Fiddle leaf figs were a dominant indoor trend but have become overused and often appear leggy due to sensitivity and cultivation challenges. Ficus lyrata commonly exhibits hyper-sensitivity to light, moisture, and soil conditions, leading to dropped leaves and difficult care. The white bird of paradise (giant bird of paradise) offers a practical alternative with faster, easier growth, tolerance for bright light, and more consistent leaf retention. Dark green, graceful foliage and towering height provide a dramatic vertical statement that suits varied interior styles. The white bird of paradise combines striking aesthetics with lower maintenance demands compared with fiddle leaf figs.
Her answer? "The big, bold plant taking over interiors [today] is the white bird of paradise," Mutalik says. Unlike the fiddle leaf fig's moody tendencies (i.e., hyper-sensitivity to light, moisture, and soil conditions), which can make them hard to grow, the white bird of paradise grows fairly quickly and easily, thrives in bright light, and doesn't drop leaves constantly or fuss over humidity.
Although fiddle leaf figs may be falling out of favor, Mutalik says it's important to note that "this [criticism] is not to demean the strengths of the plant and the structural beauty it provides," but she fears that "they have become so common and get leggy way too often," leaving them looking far less than their best most of the time.
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