How to Care for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Plant Guide
![How to Care for Your Fiddle Leaf Fig]()
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Native to the tropical forests of Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig tree is considered the 'it' plant of our decade, just like the Spider Plant was in the 70s and Braided Ficus was in the 90s. Thankfully, when a plant becomes so popular it becomes the iconic plant of a decade, they tend to become a beloved staple rather than 'outdated.' They can be reinvented with new interior design styles, just like the Spider Plant, Braided Ficus, and the Majesty Palm. So, when you invest in a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree, you don't have to worry about it being unpopular later. Its versatility in design is what makes it so great.
The unique violin-shaped leaves make a statement, providing contrast to contemporary modern styles. They add color and impact against the creamy neutrals and minimalism of popular decor.
Any indoor plant social media influencer will tell you how rewarding a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree can be. Or, you can tell us! Tag us in photos on social media using #GGDPlantLove - we love to hear fellow plant parents gush about why they love their live Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees too.
Ground Rules
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Light
Figs prefer bright indirect light but even by a window is fine. If bright light tends to shine through the window all day we might suggest a sheer type curtain to dissipate the brightest light during the mid-afternoon. Try to put your tree where it will be grown permanently and don’t move it around after it gets comfortable.
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Water
Watering is best done when the top 1 inch of soil is dry. The worst thing you can do for your fiddle leaf fig is overwatering. As far as figs go it’s better to underwater than the alternative. During spring, summer, and early fall figs will need to be watered once per week at most. In the winter figs will naturally be using less water however most of us will be running heat which dries the air and pulls moisture from the soil. So be aware of the soil moisture during the winter months.
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Soil
Any good peat/pine bark potting soil will do for re-potting just make sure it has a coarse texture. Do not use straight peat moss as potting soil.
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Food
Feeding the plant can be done with any quality houseplant fertilizer such as Osmocote plus timed-release fertilizer or Jack's classic houseplant fertilizer. A once per month application of the low to medium rate described on the label will more than suffice if using liquid fertilizer and once every 90 days if using timed-release fertilizer. We do not recommend feeding the plants after September until March in most areas. Even though it’s a houseplant it does take a break from growing during the winter months and will not be using much in the way of nutrients.
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Toxicity
When ingested, your furry friend will likely show symptoms such as irritation of the mouth, excessive salivation, and vomiting. This is due to insoluble calcium oxalates that are toxic to animals. However, if you keep this plant away from your pets, you will not have any problems. For example, if you have a home office that your pets aren't allowed in, place your tree there, and you will have no worries! Take precautions or read our blog to find the perfect pet-safe indoor houseplant!
Planting Process
- The plant is shipped in the container it was grown, the size depending on the height you order. We do strongly suggest re-potting the plant into a more permanent pot either plastic or ceramic will do just be sure there are drain holes at the bottom. Figs and most plants for that matter will not tolerate wet, soggy, un-drained soil. Its recommended that the pot be at least 2 to 4 inches bigger than the current pot. Do not pot the plant deeper than the original soil line that we grew it at i.e. never cover the trunk with soil.
Do I need to clean the leaves of my Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?
Finally, keep your plant clean. Dust from the indoor environment can clog the pores on the leaf surfaces and affect the plant's ability to regulate its moisture. It can also reduce the ability of the plant to absorb carbon dioxide and the toxins in our home and release the oxygen that we need to breathe.
Cleaning the leaves is an important fiddle leaf plant care step. Its large feathery foliage becomes dusty quite often. to clean the leaves simply place one hand on the underside of the leaf and gently pull a damp cloth over the upper surface of the leave. Use a soft cloth so you will have no worry about scratching the surface of the leaf. After the leaves dry you can give your Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush a glossy look by using Bonide Leaf shine and Moisture Guard.
