AT LEAST I’m woman enough to admit it – I have been the end of  myrtle topiaries, ferns, a king ficus or two, and enough dead orchids to earn me the name “Orchid Killer” around here.

But despite my terrible past, I have to confess {don’t tell the hubs!}, I can’t stop thinking about trying out a new plant. You see, for the past year, my eye has been drawn to a certain indoor tree that I can’t get out of my head.

I keep coming across interiors with these gorgeous trees, and I can’t get enough of them! I love the height, colour, and texture they add to a space. And {I hate to say it!}…. I want one.

For awhile I had no clue what they were. But one lucky {or unlucky for my husband, as it led me one step closer to being able to purchase one of these babies} day I discovered their name. Emma over at  The Marion House Book  has a gorgeous one in her living room {see 4th image}, and kindly replied to my comment asking about it. Thanks Emma!!!

Their name? Fiddle-leaf Fig {or for you botanists/latin buffs/non-plant killers out there, “Ficus Lyrata”}.

Now, all you married ladies out there know that when you really really want something that you just know your husband won’t be thrilled about, you have to build a case, right? So, I did my research, and found out why this gorgeous tree might, just might, have a chance of surviving me.

The Scoop on Fiddle-leaf Figs from Martha Herself:

• easy to care for {ding ding ding! we have a winner!}
• loves a bright, sunny location {just like our living room…}
• water thoroughly only when surface is dry to the touch, likes periods of drought {I excel at periods of drought}
• groom by removing yellowed foliage
• mist occasionally
• every 2 years or so repot  to avoid becoming rootbound
• occasionally dust leaves with  a soft cloth

Dummy-proof, right? Now, although I haven’t yet won him over, nor have I found a place that sells these trees locally, here is an example of faith and confidence my friends: I have already purchased the perfect container for my plant-to-be, and it’s sitting positioned in the living room waiting patiently! Hmm confident ….or delusional?

So y’all, what do you think? Any words to add to convince the hubs that I should delve into the houseplant ring again? Any tips for keeping one of these beauties alive???

*images sources on mouseover

In my dream, the interior is designed by the offspring of Thomas O’Brien, Darryl Carter, and Victoria Hagan. Please don’t stop to ponder the logistics of this arrangement, just imagine the beauty that would result from a combination of those three designers creating my dream getaway!

I’ll of course have lots of spare bedrooms, so please do come and visit! My friend Ina is a fabulous cook and she and I’ll whip up some feasts with Hamptons style  flair to fit our gorgeous surroundings.

Martha is dropping by a little later on today {just to hang}, so we’ll start putting together some invitations {handmade and custom designed, natch}

Look for them in your mailbox any day! Can’t wait to see you!