Fiddle Leaf Figs Had Their Moment — This Plant Just Replaced Them

Plants have the unique ability to upgrade a space pretty much instantly. That said, they can also date a space — botanicals aren’t immune to trends. Case in point: the fiddle leaf fig. The infamously finicky ficus (aka Ficus lyrata) was the “it” plant for many years, but its moment in the sun has passed.

While there’s nothing inherently wrong with a healthy fiddle leaf fig, after close to a decade of popularity it’s now just a bit … well, overdone. Tired of the look myself, I reached out to plant pro Anup Mutalik, chief editor of Houseplants Nook, to find out which statement plant is set to become the new darling of designers and homeowners alike. 

His 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 he 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.

The white bird of paradise, also called giant bird of paradise, is a great alternative not just in terms of size and temperament, but also in looks. With its dark green graceful foliage and towering height, this plant brings a dramatic vertical presence to any space — no matter your style.

Over time, the large banana-like leaves fan out beautifully and sway very gently even in indoor air, giving this plant (and your space) movement. Once mature, and under the right conditions, this plant can even occasionally produce crane-like white and blue blooms.

Unlike the fiddle leaf fig, white birds of paradise are also fairly easy to care for. Whether you’re an aspiring plant parent or an experienced one, this plant baby may demand a little more space and light than your average foliage plant — but once you get the hang of it, it rewards you with striking tropical flair year-round. According to Mutalik, “If you want to prioritize one large, fast-growing plant, choose this!”