From our perspective, light is our primary source of energy, and our needs differ significantly. I, the Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica), am far more accommodating. I can thrive in a range of light conditions, from bright, indirect light to even lower light spaces. My leaves are adapted to make the most of what is available, though my growth will be slower with less light. My cousin, the Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata), is much more demanding. She requires very bright, filtered light directly from a window to truly flourish. Without several hours of this strong light, she will become leggy, drop her lower leaves, and protest by refusing to put out new growth. A south or east-facing window is her idea of paradise.
Our watering needs are a key point of differentiation rooted in our physiology. Both of us despise soggy feet, as it leads to root rot, but I, the Rubber Plant, have a slightly higher tolerance for irregular watering. My soil prefers to dry out almost completely between thorough waterings. I can handle a bit of neglect. The Fiddle Leaf Fig, however, is notoriously finicky. Her roots are extremely sensitive; she demands a "Goldilocks" watering routine – not too much, not too little. Her soil should be allowed to dry out in the top few inches before being drenched completely. Any deviation from this, especially overwatering, causes her immense stress, leading to spotted, yellowing, and dropped leaves.
Our large leaves have a constant, silent conversation with the air around us. I, the Rubber Plant, am quite comfortable with the average humidity found in most homes. While I won't say no to a occasional misting or a humidifier, I don't require it to stay healthy. The Fiddle Leaf Fig, hailing from a lowland jungle environment, has a much stronger craving for humid air. Dry, arid conditions cause her immense stress, often resulting in crispy leaf edges and brown spots. She thrives when the humidity is consistently above 50%, making her a perfect candidate for a pebble tray or a nearby humidifier.
When our care needs are not met, we communicate in clear, albeit different, ways. I, the Rubber Plant, am generally stoic. My main sign of distress is drooping leaves, which usually means I am either severely overwatered or desperately thirsty. I may also drop a lower leaf or two if my light conditions change dramatically. The Fiddle Leaf Fig is famously dramatic. She will express unhappiness with watering issues through brown spots surrounded by a yellow halo, often starting on the edges of new growth. She will readily drop leaves if she is moved, overwatered, under-watered, or otherwise displeased with her environment. Her communication is less subtle but very specific.
