Welcome to the wonderful world of fiddle leaf figs! If you’re a houseplant beginner, don’t worry – you’re in the right place. Fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) are famous for their large, glossy leaves and can be a stunning addition to any home. With a bit of care and attention, you can keep your fiddle leaf fig happy and healthy indoors. We've had our fair share of wins and losses when it comes to fiddle leaf fig care, PLUS our plant care customers are always sharing their houseplant success stories, so these tips come from years of trial, error and expert fiddle leaf fig advice.
What's the best light for Fiddle Leaf Figs?
Fiddle leaf figs love light, but they can be a bit fussy about the type of light they get - and this is where most fiddle leaf fig owners go wrong! These houseplants are used to growing in the dappled sunlight of subtropical regions like Central and South America. When growing a fiddle leaf fig at home, put it in bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a window with filtered light is PERFECT. By careful, because too much direct sunlight can scorch their leaves (and if it's too close to glass, extra heat can make leaf burn even worse). If your fiddle leaf fig is getting too little light, those beautiful leaves can start dropping. If you notice your plant leaning towards the light, give it a quarter turn every few weeks to keep it growing evenly.
How should I water my fiddle leaf fig?
When it comes to watering your fiddle leaf fig, consistency is crucial. These plants prefer their soil to be moist but not soggy. Stick your finger into the top inch of soil. Is it dry? Moist? Sodden? You want to wait until it feels dry to the touch, and then give it a good drink, until water is running out of the bottom of the pot. Make sure your pot has drainage holes to prevent water from sitting at the bottom, which can cause root rot. YUK!
What is the best humidity for fiddle leaf figs?
Fiddle leaf figs come from tropical climates, so they appreciate higher humidity levels. If your home is dry, especially in the winter, consider placing a humidifier nearby or misting the leaves regularly. Grouping plants together can also help increase the humidity around them.
What's the best temperature for fiddle leaf figs?
These tropical beauties prefer a warm environment, but honestly, if you have your watering and light right, they become far more resilient to temperature fluctuations. Try and keep it nice and warm (if you're comfortable, the odds are, it will be comfortable as well). Here's a handy hack; avoid placing your houseplants near drafts, air conditioning vents, or heaters. That dry hot/cold air is going to dry those leaves out, just like your skin! A spritz of Protect Spray with Neem Oil will help to protect against this stress.
What is the best soil for fiddle leaf figs?
A well-draining soil mix is essential for fiddle leaf fig care - so the chunky soil is ideal. Avoid anything with peat in it, as it just holds far too much moisture. Get your hands on some high-quality potting mix that allows for good airflow and drainage, and add Enrich Powder to gently nourish the plant and remove any toxins that might collect in the soil and risk your plant's health.
Should I cut the leaves off my fiddle leaf fig?
It can be scary, but did you know that snipping the branches off your fiddle leaf fig can actually help it to stay bushy? As a minimum, you should remove any dead or damaged leaves. Why? Removing damaged leaves allows the plant to redirect its energy into growing fresh, new leaves that will look lush and healthy. So snip, snip, snip!
What's the best fertilizer for fiddle leaf fig plants?
Fiddle leaf figs are used to the biodiversity of the subtropics, so it's really important to feed them with a diverse mix of ingredients, microbes, hormones, enzymes, nutrients and micronutrients. The problem is that standard fertilizers provide synthetic chemicals that can burn your fiddle leaf fig and shock it into losing leaves. We recommend ditching the NPK fertilizers and using a bioactive fertilizer like Grow Concentrate, which is specially formulated for houseplants like the fiddle leaf fig. Grow Concentrate replicates the natural environment of a fiddle leaf fig, to get it closer to how it grows in nature. The best bit? You can use it all year round, it's certified organic, and it doesn't stink! Win win!
These are the most common issues for fiddle leaf figs:
- Brown Spots on Leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or too much direct sunlight. Check your watering routine and light conditions to find the culprit.
- Yellow Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering. Ensure your pot has good drainage and let the soil dry out between waterings.
- Dropping Leaves: Fiddle leaf figs can drop leaves due to stress, such as sudden changes in light, temperature, or watering schedule. Give your plant time to adjust and find a stable environment for it.
