A Fiddle Leaf Fig from Florida to Rockport, Texas!

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is one of the most popular indoor plants of recent years and one of our customer favorites!

Ms. Judy Teel just received her new Fiddle Leaf Fig on her doorstep in Rockport, Texas, from our greenhouse in Florida and had to let the PLANTZ team know how we did:

“The plant is really gorgeous! I am amazed that it came all the way from Florida to Rockport, Texas, and was in perfect condition. The packaging was amazing and it just “fluffed” out when I got it out of the box. I lived in Mexico for a long time and had two huge gardens with many bougainvilleas and flowering plants and ferns galore. Besides a few porch plants here in Rockport, this is the only plant I have now! I really love it.”

We’re so glad to hear that your new Fiddle Leaf Fig arrived safely in Texas and that it has brought you so much joy, Ms. Teel!

If you’d like to have your very own Fiddle Leaf Fig and other indoor plants shipped to your doorstep, click here to visit our online shop!

Fiddle Leaf Fig in Rockport, Texas

 

A New Lisa Cane for the Holidays

Ms. Susi from Cleveland, Ohio, just received her new Lisa Cane plant just in time for the holidays and it looks lovely in her home! Even her dog, Otis, is getting cozy next to the fire and enjoying the new indoor plant for the house!

“The service from PLANTZ far exceeded my expectations, from the quality of the plant to the personalized hand holding by the customer service team. They even have videos on how to inbox the plant, set it up and water properly.”

Thank you so much for your wonderful pictures and kind words, Ms. Susi!

If you would like to order your very own Lisa Cane, visit our online store here!

Lisa Cane in Cleveland

Lisa Canes and a Giganta to New York

Ms. Kelly P. just received her two new Lisa Cane plants and a Giganta at her home in upstate New York – and she’s so pleased with her purchase from our online store!

Kelly, a total plant lover, had a few lovely words to say about her experience with PLANTZ:

“Absolutely in LOVE with my two Lisa Canes and Giganta!  They arrived to upstate NY safely and securely.  All three plants are absolutely beautiful and give life to my home.  Can’t wait to buy more!”

Thank you, Kelly! We look forward to your next purchase as well.

If you would like to purchase your own Lisa Cane or Giganta, be sure to check out our online shop!

PLANTZ Kelly Review | Lisa Cane and Giganta

Kentia Palms to Washington, D.C.

After an initial shipping mishap at the hands of FedEx, M.C. received her beautiful new Kentia Palms at her office in Washington, D.C.!

M.C. had these very nice words to say about her overall experience with our online shop and customer service:

“I know that shipping plants is not easy but you do an incredible job packaging the plants and setting them up so well for the long journey. Between the plastic wrap, foam, plastic bag, etc., you really have thought of everything. And of course, I know that FedEx’s service is not a reflection of PLANTZ. I ordered two Kentia Palms and loved them so much I ordered another two! The palms are beautiful, the team at Plantz makes sure that they arrive in great shape, and they are incredibly responsive if you have any questions.”

We’re so glad to hear that your Kentia Palms arrived safely to your office, M.C.! Thank you very much for your review!

If you would like to purchase your very own Kentia Palm, click here!

Shipping a Marginata to Oregon

Mr. Christopher Pham recently ordered a Marginata to his home in Portland, Oregon and, after an initial mishap during shipping, is totally loving his new plant!

“After days of driving around to many nursery’s in my area, I was quickly disappointed when I realized that the plant I was looking for was not available anywhere I went. That’s when I took my search to the Internet! I was hesitant to buy a living plant online, concerned about the condition it would arrive in.

This is the second plant I have purchased from PLANTZ.com. The first one arrived in perfect condition, just how it looked in the photo! The second one I ordered was also beautiful but the top branch snapped In half due fault of the carrier that shipped it.
When I contacted customer service, I was blown away they their promptness and willingness to help me. I really felt they ensure their customers are taken care of!
After setting up my second plant in my living room, I actually started to like how it looked! Although they agreed to send me another, there was no need because the plant looked beautiful regardless!!
So thank you, PLANTZ.com and for anyone considering buying from them I highly recommend it!”
Thank you so much for your lovely words, Mr. Pham! We appreciate you shopping on PLANTZ.com.
Christopher Pham | Marginata

The Ultimate History of the Ficus Lyrata

Haven’t you heard the latest plant news?

