The Outdated House Plant That's Still In Everyone's Home

There was a time, not so long ago, when the fiddle leaf fig plant was the queen of interior design. You couldn't scroll through a design blog or wander through your friend's stylish living room without seeing one in the corner, its dramatic, oversized leaves gleaming in the sun. But like anything in life, what was once the hot thing to own quickly becomes a little tired. These days, the fiddle leaf fig feels more like a sign of someone stuck in a design rut than a DIY master at the top of their game.

Of course, this is not the plant's fault. It's a beautiful plant, and there are many fiddle leaf fig benefits, including having cleaner air and creating a bold focal point in your space. But sometimes, too much of a good thing really is bad. With the fiddle leaf fig being so popular, it's now too common and drains the personalization out of your interior. Plus, it can be overpowering in the room and overshadow other design elements. It has definitely had its moment, and now designers are quietly moving away, perhaps choosing plants that bring a little more texture, movement, or subtlety into a room. 

Plus, fiddle leaf figs are notoriously finicky — a little too much light or a bit too little water can quickly have them turning against you. It can take time to learn how to properly take care of a fiddle leaf fig plant, and then you might realize it's more work than you bargained for. Even the faux versions, with all the ease of care they promise, have begun to look stale in interior design. The fiddle leaf fig that once said, "I have great taste," now screams, "I never left 2016!"

If you still love your fiddle leaf fig and feel like it fits your decor, by all means, keep it right where it is. But if you want to swap out that tired, overly popular houseplant, rest assured, this isn't just about following trends. Plants play a huge role in the feel of a room, and this is about making your home feel more alive. Houseplants are meant to bring color and life to a room, but an overused plant is going to blend into the background like an outdated wallpaper design. 

The new move is all about leaning into greenery that brings something fresh to the table, such as trailing pothos and devil's ivy, or sturdy and unique additions, such as ZZ plants. Caring for a ZZ plant is very low maintenance compared to a fiddle leaf fig. They barely need any sun or fertilizer, and they're fine if you forget to water them for a period of time. 

Beyond which plants you want to pick for your space, it's also important to consider how you style them. Using interesting planters or mixing and matching sizes and textures is an effective way to create visual interest in your home. So take this as your sign to replace that single, towering fiddle leaf fig that's taking up too much space, and replace it with a more thoughtful array of plants that say something interesting about you. You'll be surprised how fast the vibe shifts from stiff and staged to cozy and unique!