Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

Houseplants
Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

Fiddle Leaf Fig is a gorgeous tropical plant you can grow in your home. Native to central Africa, Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is famous for its huge green leaves that resemble a fiddle. It is a popular houseplant that you can grow in your home. However, keep in mind that it requires some specific care: Fiddle Leaf Fig is not the easiest plant to grow in your home.

In order to make your Fiddle Leaf Fig thrive, you need to provide it with all the essential conditions that it needs to thrive. Since it is native to tropical environment, this plant requires warm and humid environment, plenty of light and a good amount of water. Keep this in mind if you wish to grow Fiddle Leaf Fig in your home.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Instructions

The first thing you need to do to make your Fiddle Leaf Fig happy, is to give it enough moisture. These plants like when the soil is kept consistently moist, with only a brief drying period between waterings. Check the soil periodically and water when you feel that the top two inches of the soil have dried. Never allow the soil to dry more than this. On the other hand, you don't want to make your Fiddle Leaf Fig sit in water. Being waterlogged can lead to numerous problems, such as root rot.

You will know that your Fiddle Leaf Fig needs new watering is to look at the leaves. They need to be upright and rigid - this is a sign of a healthy plant. If the leaves start to look a bit floppy, it is a sure sign that you need to water your plant again immediately.

Keep in mind that Fiddle Leaf Figs need plenty of light to thrive. This is why it's important to place it in a spot where they can get a lot of bright but indirect sun, such as near a window. However, these plants can't do well in full sun. This can lead to sunburn and other issues. Because of this, make sure not to leave your Fiddle Leaf Fig outside on a sunny day without any shade. Placing your Fiddle Leaf Fig on a window with a sheer curtain is an ideal way to make your plant receive enough light without issues.

Also, keep in mind that Fiddle Leaf Figs are tropical plants. They thrive in a humid environment. This means that your air in the home cannot be too dry, or your plant will suffer. You should avoid putting your plant ear an air conditioning unit. It has to stay away from the air blowing from the unit.

An ideal spot for a Fiddle Leaf Fig would be a place away from any draft or air vent. Make sure that your plant receives plenty of bright yet indirect light. Southern or western windows with a sheer curtain is a good choice. You may also choose a window with eastern exposure, as long as it's bright enough.

You can also give your plant a few hours of direct sun per day, but make sure that it's not more than that, or else you risk sunburn. If there is a lot of sun, make sure to also provide your plant with adequate humid environment.

Keep in mind that this plant is sensitive to environmental changes and will take some time to get used to its new home.

Potential Problems

Like other plants, Fiddle Leaf Fig is susceptible to certain problems and diseases. These plants are very sensitive to transplanting and environmental change, so keep this in mind. Any change o this type can bring your plant into a shock, causing issues such as dropping leaves. The good news is that this is generally a temporary thing and with proper care, your plant will recover in a few weeks.

If the problem of dropping leaves persists even after a few weeks, it might be an issue of improper water or light levels. Overwatering is a common issue that many people do. This is why it's so important to leave your plant to dry out slightly between waterings. Do not allow your plant to sit in soggy soil. If you notice the leaves getting brown and falling out while the soil is moist, make sure to let your plant try out until the soil is completely dry. This should solve the problem.

On the other hand, underwatering can also cause numerous issues. It can even kill the plant. Underwatering can be identified by the rim of the leaves starting to brown and curl in.

Another issue that might be causing problems is lack of adequate light. Keep in mind that Fiddle Leaf Figs need a lot of light to thrive. Without adequate light, your plant will start dropping leaves. If this happens, make sure to move your plant to a sunnier spot, such as a window.

Fertilizing Fiddle Leaf Fig

Keep in mind that your Fiddle Leaf Fig will do well if you fertilize it during the growing season, which means, from spring through the fall. It is important to fertilize about once per month. A good choice is an organic houseplant fertilizer, although you can use a slow-release fertilizer option.

If your plant is new, inquire about the fertilizing regime. If the nursery used  a slow-release fertilizer, it might be that you won't need to use any fertilizing on your plants for the first six months or so.

Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig

You should ideally repot your Fiddle Leaf Fig once in two years or, if it has vigorous growth, once in one and a half years. When repotting, choose a container that is about 2 to 4 inches larger than the last one. Never use a pot that is much larger than the previous one, because this can easily drown the roots of your plant. Ideal time for repotting is during the spring or summer months because this is when the plant is the strongest.

Photo credit: Javier Alejandro

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