Fiddle Leaf Fig

When it comes to watering, the Fiddle Leaf Fig needs a moderate amount. Make sure to water the soil until it is evenly moist. Then, allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. If the soil gets too dry, the upper foliage will quickly begin to wilt. If the soil gets overly soggy, it may cause root rot. Be sure to water this plant more during the spring and summer, when plant growth increases, and back off the watering during the winter months.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig needs bright, indirect light to thrive. Direct sunlight should be avoided, as its delicate leaves can easily burn. Place your plant in a spot between a south or west facing windows needing filtered light with some direct light. If your Fiddle Leaf Fig does not receive enough light, its leaves will become less glossy and begin to lose their unique shape. If it receives too much light, its leaves will wilt. The variegated form prefers lower light because bright exposures can lead to leaf burn.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers warm air temperatures. It does not like to get any colder than 60°F (16°C). Be sure to keep this plant away from cold drafts from windows or doors. Additionally, this plant should definitely not be kept in unheated spaces, such as hallways near outside entrances, garages, and other cold spaces.

Fiddle Leaf Fig prefers higher levels of humidity. During the winter months, use a humidifier or keep a shallow bowl of water near the plant and replenish it often. During the summer months, misting is also an option to increase humidity around the plant. If the relative humidity is too low, the plant can suffer from the dreaded ‘Fiddle Leaf Fig Curl’, or wrinkly foliage.

When choosing a potting soil for your Fiddle Leaf Fig, make sure to select a soil which has good drainage. Coco coir is an excellent and lightweight soil for this purpose. Be sure to not use soil which has high levels of peat moss, as this can make the soil dense and create issues with drainage. Additionally, optimal soil pH for Fiddle Leaf Fig should be between 5.8 and 7.0.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig can benefit from fertilization throughout the growing season. For best results, always use a balanced liquid fertilizer with a 3-1-2 or 3-1-3 nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium ratio. Additionally, make sure to dilute the fertilizer by at least half and fertilize the plant every other month during its growing season, generally from April to October depending on your location.

Fiddle Leaf Fig can suffer from a variety of pests, such as scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. In most instances, these critters are introducing by bringing new plants into the house from outdoor sources. To combat these pests, firstly it’s important to identify what type of pest you’re dealing with. Small red mites are likely to be spider mites, while small white bugs with delicate waxy threads protruding from them are likely mealy bugs. For Scale, small brown shell-like bumps on the underside of your plant are likely Scale. All of these can be combated using various natural methods. With Mealybugs, you can simply dab the affected areas with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol twice a day for a week or so. Spider mites can be taken care of using various natural solutions, such as diluting rubbing alcohol, dish soap, and horticultural oil in water and spraying the affected areas with the mixture. Lastly, for Scale you can prune off the affected areas or use horticultural oil as a deterrent.

Fiddle Leaf Fig is a slow-growing plant, but it will require repotting every few years. Be sure to repot your Fiddle Leaf Fig in the spring to ensure it will have enough time throughout the summer to settle into the new pot and soil mix. In addition, repot with only a slightly larger pot and not one which is too big, as doing so might lead to root rot.

Fiddle Leaf Fig is a tree species in the wild, and as a result they can get quite large with age. To keep your plant ‘in check’, it may need to be pruned to keep it in a manageable size. When it comes to pruning Fiddle Leafs, be sure to angle your cuts to match the natural shape of the plant. A slanted cut is more natural looking, and also helps prevent water accumulating in the incorrect spot or the plant from looking weirdly boxy or blocky.

Mulching is a great way to protect your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s roots and maintain a consistent soil temperature. Place a layer of mulch on top of the soil, such as shredded bark, hay, straw, or even plastic mulch, and ensure it isn’t too dense. This will help to retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Fiddle Leaf Fig can be propagated from both stem cuttings and aerial root cuttings. For stem cuttings, use a clean pair of scissors to cut a piece off the stem of the plant. Be sure to make your cut right below the node. Then, remove any lower leaves and place the cutting in a jar of water or, alternatively, directly in a pot of damp soil. For aerial root cuttings, carefully and gently remove the root and place it in a jar of water or, alternatively, directly in a pot of damp soil. Keep in a warm, bright location until there is visible growth, which may take months.

Fiddle Leaf Fig may require support as they grow to account for the natural top-heaviness of the leaves. When selecting a stake, be sure to cover it with a cloth sleeve for extra protection. It’s also essential to ensure the stake is only coming into contact with the root ball of the plant and not the roots themselves, as this can lead to root damage.

Fiddle Leaf Fig requires a rest period in order to thrive. During its rest period (generally from October through March for most locations), be sure not to fertilize your plant and slightly reduce water and sunlight. This will allow the plant to go dormant and generate new growth in the spring.

The Fiddle Leaf Fig is not toxic to humans or pets, so it is generally safe to have in a household with curious children or curious pets.