The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a beautiful indoor plant that improves the liveliness of any space. It requires low maintenance, making it a great choice for those who are new to indoor plants. We’ve compiled this guide after much research and it highlights all you should know about the Fiddle Leaf Fig.
“The fiddle leaf fig is the ultimate houseplant. It’s easy to care for, it looks great, and it purifies the air. What more could you ask for?”
Native to Africa, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a member of the Moraceae family. Its scientific name is Ficus Lyrata. It gets its name from large, violin-shaped leaves. These leaves can grow up to 12 inches long and 6 inches wide. The leaves are a deep green color with a light green or yellowish hue. The Fiddle Leaf Fig can grow to be a very large plant, reaching up to 10 feet tall.
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It’s a beautiful indoor plant that prefers bright, indirect light. Likewise, it can tolerate some direct sun, but too much direct sun will cause the leaves to burn.
How To Care For Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Your fiddle leaf fig tree will thrive if you give it the proper care. Here are some tips on how to care for your fiddle leaf fig:
- Light – Your fiddle leaf fig tree prefers bright, indirect sunlight. If you cannot provide this, you can also use artificial light.
- Water – Water your fiddle leaf fig tree when the top inch of soil is dry. Do not allow the soil to become completely dry, as this will stress the plant.
- Soil – Fiddle leaf figs prefer a well-draining, slightly acidic soil. You can make your own potting mix by mixing equal parts potting soil, peat moss, and perlite.
- Fertilizer – Feed your fiddle leaf fig tree every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.
- Pruning – Prune your fiddle leaf fig tree as needed to shape it and remove any damaged or diseased branches.
The Best Potting Mix For A Fiddle Leaf Fig
The best potting mix for a fiddle leaf fig is a mix of one part peat moss, one part perlite, and one part vermiculite. This mix provides the fiddle leaf fig with the perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention.
How Often To Water A Fiddle Leaf Fig
A fiddle leaf fig should be watered about once a week, or when the top inch of soil is dry. It is best to water the plant in the morning so that the leaves have time to dry off before nightfall. Overwatering can cause the leaves to turn yellow and drop off.
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How To Fertilize A Fiddle Leaf Fig
Fertilizing your fiddle leaf fig is important to keep it healthy and growing strong. There are a few things to keep in mind when fertilizing your fiddle leaf fig, and following these tips will help ensure that your plant gets the nutrients it needs.
- It is important to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for fiddle leaf figs. Using the wrong fertilizer can actually harm your plant, so be sure to get one that is specifically made for fiddle leaf figs.
- You should fertilize your fiddle leaf fig every two weeks during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. During the winter, you can reduce the frequency to once a month.
- When applying fertilizer, be sure to follow the directions on the package. Over-fertilizing can also be harmful to your plant.
The Best Location For A Fiddle Leaf Fig
The best location for a fiddle leaf fig is in a spot where it will receive bright, indirect sunlight. It’s important to make sure that the plant doesn’t get too much direct sun, as this can scorch the leaves. The ideal location would be near a south- or west-facing window. If you don’t have a spot that gets enough light, you can supplement with grow lights.
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How To Propagate A Fiddle Leaf Fig
To propagate a fiddle leaf fig, you will need:
- One fiddle leaf fig tree
- A sharp knife
- A clean, sterile pot
- Fresh, sterile potting mix
- A rooting hormone
Steps:
- Start by finding a healthy branch on your fiddle leaf fig tree. Cut the branch at a 45-degree angle, about 6 inches (15 cm) below a leaf node.
- Dip the cut end of the branch in the rooting hormone.
- Fill your clean, sterile pot with fresh, sterile potting mix. Make a hole in the center of the potting mix, and insert the cut end of the branch.
- Water the fiddle leaf fig tree well, and place the pot in a warm, sunny spot.
- Keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and within a few weeks, you should see new growth.
- Once the new growth is about 6 inches (15 cm) long, you can pot the fiddle leaf fig tree in a larger pot, or plant it in your garden.”
