Ficus lyrata 'Bambino'

A compact Dutch mutation of Ficus lyrata

Ficus lyrata is native to western and west-central tropical Africa and grows as a wet-tropical tree.

‘Bambino’ arose from a whole-plant mutation discovered in the Netherlands in 1992 and was developed as a compact cultivar.

Preventing overpotting in Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’

Place the compact fiddle-leaf fig in bright filtered light and keep the position stable. Rotate it gradually when changing the exposure.

• Water and mix: Water thoroughly after the upper part of the rootball has dried, then drain. Use an airy, moisture-retentive fig substrate and avoid a large jump in container size.
• Crown support: Repot when roots become dense or the medium loses structure. A heavy pot helps support the compact but top-heavy crown.
• Leaf surface: Wipe dust from the textured leaves gently and avoid bending or rubbing them. Maintain moderate humidity around the plant.
• Temperature and feeding: Keep about 18–27 °C and feed modestly during active growth.

Growth and leaf health in Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’

Short gaps between the leaves, thick foliage and a dense upright crown are normal. A problem is more likely when each new leaf becomes smaller or paler.

• Dry tan patch on the exposed side: Reduce direct sun or heat.
• Dark or yellowing mark above a wet pot: Check the roots and drainage.
• Firm crease or bruise: This is physical damage and will remain on the affected leaf.
• Leaf drop after a move, cold exposure or a large moisture change: Keep the plant stable before making several care changes.

Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs, and avoid contact with its milky sap.
• The latex contains ficin and psoralens, which can irritate the mouth, digestive tract, skin and eyes.
• Exposure may cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, stomach pain or a skin rash. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional if symptoms develop or persist.

What does Ficus lyrata mean, and who first published it?

Classical Latin ficus means fig. Lyrata means lyre-shaped and describes the leaf outline.

Carl Linnaeus established the genus Ficus in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 1059; Joseph Pitton de Tournefort had proposed the name.

Otto Warburg first described Ficus lyrata in 1894 in Botanische Jahrbücher für Systematik, volume 20, page 172.