The fiddle-leaf fig, Ficus lyrata, has a reputation as demanding at times. Not easy to grow, its beautiful large leaves and tree form make it well worth a bit of trouble and a good choice, even for new gardeners. These little trees are adapted for indoor temperatures and filtered light, and they are tough enough to endure less-than-perfect conditions. Fiddle-leaf fig are endemic to western Africa, growing naturally in lowland rainforests.

Location

Get that fiddle started on the right foot by putting it in the best location of your whole house. These tropical plants hate drafts, so find a location that isn't directly in line with an exterior door, drafty window, or an air vent. They love loads (and we mean A LOT) of extremely bright, indirect light. Place your fiddle in a bright room or beside a window, but not where the light falls directly on it. Once you have found the perfect spot, do not change it! Fiddles are creatures of habit and will thrive once they have found a cheerful, sunny home. While watering once a week, turn the plant slightly so most of the leaves are exposed to the sunlight, and it doesn't start growing towards some source of light.

Clean the Leaves

If your new plant has water spots and a layer of dust, take a clean, damp washcloth and gently wipe down each leaf. There is no need to put coconut oil on the leaves, as some will tell you to do — that can suffocate the leaves over time. Make dusting the leaves like this a monthly routine to keep spider mites and other pests at bay and your fiddle looking its shiny-leaf best.

Check the Humidity

Fiddles are native to the tropical rainforest, so they prefer a warm and humid climate characteristic of greenhouses. No greenhouse? No problem. Most homes rest in the middle at around 40 percent; that's fine. If your house is on the dry side, though, then mist about once a week.

How to Water

Fiddles are native to a rainforest-like environment, so they're used to getting a huge deluge of water with dry spells in between. Therefore, when you water at home, it is best to thoroughly soak the plant's soil until it drips, and then allow it to dry out completely between waterings.

Pruning and Shaping

There are two reasons to prune: dead leaves and encouraging new growth. If the leaves have significantly turned brown, become stressed, or developed root rot, it is best to remove them so as not to suck energy from the plant. Wear gloves. While pruning is part of the maintenance of the plant, care should be exercised in injuring no more than 5-10 leaves to avoid shocking a plant. This can also be removed for lower leaves to achieve a tree - like shape.

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Conclusion

Taking care of a fiddle leaf fig tree entails ensuring it is placed in the right environment and servicing it. Ensure that it gets plenty of indirect light, away from drafts, and ensure the humidity should be moderate. The clean cloth should gently wipe the leaves every month to prevent any pests from forming and water your plant well, not often. Ensure that the soil dries out before you water again. Trim dead leaves; balance your plant in such a manner that can promote healthy growth. With these steps, it place your fiddle leaf fig tree ready to embark on its journey to successful growth, and the beauty from the tropics will reveal itself at your home.