9 Plants That Look Like Fiddle Leaf Fig

The fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is one of the most popular houseplants for many homeowners since it has such a striking and memorable appearance. The plant can reach up to 10 feet in height and has large, glossy leaves that resemble a violin.

But despite the beauty of a fiddle leaf fig, this plant isn’t everyone’s favorite houseplant because it isn’t easy to care for. As a result, many people look for alternatives that are easier to care for. Some alternatives include:

  • Ficus Audrey – the leaves are a similar shape to the fiddle leaf fig
  • Monstera – the leaves are a similar size as the fiddle leaf fig’s leaves
  • Umbellata plant – the leaves are a similar shape and size as a fiddle leaf fig
  • Triangle fig – similar structure as a fiddle leaf fig
  • Round leaf calathea – a similar structure to the fiddle leaf fig
  • Abidjan ficus – the plant is a similar color and structure
  • African fig – the plant is a similar size as a fiddle leaf fig
  • Fiddleleaf philodendron – the leaves create a similar aesthetic
  • Fiddle leaf fig bambino – a smaller variation of the fiddle leaf fig

Many may consider some of the above plants to keep in their homes instead of fiddle leaf figs. To create the same atmosphere and look, compare these plants to the fiddle leaf fig in terms of similarities and differences to find the best indoor plant for your home.

Related: 4 Amazing Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Benefits

1. Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis)

Ficus benghalensis
Forest and Kim Starr Ficus benghalensis

Ficus Audrey (or a Bengal fig) is a fig tree that looks similar to the fiddle leaf tree. Ficus Audrey can also grow up to 10 feet tall, and the leaves have a similar color, texture, and size as that of a fiddle leaf fig tree.

However, Ficus Audrey is easier to care for and can tolerate low-light situations better. In addition, the Ficus Audrey tree has slightly fuzzy leaves, a characteristic that sets it apart from the fiddle leaf fig tree.

It also has a lighter-colored stem/trunk than a fiddle leaf tree. Overall, a Ficus Audrey can create the same atmosphere as a fiddle leaf fig and hold its own in a large, open wall.

2. Monstera (Monstera Araceae)

Monstera Araceae
Miguel Pérez Monstera Araceae

Monsteras are also popular houseplants since they are hardy and perform well in low-light situations. Commonly known as a delicious monster, the monstera has big, waxy leaves like the fiddle leaf fig. The monstera plant can grow up to 20 feet tall, making it a perfect alternative for a houseplant.

Monstera’s are identified by their deeply lobed leaves, a characteristic it does not share with the fiddle leaf fig. Since it can reach the same size as a fiddle leaf fig, a Monstera is an excellent low-maintenance alternative.

Related: 6 Plants That Look Like Monstera | 4 Monstera Plant Benefits

3. Umbellata Plant (Ficus umbellata)

Ficus umbellata
Hajime NAKANO Ficus umbellata

The umbellata plant is another plant from the Ficus family. Since it shares the same family as a fiddle leaf fig, it should be no surprise that there are some similarities between them. The umbellata plant can grow up to 10 feet tall. Its leaves are the same color and shape as those of a fiddle leaf fig.

The umbellata plant is ideal for low-light situations since it doesn’t require as much sunlight as a fiddle leaf fig. Although umbellata figs have the same shape as fiddle leaf figs, their leaves are more pointed and uniform than those of fiddle leaf figs.

4. Triangle Fig (Ficus triangularis)

Triangle Fig
Forest and Kim Starr Triangle Fig

The triangle fig is another member of the Ficus family, and the large, waxy leaves remind one of the fiddle leaf fig trees. As the name suggests, a triangle fig has large, triangular leaves. These leaves are also shaped like hearts, earning the tree its other name (sweetheart fig).

A triangle fig can grow up to 7 feet tall, making it slightly smaller than a fiddle leaf fig. Because a triangle fig doesn’t require as much sunlight as a fiddle leaf fig, it makes a great low-maintenance alternative to the infamous houseplant. Triangle figs create the same atmosphere as a fiddle leaf fig.

5. Round Leaf Calathea (Calathea orbifolia)

Calathea orbifolia
Forest and Kim Starr Calathea orbifolia

The round-leaf calathea is another perfect alternative to a fiddle leaf fig. The large, leathery leaves of this plant remind one of the fiddle leaf figs in terms of their shape and structure. The plant can grow to about 3 feet tall, depending on how much sun exposure it gets.

The round-leaf calathea is known for the beautiful stripes on its leaves that set it apart from the fiddle leaf fig tree. A round-leaf calathea is the perfect alternative or companion plant to the fiddle leaf fig tree since it is roughly the same size and has a similar structure.

6. Abidjan Ficus (Ficus elastica ‘Abidjan’)

Rubber Plant
Mokkie Rubber Plant

The Abidjan Ficus, also known as the rubber plant, is another plant of the same family as the fiddle leaf fig tree. The Abidjan Ficus has the same waxy leaves as the fiddle leaf fig. However, this plant’s leaves have a more uniform shape and are darker (purplish red) in color.

The Abidjan Ficus grows up to 6 feet tall, making it around the same size as the fiddle leaf fig tree. The Abidjan Fig tree can also tolerate lower light situations than a fiddle leaf fig, making it the perfect alternative or companion plant based on your needs.

Related: 18 Great Rubber Tree Varieties to Grow Indoors or Outdoors

7. African Fig (Ficus cyathistipula)

Ficus cyathistipula
Ji-Elle Ficus cyathistipula

The African fig resembles a fiddle leaf fig in terms of its shape and size. The large, waxy green leaves are the same color and size as those of a fiddle leaf fig. They are different shapes, however, but create the same atmosphere.

African fig trees grow up to 16 feet tall and are the perfect size to cover up a bare wall. The shape of an African fig tree’s leaves is more tubular and have sharper ends than a fiddle leaf fig. Since African fig trees are the same size as fiddle leaf figs, they can create a similar atmosphere.

8. Fiddleleaf Philodendron (Philodendron bipennifolium)

Philodendron bipennifolium
Joan Simon Philodendron bipennifolium

The fiddleleaf philodendron is another extremely popular houseplant. It can reach up to 60 feet outdoors but typically grows to about 10 feet high indoors. The fiddleleaf philodendron has the same waxy leaves as a fiddle leaf fig tree, and the leaves are also the same shape as a fiddle leaf fig, hence the name.

Fiddleleaf philodendrons are easier to care for than fiddle leaf figs. They can tolerate lower light and more drought than fiddle figs, making them an excellent alternative for a houseplant. Fiddleleaf philodendrons create the same aesthetic as a fiddle leaf fig and make a great alternative or companion plant.

9. Fiddle Leaf Fig Bambino (Ficus lyrata)

Ficus lyrata
Forest and Kim Starr Ficus lyrata

The fiddle leaf fig bambino is another variety of fiddle leaf fig. The fiddle leaf fig bambino is sometimes referred to as a dwarf fiddle leaf fig. Though this plant can reach the same size as a regular fiddle leaf fig, the fiddle leaf fig bambino tends to be slightly smaller than its cousin.

Fiddle leaf fig bambinos grow more densely and have straighter stems than fiddle leaf figs, making them look slightly different. However, their leaves are the same color and structure and have similar water and light requirements.

Fiddle leaf fig bambinos are a great alternative to fiddle leaf figs if you want a plant that looks the same but grows a bit more densely.