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The Aesthetic Appeal of Ficus Lyrata

The large, lush leaves of the Ficus Lyrata make it a striking design element in both residential and commercial interiors. Whether you’re aiming to create a dramatic focal point or a natural ambiance, this plant adapts to various styles, from contemporary to the more minimalist.

Durable and Low-Light Friendly

With over 20 years of experience and witnessing various design trends, the Ficus Lyrata has always been a favorite due to its striking color and shape. This plant thrives not only in well-lit spaces but also in darker areas like lobbies, making it ideal for commercial projects. Its durability and ability to grow in low-light environments make it perfect for spaces that require longevity and low maintenance.

Aesthetic and Biophilic Beauty

The Ficus Lyrata isn’t just durable; its large, dark green leaves bring a refreshing aesthetic to any space. As design trends shift from minimalism toward lusher, more natural interiors, the Ficus Lyrata has gained popularity for its ability to introduce a sense of fullness and vitality. Its presence aligns with biophilic design principles, helping to foster a connection with nature in offices, hotels, and commercial spaces. This plant’s rich texture and commanding form make it an ideal choice for enhancing both the visual appeal and ambiance of a room.

Ficus Lyrata vs. Ficus Lyrata Bambino: Choosing the Right Fit for Your Space

Ficus Lyrata: Origins, Characteristics

The Ficus Lyrata, commonly known as the fiddle-leaf fig, originally grows in the tropical rainforests of West Africa, specifically in regions from Cameroon to the Ivory Coast. In its natural habitat, this plant can grow into an impressive tree, reaching heights of up to 12 meters. Belonging to the Moraceae family, the Ficus Lyrata is closely related to mulberry plants.

What makes the Ficus Lyrata particularly popular in interior design are its distinctive, violin-shaped leaves—the inspiration for its nickname. The thick, glossy leaves feature prominent veins that stand out against their vibrant green backdrop. Known for its hardiness and air-purifying qualities, the Ficus Lyrata is one of the most durable indoor plants. While it grows relatively slowly, with proper care, it can reach impressive heights even inside, adding a dramatic touch to any space.

Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’: Origins, Characteristics

The Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’, also known as the Dwarf Fiddle Leaf Fig, originates from the tropical rainforests of West Africa. This smaller variety of the fiddle leaf fig thrives in the warmth and humidity of its native habitat, though it remains compact in size.

The Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’ is distinguished by its striking, shiny leaves, which resemble those of a violin—hence the name. Unlike the larger variety, the leaves of the ‘Bambino’ are smaller and feature an irregular, wavy edge, giving the plant a unique and graceful appearance. While it is a slow grower, typically reaching around 80 centimeters in height, it can grow taller under optimal conditions.

Caring for Your Ficus Lyrata and Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’

To keep a Ficus Lyrata thriving, it’s essential to provide conditions similar to its natural environment. This plant prefers plenty of indirect sunlight and as a low-light indoor plant it thrives in a warm, humid setting. Proper watering is crucial—while it enjoys moisture, the roots should never sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.

Fortunately, hydroculture offers a convenient solution to this challenge. By using a water-based medium instead of traditional soil, hydroculture systems prevent the risk of root rot and make maintenance easier. This modern approach provides consistent moisture without the danger of overwatering, ensuring your Ficus Lyrata remains healthy and vibrant.

Growth Forms of the Ficus Lyrata

The Ficus Lyrata is available in various growth forms, each offering a unique aesthetic for different spaces. Here are some popular types:

• Branch Form: This classic growth type features a single, unbranched stem topped with a canopy of lush foliage. The elegant, upright form makes it ideal for adding a vertical element to interiors.
• Round Canopy: This form showcases a stem with a rounded, bushy canopy. The rounded shape provides a fuller, more compact appearance, perfect for creating a balanced, symmetrical look in larger spaces.
• Twisted and Braided Stem: For a distinctive, artistic touch, the twisted and braided stem varieties offer a unique visual appeal. These forms often feature multiple stems that are intertwined, supporting a dense, lush canopy. They add a sculptural element to any setting, making them a striking centerpiece.
• Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’: This dwarf variety grows in a more compact form compared to its larger counterpart. Available in various sizes, including 2pp, 3pp, and 4pp, the ‘Bambino’ offers flexibility for different design needs, from small accent pieces to more prominent displays.

