How to Care For a Fiddle Leaf Fig and Keep It Thriving

Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata)sometimes gets a finicky reputation. It's not the easiest houseplant to grow, but its lovely large leaves and tree form make it worth a little effort and a good choice even for the beginning gardener. These small trees are well adapted to indoor temperatures and filtered light and are hardy enough to survive less-than-ideal conditions.

If you have a window that receives bright morning light you can grow this fig. Plant in quality soil, establish a consistent watering schedule and it grows reliably and fairly quickly to between six and ten feet tall with little fuss. Fiddle leaf fig is toxic to people and pets.

Common Name	Fiddle leaf fig, banjo fig
Botanical Name	Ficus lyrata
Family	Moraceae
Plant Type	Broadleaf evergreen
Mature Size	50 ft. tall (outdoors), 10 ft. tall (indoors)
Sun Exposure	Part shade
Soil Type	Loamy, medium moisture, well-draining
Soil pH	6 to 7
Bloom Time	Rarely flowers outside of its native area
Flower Color	Insignificant
Hardiness Zones	10-12 (USDA)
Native Area	Tropical western Africa
Toxicity	Toxic to people and pets

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

• Place your plant near a window to receive filtered light.
• Plant in quality houseplant soil and repot young trees annually.
• Avoid overwatering and aim to keep soil moderately moist.
• Add support for the main stem.
• Rotate the pot every week or two so all foliage faces the source of sunlight.
• Dust the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to boost photosynthesis.

Light

Fiddle leaf figs need bright, indirect light for about six hours of the day. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves, if it's in a west-facing window exposed to hot afternoon sun. Plants adapt to low light but grow more slowly and may develop brown spots on lower leaves.

Inadequate light can contribute to drainage issues so plan to adjust the watering schedule in low-light conditions.

Soil

Any quality indoor plant potting mix is suitable for a fiddle leaf fig as long as it drains well. A peat-based soil mixed with perlite or a 50/50 combination of cactus and houseplant potting soil provides good drainage.

Water

Fiddle leaf figs like a moderate amount of moisture in the soil, so water the plant when the top inch or so of soil is dry. If the plant doesn’t get enough water, leaves wilt and lose their bright green color. Too much water and it might drop leaves and succumb to root rot.

These plants are sensitive to high salt levels in the soil. Salts can accumulate from clay pots, treated water, and fertilizers. Once a month, flush soil the soil by running it under the tap until water comes out of the bottom drainage holes to prevent salt build-up.

Temperature and Humidity

Fiddle leaf figs are happy in average household temperatures kept fairly steady between 60°F and 85°F, and are not tolerant of temperature swings.

Aim for humidity between 30 and 65 percent (average household humidity). If you need to moisten dry winter air, adding a humidifier is a good option.

Temperature Swing Management

In order to control for temperature swings, be aware of how hot your fiddle leaf fig might get in even just a few hours of direct sunlight, or what kind of draft if might experience if your air conditioner comes up.

Fertilizer

Fertilize a fiddle leaf fig once a month during the growing season with a high-nitrogen plant food. An NPK 16-5-11 is a good choice with a ratio of roughly three parts nitrogen to one part phosphorous. You can use water soluble pellets or liquid fertilizers for houseplants including formulas specific for fiddle leaf fig.

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Types of Fiddle Leaf Fig

The main species, Ficus lyrata, is the most common fiddle leaf fig grown, but several cultivars are available including:

• Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’: A dwarf variety that reaches just a few feet tall.
• Ficus lyrata ‘Compacta’: This variety grows to 5 feet tall and features smaller, denser leaves.
• ‘Variegata’Ficus lyrata : An uncommon variety with a showy mix of green and cream leaves.

Tips for Buying in Store

• Look closely at the undersides of leaves for tiny red dots that are moving. Fiddle leaf fig is susceptible to spider mites.
• Avoid picking a plant with lots of brown spots on the leaves. (They won't turn green again.)
• Check to make sure the pot isn't sitting in standing water, which can cause root rot.

How to Prune Fiddle Leaf Figs

Fiddle leaf fig benefits from occasional, selective pruning. Do this in late spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Use a sturdy, sharp, hand pruner and make cuts at a 45-degree angle between leaf nodes. Take care to avoid damaging a branch or the main trunk.

