How to take care of fiddle leaf the fig

Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus Lyrata) often has a shady reputation. It’s not the simplest houseplant to plant but its gorgeous big leaves and its tree-like shape are worth the effort and an excellent option for anyone who is just beginning to become a gardener. These tiny trees are adaptable to indoor temperatures as well as well-lit conditions and are durable enough to endure less than ideal conditions.
If you live in a house which receives morning sunlight, it is possible to grow this fig. Place it in soil that is of high quality and establish a regular irrigation schedule, and it will grow consistently and quickly to be between 6 and 10 feet without a lot of effort. Fiddle leaf figs can be poisonous to pets and people.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

• Place your plant next to an open window for it to get sunlight that is filtered.
• Plant in a quality soil for your houseplants and repot the young trees every year.
• Avoid excessive watering and try to keep the soil moderately moist.
• Provide support to your main stem.
• The pot should be rotated every couple of days to ensure that all foliage is facing the light source.
• The leaves should be sprayed with a damp cloth once every couple of weeks to increase photosynthesis.

How Much Sunlight Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Need?

Fiddle leaf figs require direct, bright light for approximately six hours during the day. The direct sunlight can cause burns to leaves, especially if they’re located in a west-facing window and which is exposed to scorching afternoon sun.3 Plants adjust to lower light levels, but tend to grow slower and could form brown spots on the lower leaves.
Insufficient lighting can cause drainage issues, so it is important to alter the schedule of watering under low-light conditions.

What Type of Potting Soil Is Best?

Any good potter’s mix for indoor plants is appropriate for the fiddle leaf fig so the mix drains properly. Peat-based soils combined with perlite or a 50/50 mix of houseplant and cactus pots will provide good drainage.

How Often Do I Need to Water My Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?

Fiddle leaf figs require a little bit of moisture in soil So, it is important to water the plant whenever the top inch in soil has dried. If the plant doesn’t receive enough water, the leaves will wilt and shed their vibrant green hue. If it’s too much water, it may drop leaves, and eventually succumb to root decay.
They are tolerant of excessive salt levels within the soil.4 Salts may accumulate in the clay of pots and treated water and fertilizers. Every month, you should flush the soil multiple times until water is able to come out of the drainage holes in order to prevent the accumulation of salt.

Temperature and Humidity

Fiddle leaf figs seem to be content when temperatures are average and at a moderate level between 60degF to 85degF. Try to keep the humidity between 30 to 65 percent (average household humidity). If you are looking to dampen your winter dryness, putting in the humidifier can be a good alternative.
Fiddle leaf figs tend to be particularly tolerant of temperature swings so you should be aware of how hot they could become even in one or two hours of direct sunlight, or the kind of draft you might encounter if your air conditioner is on.

Do I Need to Fertilize My Fiddle Leaf Fig?

It is recommended to fertilize a fig with a fiddle leaf every month throughout the growing season using an organic plant food that is high in nitrogen. A fertilizer such as NPK 16-5-11 is a great option with a ratio of around three parts nitrogen per part of phosphorous. It is possible to use water-soluble pellets and liquid fertilizers for houseplants, including formulas specifically designed for the fiddle leaf fig.

Types of Fiddle Leaf Fig

The primary plant, Ficus lyrata, is the most popular fiddle leaf fig however, there are a variety of cultivars available. These include:

• Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino‘ A dwarf variety that is only a few feet high.
• Ficus Lyrata ‘Compacta‘ This variety grows up to 5 feet tall and boasts smaller, less dense leaves.
• “Variegata’Ficus” lyrata: An unusual species with a striking mixture of cream and green leaves.

How to Prune Fiddle Leaf Figs

Fiddle leaf figs benefit from regular, targeted pruning. This can be done in the late spring or early summer, in the time when it is growing. Make use of a strong hand pruner that is sharp and cut at 45 degrees in across leaf nodes. Be cautious not to harm branches or the main tree.
Certain growers prefer a more look that resembles a tree, with a branching canopy. The experts suggest waiting until your second leaf is 5 feet tall to start this process. Then, place the main trunk with the leaf node to encourage branches to form. When new branches begin to form further cuts are made to encourage vertical growth.
The removal of dead leaves or trimming damaged ones is possible at any time. Dead leaves can be removed gently. The brown edges can be trimmed in the event that the entire leaves are clean and healthy. Keep the form of the leaf for the natural appearance.