The beautifully diverse growth forms of the Ficus Lyrata can suit various design aesthetics and space requirements, enhancing the beauty and functionality of your interior spaces.

How to Select the Perfect Ficus Lyrata for Your Design Needs

When choosing a Fiddle Leaf Fig for commercial spaces, there are several key factors to keep in mind.

Ficus Lyrata with its distinctive large leaves offer a lush and dramatic aesthetic that can elevate any space. However, due to its size and expansive foliage, the typical Ficus Lyrata requires ample space to truly thrive and make a statement. Its grandeur is best showcased in open, expansive areas where it can be given room to grow, such as in a lobby, reception area, or large commercial space. Here, the plant can achieve its full potential, adding a touch of biophilic beauty and creating a striking focal point.

For environments where space is more limited or where a more subtle green accent is desired, the Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’ offers an ideal solution. With its smaller leaves and compact growth, the ‘Bambino’ fits neatly into tighter spaces while still providing the lush, green aesthetic characteristic of the Lyrata. This makes it a perfect choice for offices, smaller rooms, or interior areas where space constraints would otherwise limit the use of larger plants. By choosing the ‘Bambino’, you can still achieve a vibrant, biophilic design without compromising on space.

In summary, while the full-sized Ficus Lyrata excels in open, grand spaces, the Ficus Lyrata ‘Bambino’ provides versatility for smaller or more confined areas, ensuring that every design can benefit from the beauty of this remarkable plant. Whichever you finally select, know that with an interior design plant such as the Ficus lyrata you have selected for your commercial project one of the best statement plants for interiors.

Natural vs. Artificial Ficus Lyrata: What Works for You?

At Plants Design, we offer both live and artificial Ficus Lyrata options, providing flexible solutions for any interior design project.

Live Ficus Lyrata: Bringing Nature Indoors

The natural Ficus Lyrata is more than just a plant—it’s a living, breathing addition to your space. It’s known for its air-purifying qualities, absorbing pollutants and improving indoor air quality. Ideal for offices, hotels, and luxury residences, the live Ficus Lyrata offers a lush, organic touch that stands out.

Maintenance Tip:
For live plants, our maintenance services ensure they stay healthy and vibrant year-round, so your green space remains lush with minimal effort. Give us a call and let us find the most convinient plan for you.

Artificial Ficus Lyrata: No Maintenance, Maximum Appeal

If you’re seeking a zero-maintenance option, our artificial Ficus Lyrata plants replicate the real thing with stunning accuracy. These plants offer the same aesthetic benefits without the need for watering, sunlight, or pruning, making them a cost-effective solution for offices, hotels, or commercial spaces that demand longevity and perfection in appearance.

Table: Comparison of Natural vs. Artificial Ficus Lyrata

Hydroculture Ficus Lyrata: A Sustainable Option

For clients interested in sustainable solutions, the hydroculture Ficus Lyrata offers a modern, clean way to bring greenery into your space. This system eliminates the need for traditional soil, replacing it with a water-based medium. Hydroculture plants are not only easier to maintain, but they also offer greater resistance to pests and diseases, making them ideal for commercial projects.

Benefits of Hydroculture Ficus Lyrata

Low Maintenance: Requires less frequent watering.

Pest Resistance: No soil means fewer pests.

Sustainable: Environmentally friendly option for eco-conscious businesses.

Learn more about hydroculture systems here.

Ficus Lyrata in Our Projects: A Case Study

Our extensive experience in delivering tailored plant solutions includes integrating Ficus Lyrata in a variety of commercial projects. In one recent project for a high-end corporate office in Dubai, we installed a series of custom Ficus Lyrata arrangements in the lounge area, creating an inviting and lush environment for guests. The plant’s ability to thrive in lower light conditions made it a perfect choice for the dimly lit space.

For commercial areas, offices, and hotels looking for a low-maintenance solution, artificial Ficus Lyrata is an ideal choice. Its lifelike appearance and resilience in high-traffic areas make it a perfect fit for executive offices, premium commercial spaces, and luxury hotels. With no need for sunlight or watering, artificial Ficus Lyrata offers the same visual appeal as the live plant, while requiring none of the upkeep—ensuring a professional, polished look all year round.

See our full portfolio of projects here.

Need design inspiration? Contact us for a free consultation.

