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a plant becomes so popular it becomes the iconic plant of a decade, they tend to become a beloved staple rather than 'outdated.'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

 Lighting Guide

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.

 Watering Guide

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.

 Soil Guide

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.

 Food Guide

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.

 Toxicity Guide

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

  1. 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?

Should I prune my Fiddle Leaf Fig?

How To Propagate A Live Fiddle Leaf Fig?

Why Is My Fiddle Leaf Fig Losing Its Leaves?

When Do I Need To Repot My Real Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?

Why Does My Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Have Brown Spots?

How Often Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Grow New Leaves?

Type of Fiddle Leaf Figs Available at Garden Goods Direct

Image Name: Description:
fiddle leaf fig tree grey background Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Trained to be trees, meaning most of their large leaves cover the top fo the plant.
fiddle leaf fig bush in white pot Fiddle Leaf Fig Bush Trained as a bush, meaning large leaves cover the entire trunk from the base to the top.
little fiddle fiddle leaf fig Little Fiddle Trained as a tree, but the leaves are much smaller and more compact than the standard tree.