Plant guides / Fiddle leaf fig
'Bambino' fiddle leaf fig guide
Ficus lyrata 'Bambino', also called dwarf fiddle leaf fig, Bambino fig
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 5 cm (2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- Average room air is fine. Keep away from heat vents.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 13°C (55°F).
- Soil
- Chunky, well-draining houseplant mix
- Feeding
- Balanced liquid fertilizer, monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs, but the effects are mild. The sap irritates the mouth, stomach, and skin.
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 60 cm to 1 m (2 to 3 ft) tall indoors
- Propagation
- Stem cuttings in water, or air layering
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Bambino' fiddle leaf fig different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the fiddle leaf fig care guide.
What it is
‘Bambino’ is a dwarf fiddle leaf fig. Its leaves are smaller, thicker, and rounder than a regular fiddle leaf fig, and they grow close together on the stem. The whole plant stays compact. It fits on a table or a plant stand.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Bambino’ | Small, thick, crowded leaves | Leaves under 20 cm (8 in), close together |
| Fiddle leaf fig (young) | Larger, thinner, more spaced | Leaves 25 cm (10 in) or more, with gaps between |
| Ficus Audrey | Oval, velvety, pale veins | Rounder leaves with light green veins |
Many young fiddle leaf figs are sold small. A small plant is not a ‘Bambino’ unless its leaves are small too. Check the label.
Care differences
It grows slow and stays small, so it needs repotting less often. Its smaller pot dries out faster. Check the soil every few days in summer.
It drops leaves after a move, like any fiddle leaf fig. Pick a bright spot and leave it there.
Grow it from a cutting
Take a stem cutting with a few leaves in spring. Root it in water or moist mix. Roots take four to eight weeks.
Buying it
‘Bambino’ is common at garden centers and big box stores. Look for tight, crowded leaves and a straight stem. Brown spots or leaf drop in the store are common after shipping. Pick the cleanest plant you can find.