It seems that each decade’s decorating trends have been highlighted by a ‘houseplant du jour.’ In the 70’s, for instance, spider plants and ferns (often displayed in crocheted hanging baskets) were all the rage. The 80’s saw peace lilies rise in popularity; and in the 90’s, no house was complete unless there was a potted weeping fig stuck in a corner (no doubt, surrounded by a pile of fallen leaves on the floor!). The “It” plant for stagers today is, without a doubt (the New York Times said so!), the Ficas lyrata. Or, in layman’s terms, the fiddle-leaf fig.
According to Daniel Kanter, a writer for Manhattan Nest, “The fiddle-leaf fig is interior design gold due to its striking, sculptural constitution; the thin trunk and big, lush leaves create an impeccable balance of negative space and immediately catch the eye. It’s the perfect solve for a barren corner or an awkwardly shaped area.” According to Wikipedia, the plant gets its name from the fact that the leaves, which are variable in shape—often with a broad apex and narrow middle—resemble a lyre or fiddle.
According to Steven Kurutz in his New York Times article, “Designers love them because they have scale, work with a range of styles from modern to granny chic and seem to magically transform any room.” One reason for the rise in popularity of the fiddle-leaf fig according to Mr. Kanter: “They look really good in a picture.” Indeed, staging a room with a fiddle-leaf fig is one sure way to prepare it to be Instagram- (and
listing)-worthy.
The problem is: fiddle-leaf figs—which are native to western Africa, where they grow in lowland tropical rainforests—are notoriously uneasy to keep alive in a household setting. The plants prefer the dense, dark, warm and wet attributes of the rainforest, which most homes do not provide. The answer, of course, is to invest in high-quality, faux alternatives that do not depend on water, light, food or climate.
Look for faux substitutes that mimic real fiddle-leaf specimens with limbs and trunks made from lifelike or even natural elements; leaves that are imperfect, as in nature; and realistic soil or rocks. Workmanship and attention to detail matters in these plants, which at five- to eight-feet tall will command attention. You may pay more for ones that are hand-assembled, but they will look more lifelike than cheaper versions and last years longer with simple care, like proper storage, careful transit and the occasional dusting.
Below is a selection of faux fiddle-leaf fig trees to use in your staging efforts to:
- Fill empty spaces, such as a corner, foyer or balcony landing
- Draw the eye to a design element (i.e., upward to emphasize crown molding or
other elements of interest) - Soften hard edges
- Add a pop of green color
- Flank either side of a large window or piece of furniture
- Create a tropical oasis in a sunroom (check out the fiddle leaf fig screen below!)
Shop for DW Silks Fiddle Leaf Figs here.
- Stage With Subtle Hints of Gold For The Holidays - December 16, 2018
- Take a Stand: Create Visual Impact with Inspirational Planters - November 8, 2018
- The “It” Plant for Today’s Stager: Fiddle Leaf Fig - September 24, 2018