The Ficus lyrata is having a moment in the spotlight. You might know the Ficus lyrata better by its other name – the fiddle leaf fig plant.

The plant is the must-have plant of every plant lover’s home. If you don’t already have one, you must be reading the wrong fashion mags and interior design blogs.

The fiddle leaf has featured in the New York Times and the House Beautiful magazine.

Everyone’s talking about the fiddle leaf fig plant. And yet, people know surprisingly little about this trendy fig tree. That’s why we thought we’d take this opportunity to shed some light on the plant.

For our ultimate history fo the Ficus lyrata, keep reading below!

1. The Root of the Matter

The story of the fiddle leaf fig plant starts along the West African coast. It’s been growing for the millions of years in the wild of several West African countries. A native species of Sierra Leone and Cameroon, the plant flourishes in the lowland tropical rainforest.

It’s part of the Moraceae family of plants. The Moraceae family also includes the mulberry and fig tree species, along with over 1000 other plant species. Therefore, the ficus lyrata has a lot of cousins (850 to be exact!).

2. Wild Thing?

Nowadays, we associate the fiddle leaf fig with a trendy houseplant for urban apartments. But behind the fashionista appearance lies a dark past in the wild.

The Ficus lyrata is what is known as a banyan fig tree (Ficus subgenus Urostigima). Instead of growing by itself, it grows from the top of the crown of another tree. Talk about invading personal space.

The seeds of the fiddle leaf fig tree land as right at the top of another tree competing for sunlight in the rainforest. By picking a spot so high up, the fiddle leaf fig tree gains access to high levels of sunlight.

After this, as the seed of the plant germinates, the roots of the fiddle leaf fig begin to wrap around the trunk of the other tree. This kind of plant is known as an epiphyte.

Then, over time the host tree is strangled by the roots of the fiddle leaf fig tree. Who said nature wasn’t violent?

But its growth of the fiddle leaf fig plant can also be peaceful. It doesn’t have to grow like this, but it’s also possible to grow free-standing. But in the competitive environment of the rainforest, it’s a plant-eat-plant world.

3. Why it’s the Fiddle?

Have you ever wondered why the Ficus lyrata is called the fiddle leaf fig plant? It’s obvious really. The plant gets its name from the violin-like shaped leaves that remind you of a fiddle.

The leaves can grow to be huge too. They measure up to 12 inches wide. And an impressive 30 inches in length.

Anyone who has a fiddle leaf fig plant in your living room will know the thickness of the leaves. Those large and leathery leaves have a distinctive dark green appearance.

As for the tree as a whole, there are numerous examples of the tree growing as tall as 60 feet high. To put that in perspective, 60 feet is approximately the entire length of a bowling lane standing upwards.

And right at the top, you’ll find the bright green fruit of the fig tree.

4. From Zero to Hero

But how do the fiddle leaf fig rise to become one of the most popular houseplants around?

According to one theory, the popularity of the fiddle leaf fig coincided with the launch of the social media platform, Pinterest in 2010.

Pinterest has become the go-to place for beautiful home design. And the fiddle leaf fig tree represents a beautiful photographing opportunity.

Nowadays, Pinterest has over 200 million regular monthly users. That’s thousands and thousands of people posting, sharing and looking at pictures of the ficus lyrata.

5. Jumping on the Bandwagon

Retailers spot a market for the fiddle leaf fig plant. Most notably, the Swedish furniture store, IKEA started stocking the plant in 2013.

While the IKEA version was only small. For a bargain at $13.99, you could have your very own fiddle leaf fig tree.

Since then, the price of fiddle leaf figs has shot up. You can now pay up to $100 for a larger tree.

It’s not easy to transport the larger versions of the plant. Which is why an increasing number of retailers are delivering the fiddle leaf figs to doorsteps.