Should I prune my Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Leaves can become damaged during the growing process and especially during shipping. Have no fear though, we recommend pruning damaged leaves at the base. Another trick is to cut individual leaves just above the damaged area leaving the base of the leaf. This can be done with sharp scissors or pruners if available. Most of you have heard me say that upon receipt of your plant it is recommended to reduce the foliage by 1/3rd. This is basically to help the plant further acclimate to your home and reduce the shock caused by shipping and hopefully your re-potting of the plant.
How To Propagate A Live Fiddle Leaf Fig?
First, find a healthy stem with a couple of leaves on it. Cut 4 inches below the first leaf. As always, make sure the scissors are clean to ensure you do not accidentally cause disease in your plant. Immediately put your cutting in a jar of water, but make sure no leaves are submerged. At this time, you can add a rooting hormone. Place the jar of water with your cutting in a bright place. Leave it here for 3 to 5 weeks, changing out the water when it looks cloudy. After a month, you should see roots forming at the bottom of the stem, meaning it is time to repot your plant in well-draining potting soil.
Why Is My Fiddle Leaf Fig Losing Its Leaves?
Fiddle Leaf Figs have earned themselves a reputation for being difficult, but a better explanation is that they are very dramatic when something in their routine changes. While leaves dropping can be a sign that something is amiss (especially if many drop at once), it can also be because you recently repotted your fiddle, or you moved your tree across the room to a new spot with better light. While picky, Fiddle Leaf Figs can tolerate imperfections.
When Do I Need To Repot My Real Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?
Repotting an indoor plant into a bigger pot should be done incrementally, so that they are not swimming in a pot too big for their roots with little support nor are they root bound and pushing the soil out as they grow. Typically, plants will let you know when they need a new pot, and it can be as frequent as once a year to as infrequent as every three years. Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees are considered fast growers, growing up to 10 feet indoors, so depending on how well your tree is thriving it is best to watch and see when it is time to repot.
If you suspect that the soil level has begun to inch closer to the top of the pot, and it is more difficult to press your finger all the way down to feel for moisture, it is probably a good time to check. Gently (very gently!) pull your tree out of its pot with all of its soil, and look at the bottom of the soil. If you can see the roots and they are starting to circle at the bottom of the pot, it is time to repot. If you can see the roots at the bottom of the soil but only barely, you probably have a few months to go and should check again later. If you can't see the roots at the bottom at all, or not all of the soil comes up with the plant, your tree is not considered properly 'rooted' in its pot; you should look into ways to encourage root development or simply give it lots of time exactly where it is. Remember to pamper your plant and check for signs of stress after checking the roots or repotting, since a Fiddle doesn't like being messed with.
When you are ready to repot your Fiddle Leaf Fig, choose a pot that is 2 inches wider than what it was in previously. Hold the plant so that the top of the soil that was in the previous pot will still be at the top (an inch or so below the edge of the pot). Then, backfill the pot with a well balanced, well draining potting soil. Once you have allowed your Fiddle to grow to 6 - 8 feet tall, it will start to taper off in growth speed and will not need to be repotted unless you want it to reach 10 feet high.
Why Does My Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Have Brown Spots?
Brown spots on a Fiddle Leaf Fig's green leaves are likely caused by overwatering. Overwatering could cause root rot to occur if you do not catch it quickly. Root rot is when your plant's roots are standing in sitting water for too long. They soak up too much water and begin to rot. If your plant is suffering from root rot, it is best to repot them quickly. Remove the plant from its potting soil, wash its roots thoroughly and remove any that look brown and feel mushy. Repot the tree in fresh potting soil with proper drainage. Finally, carefully prune off any brown or dead leaves. Be sure to let the roots of your Fiddle Leaf Fig dry out slightly between watering.
How Often Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Grow New Leaves?
Healthy Fiddles usually grow new leaves every four to six weeks during spring and summer. Growth tends to be in spurts, and it's possible to see your plant grow several new leaves in a matter of just a few days or weeks!
Type of Fiddle Leaf Figs Available at Garden Goods Direct
