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Fiddle Dee Dee

by habituallychic

08 . 04 . 11
After seeing Grant K. Gibson’s beautiful Fiddle Leaf Fig tree, I have always wanted one.  Somewhere along the way, I heard that they don’t do well in New York.  While shopping for a tree in the Flower District, I learned that this information was just a myth.  You can own a Fiddle Leaf Fig tree in the city if you take care of it. According to the owner of Noble Planta, you should let the top soil dry out before watering.  Then water slowly around the stem first and then around the outside.  When you see water in the tray, that is your cue to stop.  If there is no tray or saucer, he recommended about 3-4 cups of water. Watering the same day every week is not best because it might need more water one week and less the next.  You have to check.  He also suggested opening the windows early in the morning so it receives fresh air in the summer.  You should also try to give it fresh air in the winter but away from a cold draft.  I am excited to own one but I need to buy a planter before it’s ready for its close up.  For now, you can see by these photos that they are not only very popular but look great in a variety of different interiors.

“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.”  – Martin Luther
Grant K. Gibson
David Mitchell Interior Design
via Marion House Book
unknown

unknown
via Elle Decor

unknown

via Style Chronicle

Ken Fulk in House Beautiful

Ken Fulk on the cover of House Beautiful
unknown

via Elle Decor

Faux Fifddle Leaf Fig trees by Diane James Home in Celerie Kemble’s room at Kips Bay Decorator Show House 2011.

via House Beautiful

Tim Clark Bathroom

via Elle Decor

Via Domino

Jonathan Adler
Chloe Warner via Domino

Chloe Warner

and George

via Elle Decor

unknown

Delphine and Reed Krakoff

unknown

via Elle Decor

Lee Kleinhelter of Pieces in Atlanta

36 Comments
Comments Closed

  1. Luciane at HomeBunch.com August 4, 2011 | 1:10 pm

    So beautiful! It makes any room feel FRESH!

    Great post!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

  2. kate pm August 4, 2011 | 1:10 pm

    The photo of the fig tree is from http://www.themarionhousebook.com. It’s her living room. She has a post about the tree, too.
    http://www.themarionhousebook.com/?p=3106

  3. Erika @ ~TiptoeButterfly~ August 4, 2011 | 1:12 pm

    the unknown room is desgined by Jonathan Adler – i actually featured it today on my blog :o)

    *kiss kiss*
    Erika @ ~Tiptoe Butterfly~

  4. Margaret August 4, 2011 | 1:14 pm

    I want one, too!!!

  5. Kim @ In a State of Luxe August 4, 2011 | 1:36 pm

    Aren’t they great. They’re coming back into vogue in such a big way…Great Post!

  6. Kelly@Bungalow Blue August 4, 2011 | 2:39 pm

    I found one at Home Depot a few months back and used it in a client project-I’ve been kicking myself ever since, ha! Great post!

  7. kbd August 4, 2011 | 2:53 pm

    The leaves are gorgeous.. and of course you need to remember to wipe them every so often, to keep them dust free, too!

  8. Jess, Chic Technique August 4, 2011 | 3:22 pm

    I love this plant! I’ve had my eye on it for a while but I wonder if it will be too overwhelming in my tiny living/dining room.
    http://chictechnique.com/2010/12/my-home-part-1/

    I have a different layout but it isn’t too different.

    I’d love to hear another opinion.

  9. The Buzz Blog August 4, 2011 | 4:22 pm

    Thanks so much for the mention of our faux fiddle leaf figs, Heather! You know who to call if you want one that you don’t need to water!
    xxoo
    Carolyn

  10. Laurie S August 4, 2011 | 6:02 pm

    I just got one for my apartment after wanting one for so long! I called about 7-8 nurseries in Chicago before I actually found one. It was worth the effort though and adds lots of life!

  11. Erik Perez August 4, 2011 | 6:30 pm

    They are awesome – I have three in my house and actually, the Rose Tarlow showroom at the DDC has several as well 🙂

  12. Carolyn F. August 4, 2011 | 6:43 pm

    Oh my goodness! I am moving into a new apartment and am totally going to get my plant nerd on and get one of these! So excited now!

  13. David Mitchell Uncensored August 4, 2011 | 7:07 pm

    The second image down with the large urn and daybed is from Washington DC Interior Designer, David Mitchell.

  14. Modern Country Lady August 4, 2011 | 7:20 pm

    Looks gorgeous, love the shape of the leaves!