6. No Longer Playing Second Fiddle

Every era has a houseplant that’s making waves. As we already established, the fiddle leaf fig tree wasn’t popular until the 21st century.

The African violet was certainly the houseplant of homes in the 1950s and 60s. By the 1970s, spider plants were spreading across the country. And, who doesn’t remember your mother’s ficus in the 1980s and 90s?

The award-winning TV show Mad Men, which told the story of the 1960s through the marketing, has gained a reputation for incredible accuracy in every respect.

None more so, when it comes with its depiction of houseplants. You’ll see monsteras, pothos and parlor palms, but you won’t spot a Ficus lyrata.

You can’t turn on your TV without seeing fiddle leaf fig plants on your screen.

Ok, that’s a slight exaggeration. But the plant has definitely received plenty of attention of late. It even featured on a number of Super Bowl commercials.

7. A Moment in the Sun

The history of Ficus lyrata goes back millions of years. But it’s moment in the sun has only just arrived.

It’s not hard to see why it’s been called the “The ‘It’ Plant of the Design World” but none other than the New York Times.

The fiddle leaf fig plant perfectly transforms a boring and dull room into a vibrant and stylish place. And yet, it nicely reflects the minimalist aesthetic by not overpowering its surroundings.

As one designer puts it, “you can plop it in a dead corner and suddenly everything comes to life”.

But for many people, the plant also evokes a science fiction or alien world with its glossy green leaves. According to the interior designer, Brad Sherman, the fiddle leaf fig plant has a “pre-historic, Dr. Seuss feel” to it.

Brad Sherman, an interior designer in New York, thinks they have a “prehistoric, Dr. Seuss feel.”

8. Growing Pains

The reason for the rise of this trendy tree is because it looks great. The popularity of the fiddle leaf fig tree is down to designers rather than gardeners. Therefore, the challenges of growing the fig plant are largely overlooked.

And yet, the fiddle leaf fig plant is notoriously really difficult to grow and maintain. Many plant lovers have discovered that the fiddle leaf fig plant dies in only a matter of weeks.

While many people have claimed that the plant is especially delicate and fragile. Sometimes, just moving it from one side of the room to the other can cause it damage.

As one fiddle leaf fig plant owner puts it, “they’re very emotional plants”.

This explains why the Gardenista blogger, Michelle Slatalla has referred to the fiddle leaf fig plant as “the houseplant equivalent of a newborn”.

That partly explains why there are probably more pictures on Instagram and Pinterest of the plant than there are actual fiddle leaf figs in people’s homes. People are scared of the challenge.

And yet, this might be exactly what attracts some people to the plant. As Slatalla adds, “people tend to anthropomorphize this plant in ways they don’t with others”.

As with any other trend and craze, millennials are usually the demographic group driving it. It’s the same with the ficus lyrata.

We’re also told that millennials are not having kids. Maybe the younger generations are fulfilling the need to care for someone else by buying a fiddle leaf fig plant.

9. How to Keep it Alive?

The fiddle leaf fig plant is a challenge for even the most experienced and committed gardeners.

The most effective way of making a success of your fiddle leaf fig tree is by replicating the conditions in which it’s familiar. Yes, the lowland rainforest of West Africa.

Only, most people’s apartments and houses represent starkly different conditions to this. The fiddle leaf fig may flourish in the dark, warm and wet, but modern-day human beings certainly don’t.

But you don’t have to give up. Many people have sought out tips and tricks to keep it strong and healthy.

A landscape designer in New Jersey, Hadley Peterson has a fiddle leaf fig tree that’s growing strong after more than 10 years.

She claims it’s all about the atmosphere and air. She says, “I keep my house at 68 degrees”. But the fiddle leaf fig plant also needs lots of sunlight to stay healthy.

Even though the fiddle leaf fig might be difficult to maintain for much more than a year. If it lasts up to a year, it’s a relatively affordable way of keeping your home bright and green.

10. Avoid Killing Your Fiddle Leaf Friend

There’s no easy solution to making sure your fiddle leaf friend lives a long and healthy life in your living room. But there are certain mistakes you need to make sure you avoid.

