Fiddle-leaf «Frankie»? Plays first fiddle in the hit parade.
If you don't have a fiddle-leaf yet, you're probably reading the wrong interior design blogs. Because the history of this plant may go back millions of years. But its moment in the sun is now because it plays first fiddle in the hit parade of plants. Its story begins in the tropical rainforest on the West African coast.
The plant belongs to the Moraceae family, which also includes fig trees. Why the Ficus lyrata is called Fiddle-leaf is obvious. The plant owes its name to its imposing leaves, which resemble a fiddle. These can grow very large, up to 15 cm wide and up to 30 cm long. One almost thinks a little bit of science fiction when looking at them.
But one thing is for sure: Fiddle-leaf «Frankie» looks just great and its motto is not for nothing «Have a good time»!
No symbolism for Fiddle-leaf «Frankie»? You're kidding!
Who said there's no symbolism in Fiddle-leaf? This plant is a ficus. Therefore, like all fig trees, it represents peace and abundance. In the Middle East, the ficus is even considered a tree of peace and represents unity and understanding. In Indonesia it is said to connect people with the spiritual world. In Buddhist countries it is a sacred tree, because Buddha has found enlightenment under a fig tree.
Also, in the Old Testament of Christians, Adam and Eve cover themselves with fig leaves after eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. There the fig leaves are a symbol of modesty. Therefore: the fig tree - and also the Fiddle-leaf - embodies peace, abundance, unity, understanding, enlightenment and modesty. You really have the choice what you want to express when you give a «Frankie».