Some growers prefer a tree-like appearance with a branched canopy. Expert growers suggest waiting until your fiddle leaf reaches 5 feet in height to begin this process. Then, top the main trunk above a leaf node to encourage branching. Once new branches form, additional cuts can be made to develop horizontal growth.

Removing dead leaves or trimming damaged ones can be done anytime. Dead leaves can often be gently pulled off. Brown edges can be trimmed if most of the leaf remains healthy and green. Follow the shape of the leaf to keep a more natural look.

Propagating Fiddle Leaf Fig

It's easy to propagate fiddle leaf fig with stem cuttings, rooted in either soil or water. The process is essentially the same with both mediums. To propagate in water you'll need a sturdy hand pruner, rooting hormone, and a clear glass container.

Propagate in Water

1. Cut a branch with at least three leaf nodes. Make the cut at a 45-degree angle just above a node.
2. Remove the bottom leaves. Pinch off bottom leaves to keep them from touching the soil or water the propagation will go in. Leave a leaf or two on the stem.
3. Place in water. Insert the cutting in room temperature water, with nodes submerged and foliage above the water line. Top leaves can be cut in half to direct energy into root development.
4. Set in bright, indirect light. Place in a warm spot to receive bright, indirect light. Direct light will be too strong.
5. Change water weekly. Roots appear in two to three weeks.
6. Transplant the cutting. Once roots are 1 to 2 inches long, transplant the cutting to a pot with fresh soil. Water deeply and place in bright, indirect light.

Propagate in Soil

To root cuttings in soil, cut a branch with at least three leaf nodes and remove the bottom leaves, so there's just a leaf or two left at the top. Dip the bottom in rooting hormone and insert it into a pot filled with well-draining potting soil. A pot at least 6 inches in diameter with drainage holes is usually sufficient.

Firm soil to keep the cutting upright and cover with a plastic bag. Place in a warm location with bright, indirect light. After two weeks begin checking for root growth by tugging gently on the cutting. Resistance indicates success.

Pruners

Fiddle leaf figs have quite thick stems and a sap that can be irritating to touch. Use a good pair of pruners for any propagation pruning. We tested dozens of pruners in our Lab to find the best of the best.

Potting and Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig

Plan to repot a young fiddle leaf fig annually every spring. Select a sturdy container that is roughly 2 inches larger in diameter than the existing one. Gently loosen the plant from its current pot, lift it out while supporting its base, and place it in the new pot. Fill in around the plant with potting mix.

If mature plants are too large to repot, remove the top several inches of soil each spring and replace it with fresh soil.

Tip

If your decorative pot lacks drainage, plant in plastic and set it inside the prettier pot. Make sure to drain all excess water before replacing the plant in the decorative container.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

The large, fiddle-shaped leaves on this fig let you know if problems arise. These plants don’t have serious pest or disease issues, but houseplants can attract spider mites, scale insects, and fungal diseases.

Watch for spots, dark patches, or white webbing on the leaves. Neem or horticultural oil often eradicates pests. Otherwise, treat with a fungicide or pesticide.

Pests to Watch

Though they aren't known for being prone to pests, fiddle leaf figs may deal with common houseplant issues like scale, mealy bugs, aphids, thrips, and spider mites. Prevent problems with adequate air circulation and a good watering plan.

Common Problems With Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle leaf figs are hardy plants that thrive even in office environments with little attention. To get the best performance from yours, give it a little extra care and make adjustments at the first sign of leaf distress.

Bleached Leaves

If you see light brown or bleached spots on the top of the leaves, the plant may be getting too much direct sunlight. This is called leaf sunburn or leaf scorch. Relocate your plant to a spot with bright, filtered morning light. Don't remove the leaves unless they're fully yellow or brown—until that point, the leaf is still using them for energy.

Brown Spots on Leaves

Dark brown spots or browning edges are an indication of root rot due to overwatering or letting the plant sit in water. Check roots and remove any that are brown and mushy. Trim back spotted leaves and repot in fresh, dry soil. Adjust your watering schedule.

Temperature fluctuations also cause brown spots. Check for drafts and relocate to a spot with consistent temperatures if necessary.

Yellowing Leaves

If new leaves are yellowing, the plant may have a bacterial infection. This is tougher to correct but try removing affected leaves and repotting in fresh soil. Isolate it until it recovers.

Dropping Leaves

If your fiddle leaf fig is dropping green leaves, it's often because it's not getting enough light or it's experience temperature extremes. Assess the plant's light situation and move it away from drafty or particularly hot areas.

From: thespruce