Fiddle leaf fig trees (Ficus lyrata) are renowned for their striking, large leaves and elegant silhouette, making them a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. However, they also carry a reputation for being finicky. Seeing your fiddle leaf fig decline can be disheartening, with leaves dropping and a generally unhealthy appearance. If you’ve experienced the heartbreak of a dying fiddle leaf fig or have been hesitant to bring one into your home, this guide is designed to help you confidently care for these beautiful plants.
Potting Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
So, you’ve brought home a stunning fiddle leaf fig. What’s next? Typically, these trees are sold in flimsy plastic containers. It’s beneficial to repot your new fiddle leaf fig as soon as possible after bringing it home. For pots, terracotta pots are an excellent choice.
Terracotta, or clay pots, are recommended because they allow the soil to breathe, unlike plastic pots. When selecting a pot, ensure it has drainage holes. Proper drainage is crucial for fiddle leaf figs as they are susceptible to root rot if they sit in soggy soil. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the original container, as fiddle leaf figs prefer their roots to be somewhat contained.
To further enhance drainage, place a layer of small stones or a drainage disc at the bottom of the pot. This not only improves drainage but also prevents soil from escaping when watering.
Fill the pot with soil around the root ball, ensuring the tree is positioned upright. As you add soil, gently press down to eliminate air pockets and provide stability.
For the ideal potting mix, consider using a cactus and palm mix. These mixes are typically available at local hardware stores and are formulated to provide excellent drainage due to the inclusion of sand. This type of mix helps keep the soil loose and prevents waterlogging, which is highly beneficial for fiddle leaf figs.
Light Requirements for Fiddle Leaf Figs
Fiddle leaf figs are light-loving plants! To keep your fiddle leaf fig thriving, place it near a window that receives plenty of bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in dimly lit corners. Their large leaves are designed to absorb ample light, so a sunny location is essential for their health.
Because of their high light requirement, keeping the leaves clean is crucial. Dust and dirt accumulation can hinder photosynthesis, essentially suffocating the leaves. Regularly cleaning the leaves ensures they can efficiently absorb light.
About once a week, wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust or dirt. For an extra glossy finish, you can use a leaf shine spray after cleaning.
Fiddle leaf figs tend to grow towards the light source. To ensure even growth and prevent leaning, rotate your fiddle leaf fig periodically. Some recommend rotating it every time you water, while others do it monthly. Regular rotation will help maintain a balanced and upright tree.
Ideal Placement Within Your Home
Fiddle leaf figs thrive on stability and are not fond of being moved frequently. Relocating your fiddle leaf fig can stress the plant and lead to leaf drop. While you can move it temporarily for watering, avoid shifting its location for extended periods.
Anecdotally, moving a fiddle leaf fig even within the same room can indeed cause leaf drop, highlighting their preference for consistent conditions. Another crucial factor is to avoid placing your fiddle leaf fig in drafty locations. Areas near doors, especially during colder months, or near air vents can be detrimental. Choose a spot that is away from drafts, vents, and receives consistent bright, indirect sunlight.
Watering Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Watering is a delicate balance with fiddle leaf figs. Overwatering is a common mistake and can be fatal, leading to root rot. Conversely, underwatering, allowing the soil to become bone dry, can cause browning and leaf drop.
A general guideline is to water your fiddle leaf fig about once a week, but it’s crucial to check the soil moisture before each watering. The frequency may vary depending on environmental conditions that affect soil moisture, sometimes requiring you to wait up to two weeks between waterings.
To determine if your fiddle leaf fig is ready for water, insert your finger into the soil about 3-4 inches deep. If the soil feels dry at this depth, it’s time to water. If you detect moisture, wait a couple more days and check again. You can also gauge the need for watering by lifting the pot; a lighter pot indicates drier soil.
When it’s time to water, thoroughly saturate the soil. Watering in a sink is ideal, especially for smaller plants. Use lukewarm tap water – filtered water isn’t necessary. Pour water over the entire soil surface, allowing it to drain through. Repeat this process to ensure the soil is fully soaked.
Let the pot drain completely in the sink for about an hour to prevent the plant from sitting in water, then return it to its usual spot. For larger plants that are difficult to move, you can still water thoroughly, just be mindful of drainage and avoid letting it sit in standing water in a saucer.
Pruning and Propagating Fiddle Leaf Figs
One of the rewarding aspects of fiddle leaf figs is that you can propagate new plants from cuttings. Pruning not only helps control the size and shape of your fiddle leaf fig but also encourages bushier, horizontal growth. Pruning stimulates new growth at the cut point, often resulting in two new branches emerging. This is particularly useful if your plant is becoming tall and spindly.
To prune your fiddle leaf fig, you’ll need a pair of small pruning shears. Identify a node, the point where a leaf connects to the stem, and make a clean cut just above it. For propagation, aim for cuttings that are about 3-4 inches long with a few leaves at the top and a bare stem at the bottom.
Place the cutting in water and set it in a bright location. Over several weeks, roots will begin to develop. This is a fascinating process to observe! Once the roots are a few inches long (around 3-4 inches), the cutting is ready to be potted.
Pot the cutting using the same potting method described earlier. Propagation can take time, often a month or more, so patience is key. Refresh the water weekly to keep it clean. Following these steps, you can easily expand your fiddle leaf fig collection.
If you haven’t yet welcomed a fiddle leaf fig into your home, consider giving it a try. They bring a touch of elegance and vibrancy to any interior space.
If you’re concerned about your green thumb or lack sufficient natural light, a faux fiddle leaf fig can be a great alternative. Combining faux and real plants allows you to enjoy the aesthetic benefits in various parts of your home, regardless of the conditions.