The Best Time To Repot A Fiddle Leaf Fig
It is best to re-pot a fiddle leaf fig in the spring or early summer, before the plant begins its active growth period. This will give the plant time to adjust to its new pot and soil before it needs to focus on producing new leaves.
When repotting, choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one. Fiddle leaf figs do not like to be rootbound, but they also do not like too much space. A pot that is too large will result in a leggy, weak plant.
The pot should have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Fiddle leaf figs are susceptible to root rot, so it is important to avoid overwatering.
Use a high-quality potting mix that is well-draining. Add some organic matter to the mix to help retain moisture.
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To repot, gently remove the plant from its current pot. Carefully loosen the roots and spread them out in the new pot. Fill in around the roots with potting mix, and water well.
Place the plant in a bright, indirect light location and keep the soil moist but not soggy. After a few weeks, you can resume your normal watering schedule.
The Signs Of A Fiddle Leaf Fig That Is Not Healthy
The leaves of a fiddle leaf fig can tell you a lot about the health of the plant.
- Yellowish leaves, and wilting.
- Brown spots on the leaves can also indicate that the plant is not getting enough water, or that it is under stress.
- If the leaves are drooping, it is a sign that the plant needs more water.
- Curled leaves is a sign that the plant is not getting enough light.
The Most Common Pests That Affect Fiddle Leaf Figs
There are a few common pests that can affect your fiddle leaf fig, but don’t worry! With a little bit of knowledge and care, you can keep your plant healthy and happy.
The most common pests are scale insects, mealybugs, and aphids.
- Scale insects suck the sap out of plants, and can cause leaves to yellow and drop off.
- Mealybugs are white, fuzzy creatures that also suck the sap out of plants.
- Aphids are small, green insects that can cause leaves to curl and distort.
The best way to prevent pests is to keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy and happy. Make sure it is getting enough light, water, and fertilizer. Inspect it regularly for any signs of pests, and if you see any, take action immediately. There are a few different ways to get rid of pests, including using insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, or neem oil.
If you take good care of your fiddle leaf fig, it will be less likely to attract pests. But even the healthiest plants can sometimes get pests. Just remember that with a little bit of knowledge and care, you can keep your fiddle leaf fig looking great!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some tips for taking care of a fiddle leaf fig?
Fiddle leaf figs are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things to keep in mind to keep them healthy and happy. They prefer bright, indirect light and regular watering (when the top inch of soil is dry).
They also don’t like to be moved around too much, so find a spot for them and let them stay there. And finally, they need good air circulation, so don’t keep them in a stuffy room.
What are some signs that my fiddle leaf fig is not happy?
There are a few signs to watch out for that indicate your fiddle leaf fig is not happy. Watch out for the leaves wilting or becoming yellowish because those are the signs. Likewise, make sure it gets the needed amount of water to thrive.
How often should I fertilize my fiddle leaf fig?
Fertilize your fiddle leaf fig every two to three months during the growing season (spring and summer), using a fertilizer designed for houseplants. During the fall and winter, you can fertilize every three to four months.
What is the best way to propagate a fiddle leaf fig?
The best way to propagate a fiddle leaf fig is by taking stem cuttings. Cut a 6-8 inch piece of stem from a healthy plant, remove the bottom leaves, and place the cutting in a glass of water.
Change the water every week, and in a few weeks, you should see roots growing. Once the roots are an inch long, you can plant the cutting in potting soil.
Bonus Tips
- Place the fiddle leaf fig in a bright spot in your home, such as near a window.
- Water the fiddle leaf fig when the soil feels dry to the touch.
- Fertilize the fiddle leaf fig every few months
- Prune the fiddle leaf fig as needed to keep it looking its best.
- Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth every few weeks to remove any dust or dirt.
Conclusion
Fiddle Leaf Fig is one of the many indoor plants you can get. The plant is effective in taking care of you and your space (as an air purifier) and having it would be an advantage. Our Ultimate Guide of Fiddle Leaf Fig highlights all you should know about the plant and how to take care of it. Kindly let us know your thoughts about the guide in the comments.