First, you must understand our roots. I, the Fiddle Leaf Fig (*Ficus lyrata*), hail from the lowland tropical rainforests of Western Africa. I evolved to grow tall beneath the canopy, stretching my large leaves towards any patch of sunlight that broke through. My cousin, the Rubber Plant (*Ficus elastica*), originates from the lush jungles of India and Indonesia. He is accustomed to a similar warm, humid environment but is often found in slightly more varied light conditions. These ancestral homes are the key to understanding our needs in your living space.
Our most dramatic difference lies in our foliage. My leaves are my namesake; they are large, viol-shaped, and have a pronounced lyre-like silhouette with prominent veining. They are stiff and somewhat leathery, with a glossy finish that demands your attention. The Rubber Plant’s leaves are more oval or elliptical, thicker, and have a heavier, more rubbery texture (hence his common name). His new leaves emerge from a striking sheath that turns pinkish-red before drying and falling away, a spectacle I do not provide. My new growth simply unfurls from the stem as a bright green, tender leaf.
We grow quite differently. I, the Fiddle Leaf Fig, aspire for the sky. I grow upright with a strong, central trunk and prefer to branch out only if encouraged by pruning. My form is more sculptural and tree-like, often becoming a singular, dramatic focal point. The Rubber Plant is generally more bushy and can produce multiple stems from the base. While he also grows upright, he is often more forgiving and less leggy if light conditions are not absolutely perfect. Without pruning, we both can become quite tall, but my growth pattern is typically more singular and commanding.
Our care, while both leaning towards the "ficus" family, has nuances. I require very bright, indirect light to thrive. A spot near a sunny window is ideal; without it, I will become leggy, drop my lower leaves, and languish. I am notoriously sensitive to changes in my environment. The Rubber Plant is more adaptable. He enjoys bright light but will tolerate medium indirect light far better than I can. His thicker leaves make him slightly more drought-tolerant. We both despise soggy roots, but I am quicker to protest overwatering with brown spots and leaf drop, while he might hold on a bit longer.
Finally, you must know our temperaments. I am known for being… particular. I do not like to be moved, I am sensitive to drafts, and I will dramatically drop leaves if I am unhappy with a change in my routine. I communicate my distress quite clearly. The Rubber Plant is famously resilient and forgiving. He is a tougher specimen, better suited for a beginner or someone who cannot provide the most consistent environment. He will still communicate—through drooping leaves when thirsty or losing lower leaves if light is too low—but his reactions are generally less severe than my own.