Fun Fact: Ficus Lyrata Can Bear Fruit Indoors—With the Right Care

While it’s widely believed that Ficus Lyrata, being a fig tree, rarely flowers or bears fruit indoors, this isn’t always the case. In its natural habitat, the plant regularly produces both flowers and fruits, though indoors, achieving this is a rare feat.

However, when working with experienced professionals and sourcing high-quality, healthy plants, the unexpected can happen! For example, in one of our hydroculture projects, we successfully nurtured an indoor Ficus Lyrata to the point of bearing fruit—an achievement rarely seen indoors. Although the fruits may not be the delicious figs you’re used to and not edible at all, they are a testament to the health and vitality of the plant. This highlights once again the benefits of hydroculture, which helps create an optimal environment for the plant to thrive, even in indoor conditions.

With the right conditions and expert care, even the impossible becomes possible. This is what sets us apart when creating your green spaces.

Transform Your Space with Ficus Lyrata

Whether you’re looking to make a bold statement with a grand Ficus Lyrata or add a touch of greenery with the compact ‘Bambino’, choosing the right form of Ficus Lyrata can transform your space.

By understanding the needs and benefits of each type, you can create an environment that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also aligns with your design goals. Embrace the lush beauty of the Ficus Lyrata and bring a touch of nature into your design.

Look no further for other indoor plant design solutions. Transform your space with Ficus Lyrata. Contact us now and include Ficus Lyrata for office interiors project you are working on now!

Hydroculture is a type of horticulture that involves growing plants in a soilless medium, such as clay pebbles. The medium acts as a support for the plant and its roots, while also providing water and oxygen to the root zone. The medium does not contain any nutrients, so the plants need to be fed with a water-soluble fertilizer every 6 months.

Hydroculture vs. Hydroponics

Hydroculture is different from hydroponics, which is another soilless method of growing plants.

Hydroponics uses a liquid nutrient solution as the growing medium, instead of a solid one. Hydroponics requires more equipment, such as pumps, timers, and reservoirs, to deliver the solution to the plants. Hydroponics also requires more monitoring and testing of the pH and electrical conductivity of the solution. Hydroponics mainly applies to vegetable gardening.

Hydroculture is simpler and more accessible than hydroponics, as it does not require any special equipment or skills. Hydroculture can be done with any type of container plant pot, such as pots, trays, or baskets – as long as they are waterproof. Hydroculture plant pots don’t need for any drainage holes at the bottom. Hydroculture can be done indoors, as long as the selected plants receive the light and temperature they need. Hydroculture mainly applies to indoor plant design.

Hydroculture vs. Soil Plants

Hydroculture has many advantages over soil-based media, such as water efficiency, cleanliness, and durability. Hydroculture uses less water than soil, as the medium retains moisture and prevents evaporation. Hydroculture is also cleaner than soil, as it does not produce any dust or dirt that can stain the containers or the surroundings. Hydroculture is also more durable than soil, as it does not degrade or erode over time.

Here are some statistics and facts that show the difference between hydroculture and soil-based plants:

1. Water Consumption

2. Pest and Disease Resistance

3. Root Rot Prevention

Hydroculture …. Challenges?

However, hydroculture also has some challenges or drawbacks, such as the need for regular fertilization, and the difficulty of transplanting. Hydroculture requires frequent fertilization, as the medium does not provide any nutrients to the plants. Hydroculture can also make transplanting difficult, as the medium can be hard to remove from the roots without damaging them. But further down we will discuss why this isn’t an disadvantage as such.

Why Choose Hydroculture for Bonsai Plants?

Bonsai is the art of growing miniature trees in containers, by pruning and shaping them to create a desired form. Bonsai originated in China and Japan, where it has been practiced for centuries. Bonsai can be made from many different species of trees and shrubs, but some of the most popular ones are Ficus microcarpa (also known as Chinese banyan or ginseng ficus), juniper, pine, maple, azalea, and jade.

Bonsai plants are usually grown in soil-based media, such as peat moss, bark, or sand. However, soil-based media have some disadvantages for bonsai plants, such as:

• They can become compacted and acidic over time, reducing the air and water flow to the roots.
• They can harbor pests and diseases that can harm the plants.
• They can cause root rot if overwatered or underdrained.
• They can leach nutrients from the plants if not fertilized regularly.
• They can make repotting difficult and stressful for the plants.

