves.
  • Common Fig Tree: This is a sun worshipper. It needs at least 6-8 hours of direct, full sun per day to produce a good crop of fruit. The more sun, the sweeter the figs!

Watering Wisdom

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig: Famously fussy! It hates “wet feet.” Water thoroughly only when the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry. Let the pot drain completely and never leave it sitting in a saucer of water. Overwatering is the #1 killer of Fiddle Leaf Figs.
  • Common Fig Tree: When planted outdoors, it’s quite drought-tolerant once established. However, for the best fruit production, it needs consistent, deep watering, especially during dry spells in the summer.

Soil and Potting Needs

  • Fiddle Leaf Fig: Requires a chunky, fast-draining indoor potting mix. A good recipe is a mix of standard potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark to ensure excellent aeration and prevent root rot.
  • Common Fig Tree: It’s not picky about soil type, as long as it’s well-draining. It thrives in rich garden loam amended with compost but can tolerate sandy or clay soils.

Common Problems and How to Solve Them for Each Fig

Every plant has its challenges. Knowing the common problems with difference between fig tree and fiddle leaf fig can help you troubleshoot like an expert.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Woes

This indoor diva can be a bit dramatic. Here’s what to watch for:

  1. Brown Spots: Crispy brown spots on the edges often mean underwatering or low humidity. Soft, dark brown spots in the middle of the leaf usually point to overwatering and potential root rot.
  2. Sudden Leaf Drop: This is its classic protest move. It can be caused by a sudden change in light, temperature (drafts!), or a watering issue. Consistency is key!
  3. Pests: Indoors, they are most susceptible to spider mites. Look for fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. Wipe leaves down regularly to prevent them.

Common Fig Tree Troubles

Your outdoor fruit producer faces a different set of challenges:

  1. Fig Rust: This fungal disease appears as small, yellowish-orange spots on the leaves that eventually turn brown. Ensure good air circulation and clean up fallen leaves to manage it.
  2. Pests: Scale insects and ants can be an issue. Birds and squirrels are also notorious for stealing your ripe fruit just before you do! Bird netting can be a lifesaver.
  3. Fruit Drop: If a young tree drops its fruit, it could be due to inconsistent watering or a lack of maturity. Give it time and consistent care.
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Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Fig Care Best Practices

Being a Greeny Gardener means caring for our plants and our planet. Adopting a few sustainable difference between fig tree and fiddle leaf fig practices is easy and effective.

  • For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig: Choose a peat-free potting mix to protect vital peat bog ecosystems. Group it with other houseplants to create a humid microclimate naturally, reducing the need for electric humidifiers.
  • For Your Common Fig Tree: Mulch heavily around the base of your outdoor tree with wood chips or compost. This conserves soil moisture, reduces watering needs, and suppresses weeds. Use organic pest controls like neem oil instead of harsh chemicals.
  • For Both: Practice water conservation. For your Fiddle Leaf, bottom-watering can be more efficient. For your outdoor Fig Tree, use a soaker hose to deliver water directly to the roots and minimize evaporation. This is an eco-friendly difference between fig tree and fiddle leaf fig tip that benefits everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fig Trees and Fiddle Leaf Figs

Can I grow a Common Fig tree (Ficus carica) indoors?

Yes, you can! Choose a dwarf variety like ‘Brown Turkey’ or ‘Celeste’. You will need a very large pot and the sunniest window you have—ideally a south-facing one. It may not grow as large or produce as much fruit as an outdoor tree, but it’s a fun project.

Will my Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) ever produce edible fruit?

No, unfortunately not. As we covered, it’s grown for its stunning foliage. The small, hard fruits it might produce in the wild are not edible, and it’s extremely rare for it to fruit as a houseplant anyway.

Why are my Fiddle Leaf Fig’s leaves turning brown and crispy?

This is one of the most common problems. Crispy brown edges are a classic sign of low humidity or the soil getting too dry between waterings. Try to increase humidity by misting or placing a pebble tray with water nearby, and check the soil moisture more frequently.

Are both plants toxic to pets?

Yes, this is an important safety note. Both Ficus carica and Ficus lyrata contain a milky sap that is mildly toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting the leaves can cause gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, and vomiting. It’s best to keep them out of reach of curious pets.

Your Perfect Ficus Awaits

So there you have it! The mystery is solved. The difference between fig tree and fiddle leaf fig is clear: one is a hardy, fruit-bearing outdoor tree, and the other is a tropical, foliage-focused indoor icon.

The Common Fig Tree (Ficus carica) is for the gardener who dreams of harvesting sun-warmed fruit from their own backyard. The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is for the plant lover who wants to make a bold, green, architectural statement inside their home.

Neither is better than the other—they simply serve different, beautiful purposes. Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, you can walk into any nursery with confidence, pick the perfect plant for your space, and help it thrive. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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