1. Watering the Fiddle Leaf

It’s difficult to balance to achieve. Both overwatering and underwatering the fiddle leaf fig tree can cause damage.

You have to replicate the rainforest conditions, in which the fiddle leaf fig gets plenty of water.

But the best way to do this is to concentrate on ensuring the soil is always moist without soaking the soil in water. You can even place the fiddle leaf fig in draining pot.

If you notice the top layer of the soil is becoming dry, it’s time to water. Keep watering until the water flows out of the bottom. When it gets dry again, repeat.

2. The Right Amount of Sunlight

What makes the fiddle leaf fig plant an ideal houseplant is that the natural light provided by the majority of homes is perfect. It’s often just the right amount.

You need to make sure the tree gets plenty of indirect light. And also, some direct sunlight also benefits the growth of the tree.

The most suitable place to position your fiddle leaf fig tree is at an east-facing window in your apartment. This allows it to avoid the strong afternoon sun from the south and west.

3. Eat it Right

Even though many members of the ficus family flourish in high levels of fertilizer, that’s not the case with the fiddle leaf fig plant.

You only need to fertilize the fiddle leaf a few times per year. Most importantly, in spring and summer months. You can also kill the fiddle leaf by overfeeding it.

4. Far Too Cold

What’s the temperature in the jungle of West Africa? Yes, it’s pretty warm. That’s the conditions you want to replicate in your apartment.

While your bank balance won’t thank you for the increase in energy bills, your fiddle leaf fig tree definitely will. However, even room temperature is usually warm enough for the tree. But make sure it’s out of the way of cold drafts during the colder months.

The Ficus Lyrata History

Now you know everything there is to know about the Ficus lyrata. You need to catch up with everyone else by buying your own fiddle leaf friend.

Are you interested in buying a fiddle leaf fig tree for your home? Check out our online store for more houseplants that would look great in your home. Or in get in touch with us today to find out more.

Rosie, Otto, and a Fiddle Leaf Fig

Mr. George Kacenga of Indiana just received his new Fiddle Leaf Fig and is loving it! His two Old English Sheepdogs, Rosie and Otto, are also big fans of their gorgeous new indoor plant.

Mr. Kacenga had this to say about his experience with PLANTZ.com and his new plant:

“Great price, better service! Plantz delivered on the Fiddle Leaf Fig we’d been wanting for years. Our new home had the windows and light we needed, and a 6ft tree was our first delivery! Could not be happier. Thanks, Plantz!”

We are so happy to hear that your new Fiddle Leaf Fig is being appreciated by everyone in the Kacenga household – especially Rosie and Otto!

If you would like to purchase your very own Fiddle Leaf Fig, click here now to place your order!

Newton the Fiddle Leaf Fig in New York City

At PLANTZ, we firmly believe that plants are a wonderful way to help cheer someone up. In Ryan’s case, her friend wanted to put a smile on her face with a new Fiddle Leaf Fig after the passing of a loved one – and we were more than happy to help her accomplish her goal. After an initial shipping mishap, Ryan’s new Fiddle Leaf Fig (now known as  “Newton”) made it to her apartment with the help of her husband and a friendly neighborhood doorman!

Ryan had this to say about Newton and her experience with the PLANTZ customer service team:

“I must give a heartfelt shout out to Sue at PLANTZ, the best customer service representative with whom I’ve ever had the pleasure of interacting. If you are hesitant about ordering a plant online (as I initially was) please take a moment to read my unusual, but happy, experience….
After a long and wild ride from the bottom to the top of the East Coast, including an unplanned slumber party in the building across the street, Newton the Fiddle Leaf Fig finally made it to his forever home in a sunny, fellow plant-filled apartment in NYC. His new mom, Ryan (who Sue thought was a dad), hadn’t even an inkling of his arrival and was tickled pink when he showed up at her door; he was a surprise gift from her best friends as a show of support and positivity in light of her mother’s recent passing.  He arrived looking healthy as ever, even after a brief scare that FedEx lost him in transit, leaving him unaccounted for for about 24 hours. Sue was more than accommodating when learning of the FedEx mishap and got down to the bottom of Newton’s location immediately. Within a few hours of reporting him lost, I was notified by a lovely New York apartment doorman that Newton had simply been delivered to the wrong side of the street. Ryan’s husband promptly sprinted to the neighboring apartment building to bring Newton home and the rest is history. You can’t tell by the picture, but he is almost as happy to be in his forever home as Ryan is to have him. Thank you for everything, PLANTZ – especially you, Sue! Will continue to give you my business as I have nothing but the highest satisfaction with your company. Thanks again!”