Propagating Fiddle Leaf Fig

It is easy to reproduce fiddle leaf figs by using stem cuttings that are rooted in water or soil. The process is similar for both media. For water propagation, you’ll require a strong pruning tool, a hand-held pruner and a glass container that is clear.

Propagate in Water

Make a cut on a tree with more than three leaf nodes. Cut at 45 degrees, right above the node.

• Take the lower leaves off. Cut off the lower leaves to stop their feet from the ground or the water that proliferating plants will get. Leave a few leaves at the base of the plant.
• Place the cutting in water. Place the cut in ambient water with the nodes submerged and foliage elevated above the waterline. The top leaves are cut in half, directing the energy towards root development.
• Place in bright, indirect light. Place it in a place to get bright, indirect light. Direct light is too bright.
  Change water each week. Roots will appear within two to three weeks.
• Transplant the cut. When roots are about 1 to two inches in length, you can transplant the cutting into a pot with new soil. Place the pot in indirect, bright sunlight.

Propagate in Soil

To plant cuttings in soil, start with steps 1 and 2 mentioned above. Dip the bottom of the cutting in the rooting hormone, then place it into a pot that is filled with potting soil that drains well. A pot that is at six inches or more in diameter and with drainage holes is typically enough.
Firm soil to hold the cutting straight and then wrap the cutting in the bag. Set it in a place with indirect, bright light. After 2 weeks, start checking for roots by pulling lightly on the cut. The resistance indicates that the cutting is working.

Potting and Repotting Fiddle Leaf Fig

It is recommended to repot a new fiddle leaf fig every spring. Choose a sturdy pot that is about 2 inches bigger than the one you have. Carefully remove the plant from its pot and lift it off by supporting its base and then place it in the new container. Infill the area around the plant with the potting mix.
When mature trees are a bit too big to be repotted, take the top 1-2 inches of soil each spring, and replace it with new soil.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

The big fiddle-shaped leaves on this fig will let you know of any issues that may arise. The plants don’t suffer from significant issues with pests or diseases however, houseplants are susceptible to scale insects, spider mites as well as fungal diseases.

Look for dark patches, spots or white webbing around the foliage. Neem oil or horticultural oil typically eliminates insects. If not, treat it using a pesticide or fungicide.

Common Problems With Fiddle Leaf Fig

The figs of the fiddle leaf are durable plants that thrive in workplace environments that require little attention. To ensure the highest performance, you should give some extra attention and make changes when you notice distressing leaves.

Bleached Leaves

If you notice areas of light brown or bleached on the top of leaves, your plant could be receiving excessive direct sunlight. This is known as leaf scorch or leaf sunburn. Move your plant in a place that has bright, well-filtered morning sunlight. Do not remove the leaves until they’re brown or completely yellow. At at that point, the plant continues to use their energy sources.

Brown Spots on Leaves

Browning or dark brown spots on edges can indicate root rot caused by overwatering and allowing the plants to lie in the water. Examine the roots and eliminate those that are brown or soft. Remove spotted leaves, trim them back and plant them in new dry soil. Adjust your watering schedule.
The fluctuation in temperature can also result in brown spots. Examine for drafts, and relocate to a place with steady temperatures if you need to.

Yellowing Leaves

If leaves that are newly emerging start to yellow it could be due to an infection caused by bacteria. It is more difficult to treat but you can try taking the affected leaves and planting them back in new soil. It is best to isolate it until it heals.

Dropping Leaves

If your fig with a fiddle leaf is dropping leaves of green usually because it’s not receiving enough light or experiencing extreme temperatures. Check the plant’s exposure to light and remove it from hot or drafty zones.