Bonsai Plants and Hydroculture

Hydroculture can overcome these disadvantages and offer many benefits for bonsai plants, such as:

• It provides optimal water and oxygen to the roots, preventing root rot and promoting healthy growth.
• It reduces the risk of pests and diseases, as it does not contain any organic matter that can attract or harbor them.
• It enhances the aesthetic appeal of the bonsai plants, by exposing their bulbous and twisted roots that resemble ginseng or banyan trees.
• It simplifies the maintenance of the bonsai plants, by eliminating the need for repotting, pruning, and fertilizing.
• It saves water and space, by using less water than soil and allowing for more plants to be grown in a smaller area.

Ficus microcarpa is one of our favorite species for hydroculture, as it has many attractive features, such as:

• It has glossy green leaves that contrast well with its gray bark.
• It has thick and twisted roots that resemble ginseng or banyan trees.
• It has small fruits that add interest and color to its appearance.
• It is easy to care for and adaptable to different light and temperature conditions.

We chose Ficus microcarpa for our project, as it is suitable for the lobby of the business center: being close to a large window front, where it can tolerate low humidity and high salinity. Ficus microcarpa is also popular and in demand among our clients, who appreciate its beauty and elegance. Ficus microcarpa is also symbolic and valuable in Asian culture, where it represents longevity, prosperity, and wisdom.

How We Delivered and Maintained Hydroculture Bonsai Plants for a Business Center Lobby

We delivered 8 impressive Ficus microcarpa bonsai plants in hydroculture to the lobby of JLT ONE TOWER five years ago. We used clay pebbles as our medium for hydroculture, as they are lightweight, porous, and pH-neutral. We also added some water-soluble fertilizer to the water to provide the necessary nutrients for the plants. We used CUBICO pots as our containers, as they are elegant and fit perfectly with a modern interior design and are furthermore durable and very suitable for hydroculture.

The plants were placed in front of a large window, where they received plenty of indirect sunlight and air circulation, which are ideal for Ficus microcarpa. The plants transformed the lobby, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for the visitors and employees.

We were amazed by the results of our project. The plants thrived in hydroculture, showing healthy and vigorous growth. The leaves became more glossy and green, the fruits became more abundant and colorful, and the roots became more exposed and attractive.

Here are some images of how the plants looked when we delivered them and how they look now:

2018 – Ficus Bonsai – JLT One Tower

2023 – Ficus Bonsai – JLT One Tower

The plants also added a touch of nature and beauty to the lobby, enhancing the aesthetic and environmental quality of the space. The plants also performed better than soil-based plants, using less water, resisting pests and diseases, and preventing root rot.

5 years later ….

We visited the business center five years later, and we were impressed by how well the plants have maintained their health and beauty. The plants looked even better than the day we delivered them, showing no signs of stress or disease. The staff at the business center told us that they were very happy with the plants and that they received many compliments from their guests and clients.

One of the reasons why the plants have lasted so long and looked so good is because of the easy and low-cost maintenance done by the clients themselves. Hydroculture is very simple to maintain, as it only requires watering every few weeks, depending on the water level indicator in the pots. The water level indicator shows when the water is at its optimum level, when it needs to be refilled, or when it is too full. The average watering schedule for hydroculture is around every four weeks at the optimum level, but it can also be six to eight weeks at the maximum level. This means that hydroculture saves a lot of water compared to soil-based plants, which need to be watered more frequently.

Another reason why the plants have stayed healthy and beautiful is because of their resistance to pests and diseases. Hydroculture does not contain any organic matter that can attract or harbor pests or pathogens, unlike soil-based media. This means that hydroculture reduces the risk of infestation or infection that can harm or kill the plants. Hydroculture also prevents root rot, which is a common problem for soil-based bonsai plants. Root rot occurs when the roots are overwatered or underdrained, causing them to decay and die. Hydroculture provides optimal water and oxygen to the roots, preventing them from rotting or suffocating.

We are proud of our project and our choice of hydroculture for bonsai plants. We believe that hydroculture is a great way to grow bonsai plants, as it offers many benefits for both the plants and the people who care for them. Hydroculture is simple, efficient, and eco-friendly, and it can produce stunning results that last for years.

If you are interested in hydroculture and want to know more about our services and products, please feel free to contact us. We would love to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.

What do you think of our project and our plants? Do you like hydroculture? Do you have any experience or suggestions with hydroculture? Please share your thoughts and comments with us. We appreciate your feedback and support.