  15. Ulla August 4, 2011 | 8:06 pm

    I am obsessed with this plant…
    I have not had house plants for years and now I want one of these.
    Thank you for the inspiration ~ I can always count on you to for fab ideas.

  16. Elizabeth August 4, 2011 | 8:38 pm

    Hey – the first unknown is me – Elizabeth Sullivan Design – my own apartment. I think I watered mine too much and it died! I have a black thumb….
    -e (modern24seven.blogspot.com)

  17. Jenner August 4, 2011 | 8:42 pm

    Can these be pruned to keep at a certain size?

  18. Ivana August 4, 2011 | 9:20 pm

    Wow, this looks really stunning! If you have a green thumb, of course 🙂 It adds a touch of life to those perfect interiors!

    xx Ivana
    Style in the City

  19. Green Mountain Realty August 4, 2011 | 10:32 pm

    Great Stuff, I am so happy I found this blog, thank you so much,

  20. Anonymous August 5, 2011 | 1:22 am

    I know this post is about fig trees but does anyone know anything about the light fixture in the House Beautiful (Ken Fulk) photo? I want it for my entryway. Thanks!

  21. Daphne August 5, 2011 | 1:56 am

    im inspired to put a tree inside our house now.

  22. Jane Kilpatrick Schott August 5, 2011 | 11:14 am

    You answered all the questions I had about this wonderful tree. Like yourself, I have always been weary of owning one myself, but I am off to buy a planter and not live another week without one.

    FAB post!

  23. Green Mountain Realty August 5, 2011 | 12:07 pm

    Love it, so glad I found your great site, will be visiting you often.

  24. Anonymous August 5, 2011 | 12:46 pm

    These are beautiful trees. My sister-in-law had one in her first house that lived for over 20 years. The leaf is so much more iteresting than a ficus.

  25. Anonymous August 5, 2011 | 1:41 pm

    Great Post! Really well researched.

  26. Bourbon&Pearls August 5, 2011 | 3:35 pm

    How lovely, I have never head of that tree, I must go see if I can find one over here.

  27. In Good Taste August 5, 2011 | 3:49 pm

    Oh, I love these! Especially fond of the symmetrical pairings! Thanks for sharing. xx

  28. danielle August 5, 2011 | 5:39 pm

    So inspired by today’s post. absolutely love these trees and now i’m brainstorming where one can go in my house. love it!

  29. Anonymous August 5, 2011 | 5:47 pm

    Does anyone know where to find the woven baskets that you often see these trees in? I have a fiddle leaf and love it but can’t find a good container. Thanks!

  30. Mariella August 5, 2011 | 6:34 pm

    Beautiful rooms <3

    <3 mariella
    http://www.fsnlux.blogspot.com

  31. Amie Gillingham August 5, 2011 | 9:36 pm

    Nice! It’s like a chicer, more grown-up cousin of the variegated ficus tree I had after college.

  32. Anonymous August 5, 2011 | 9:49 pm

    great post as always..and thanks as always for your inspiration!!!

    Hey, I have been hearing alot of buzz on the new Milly store on 73 and Madison!! If anyone knows who designed and decorated it – It would be you…so here is your next research / detective work. Would love to know as many others I have spoken to.

    Perhaps this would be a great post…fab 70s mixed with a cool shiny finishes and those fitting rooms!!

    Have a great weekend

  33. Alicia August 6, 2011 | 1:07 am

    Huge myth becuase my aunts been in Manhattan since the late 50s & has always had a fiddle leaf fig. Her current one is forever old. She’s a water meter for hers because they are very delicate when it comes to water.
    Good luck in the pot search!! Can’t wait for an update.
    Alicia

  34. AnnieC August 6, 2011 | 1:44 pm

    These plants are so lush and yummy, but, like you, I thought they were impossible to keep in NY.

    Good to know…

  35. House & Post August 6, 2011 | 3:12 pm

    I’ve used these for projects when they become popular about 2 years ago. I have one in my store that I totally ignore. Poor thing gets water 2x a week, but it’s huge and keeps growing. I put two in a clients house recently and they water it every other day and it’s dying. So, ignore it! I think it will be great in the city.
    The Summer House New Canaan

  36. My Grandpa's Closet August 6, 2011 | 6:05 pm

    We love your blog and are always excited to see new posts! 🙂

    Ciao,
    Linz & Holl
    my-grandpas-closet.blogspot.com