The big, shiny leaves and dramatic shape turn the Ficus lyrata into a show's best act in any living room. But we gotta face it: it's challenging to keep them alive sometimes. If your fiddle-leaf fig is on life support, just chill! With all the proper care, you can nurse this plant to health for relatively long years.
3 Interesting Things about Fiddle-Leaf Fig
1. It Houses Tropical Animals
The fiddle-leaf fig grows under the canopy of taller trees in the rainforests of West Africa. It loves warmth, humidity, and plenty of filtered light.
2. These Figs Get Big
In nature, they can grow up to twenty meters in height. They are slower growing in our homes but can attain considerable heights. Regular pruning helps keep them in a manageable shape and size.
3. Shaking Aids In Growth
Yes! By shaking the trunk of your fiddle-leaf fig, you mimic conditions of the wind and disturbances by animals in nature. This helps to thicken the stems and promote root growth.
Keeping Your Fiddle-Leaf Fig Happy
Fiddle-leaf fig care requires patience but is a lot easier than you'd think. Just follow these simple guidelines to have your plants look their best.
1. Provide the Proper Light
Your fiddle-leaf fig requires lots of bright, indirect light. A south- or east-facing window is perfect. If your home doesn't receive much natural light, try a grow light to keep your plant happy.
Signs Your Plant Needs More Light
- Yellowing or dropping leaves
- Leggy stems (long, thin stems with fewer leaves)
- Small, weak new leaves
If you notice these signs, bring your plant closer to a window or supplement it with a grow light.
2. Water Wisely
Fiddle-leaf figs are picky when it comes to water. They don't appreciate sitting in wet soil, but they don't like being bone-dry. The key is finding a balance.
How Often to Water
- Examine the top two inches of soil. If it is dry, it's time to water.
- Water at room temperature and water slowly until drained from the bottom.
- Allow the plant to drain completely before placing it in a decorative pot.
Signs of Overwatering
- Yellowing or brown patches on leaves
- Soft stems
- Musty smell from the soil
Signs of Underwatering
- Dry, brown edges on leaves
- Drooping leaves that become perky again after watering
- Slow growth
3. Feed It Regularly
Like any other living plant, it must obtain nourishment: with your fiddle-leaf fig, the condition is less different. It needs to be provided with a liquid-balanced fertilizer formula every other growing watering (that is, spring and summer) and then once a month in fall and winter. One must know how to fertilize their houseplants before trying it on it.
Pro Tip
Small or pale new leaves on your plant indicate it requires much more nutrition.
4. Keep the Humidity Up
The fiddle-leaf fig thrives on humid air; however, most houses usually experience arid air, especially during the winter months. Here's how you provide this plant its required longed-for moisture:
- Mist the leaves a few times every few days.
- Use a humidity tray: Fill the shallow tray with pebbles and water, then add the pot.
- A humidifier to maintain a good amount of moisture in the air constant.
5. Prune for Shape and Growth
Pruning your plant regularly keeps it neat and stimulates healthy growth.
When and How to Prune
- Remove any brown, broken, or sickly leaves.
- Cut back overly long or leggy stems to encourage more full growth.
- Cut using clean, sharp shears and only just above a leaf node (where the leaf attaches to the stem).
Pruning will also stimulate branching, which results in a bushier plant rather than a spindly, tall one.
6. Repot When Necessary
Fiddle-leaf figs don’t need frequent repotting, but when roots start circling the bottom or poking out of the drainage holes, it’s time for a new pot.
How to Repot
- Select a pot that is 2 inches wider than the current one.
- Use a well-draining potting mix with peat, perlite, and pine bark.
- Water thoroughly after repotting it and place it in bright, indirect light.
7. Watch for Pests and Problems
Common problems for fiddle-leaf figs are pests and leaf issues.
Pests to Watch Out For
- Spider mites: Red or white spots under leaves
- Mealybugs: White, cottony spots on stems
- Scale insects: Brown, hard bumps on leaves
If you see pests, wipe leaves with a damp cloth and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Common Leaf Issues
- Brown spots: This may be due to overwatering, underwatering, or sunburn.
- Yellow leaves: Typically a sign of overwatering or poor drainage.
- Droopy leaves: Usually brought on by unpredictable watering.
8. Propagate and Multiply
Need more fiddle-leaf figs? Propagation is easy and fun.
How to Propagate
- Cut a healthy stem below a leaf node.
- Trim lower leaves, leaving the top one or two.
- Put it in water or straight into the soil.
- In a warm, humid location with bright lighting.
- Roots will develop within a few weeks. Time to repot!
Final Thoughts
A little work goes into maintaining a fiddle-leaf fig, but it becomes easier when one understands the requirements. Light is more manageable, and humidity and fertilization will be balanced, which will reward your plant with wonderful foliage. Watch for the plant's signals and fabulous tents as needed, and enjoy a lovely indoor tree!
How to Purchase Plants from Eureka Farms?
Eureka Farms provides a wide selection of landscaping trees, fruit trees,palm trees, and various houseplants for customers. Our nursery features outdoor plants and topiary trees that can enhance the beauty of any outdoor space, from hardscapes to seating areas. We deliver freshly cultivated plants across the United States. If you want a healthy-looking fiddle-leaf fig to add to your house, check out our offer at Eureka Farms, where we bring nature's beauty into your space. Happy planting!