Thank you for your lovely review, Ryan! We are so elated to hear that you are loving Newton and that Sue was such a big help.

If you would like to have your very own Fiddle Leaf Fig (or gift one to a friend!), click here to place your order!

Mary the Monstara in Illinois

Ms. Gracie Rowland of Orland Park, Illinois just reached out to the PLANTZ team to let us know how much she is enjoying her new Monstera!

Ms. Rowland sent us a selfie with her new Monstera, now known as “Mary,” but said that “she just took over the whole picture” and had to let her take her own photo! When asked about her plant and its care, she had this to say:

“Give love and care, and your plant will return it.”

Great words to live by, Ms. Rowland! Thank you for your great pictures and sense of humor – and thanks for shopping on PLANTZ.com! To order your own Monstera, click here.

Gracie-Rowland-Mary-Monstera-Indoor-Plants

A New Lisa Cane in Pittsfield, Massachusetts

Ms. Mary Nash of Pittsfield, Massachusetts is loving her new Lisa Cane from PLANTZ! After searching for something for her new office space, she stumbled upon our online shop and had a beautiful new Lisa Cane sent directly to her doorstep instead of trying to fit one in her car!

Ms. Nash had this to say about her PLANTZ experience:

“I recently moved into a new office space and after decorating it with new furniture and other accoutrements, needed a tall plant to complete the look. It was hard to find something locally, and I wasn’t sure if I would be able to fit a tall plant into my car without trashing it.  After an Internet search, I came upon PLANTZ.com and fell in love with the tall and gracious Lisa Cane plant.  This lovely plant arrived quickly, was very well packaged, and came complete with instructions that will keep it thriving. It is the perfect addition to my office!”

We are delighted to hear that you are loving your new indoor plant, Ms. Nash! Thank you for choosing PLANTZ.

If you’d like to order your very own Lisa Cane, visit the PLANTZ online store here!

Mary-Nash-Lisa-Cane

Beatriz the Fiddle Leaf Fig

Katie Milanes of Land O’ Lakes, Florida just received her new Fiddle Leaf Fig from PLANTZ.com! It looks like she and her two furry friends, Agador and India, are loving their new indoor plant!

Katie was kind enough to share her thoughts on her new plant with us:

“I am absolutely I love with my new Ficus named Beatriz and she is enjoying her new home in Land O Lakes, FL with her new pals Agador  & India!”

We are so ecstatic to hear that you are loving Beatriz, Katie!

If you would like to order your very own Fiddle Leaf Fig and have it shipped directly to your doorstep, click here!

Katie-Milanes-Fiddle-Leaf-Fig

A New Fiddle Leaf Fig Family

Elmer Yee and his beautiful family are loving their new Fiddle Leaf Fig tree in Dublin, California! After the PLANTZ team answered his initial questions about watering and plant care, he is now recommending us to his friends in California!

Mr. Yee had this to say about his order from PLANTZ:

“We love our new plant, and has been a great conversation piece with our guests!  We like to tell them that we ordered these special from Florida.  The shipment to California did not affect the plants at all.  Plantz’s website made researching the ordering, delivering, and unpacking process so much easier.  This was much easier than visiting a local nursery.  We look forward to ordering more!”

We greatly appreciate your kind words and recommendations, Mr. Yee! Thank you for sharing your experience and lovely family with us!

If you would like to order your very own Fiddle Leaf Fig, aka Ficus lyrata, click here!

Fiddle-Leaf-Fig-Elmer-Yee