fiddle leaf fig: the beautiful liar

the aesthetic trap

you've seen it in every interior photo since 2019: the sculptural tree by the window. what the photos don't show is that fiddles drop leaves when you move them, when the light changes, when the seasons change, or when they sense fear.

the actual deal

a fiddle needs one very bright spot, decided in advance, forever. no moving, no drafts, no radiator. give it that and it's surprisingly fine. give it anything else and you'll own an expensive stick.