Fiddle-leaf fig - Ficus lyrata; Banjo fig; Ficus lyrata bambino. We don’t believe in plants being fashionable - they’re all classics - but the fiddle-leaf fig is definitely having ‘a moment’. Its huge, fiddle-shaped leaves (hence the name) and the fact it can grow over six-feet tall means it has maximum impact in any room. You probably won’t be surprised to hear that it's originally from the rainforests of West Africa. You might be surprised to know that it frequently grows as an epiphyte, meaning it starts life in the branches of another tree. As it grows, it sends roots down to the ground, which wrap around the host and eventually strangle it. Quite fittingly dramatic for such a star plant. As a houseplant, it likes a spot with a nice medium level of light, so not shady but not harsh direct sun. Those big leaves like humidity, so give it a good squirt with a mister every few days. It will also appreciate a feed with liquid fertiliser once per month in spring and summer.

• Humidity: You’ll see the healthiest growth if you give his leaves a regular mist. He absorbs a lot of moisture through his leaves.
• Medium light: Those big leaves like a lot of indirect rays, so put him somewhere bright, e.g. away from the window in a sunny room.
• Light watering: He’s much thirstier in summer than winter. Check him once a week and water if the top two inches of his soil are dry. Don’t worry if he drops a leaf or two after delivery while adjusting to his new home. It’s totally normal. He may also drop a couple in winter.