Fiddle leaf figs are a type of indoor plant that can grow quite large. These plants are beneficial and make your home more inviting. They grow really well and need to be repotted into a larger pot every one to two years. But how do you repot your Fiddle leaf Figs? Don’t fret as this guide will be your compass.
“A plant that is too large for its pot will never reach its full potential.” -J.C. Raulston
The Benefits Of Repotting Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
If you notice that your fiddle leaf fig is starting to look cramped in its pot, it may be time to repot it. Repotting not only gives your plant some extra room to grow, but also provides an opportunity to refresh the potting soil and give your plant a nutrient boost.
Here are some benefits of repotting your fiddle leaf fig:
- Extra room to grow
As your fiddle leaf fig grows, it will start to outgrow its pot. This can stunt the plant’s growth and cause it to become pot-bound. Repotting will give your plant some extra room to grow and help it to reach its full potential.
- Refresh the potting soil
Over time, the potting soil in your fiddle leaf fig’s pot will become compacted and depleted of nutrients. Repotting gives you a chance to refresh the potting soil and add some new, nutrient-rich soil to your plant’s pot.
- Nutrient boost
When you repot your fiddle leaf fig, you can also add some fertilizer to the potting soil. This will give your plant a nutrient boost and help it to grow even more.
- Avoid root rot
If the potting soil in your fiddle leaf fig’s pot is too compacted, it can cause the roots to rot. Repotting will help to avoid this by allowing the roots to breathe and providing them with fresh, nutrient-rich soil.
- Keep your plant healthy
Overall, repotting your fiddle leaf fig will help to keep it healthy and thriving. So if you notice that your plant is starting to look pot-bound, be sure to give it a new pot and some fresh potting soil.
Why You Should Repot Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Your fiddle leaf fig is a tropical plant that originates from the rainforests of western Africa. In its natural habitat, it can grow up to 60 feet tall!
Figs are fast-growing plants and their roots can quickly become pot-bound, or too crowded in their current pot. When this happens, your fig’s growth will slow down and it may even start to decline. Repotting will give your fig a fresh start, allowing it to grow vigorously again.
When To Repot Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Here are 5 signs that it’s time to repot your fiddle leaf fig:
1. Your fig has outgrown its pot
If you see roots coming out of the drainage holes in the bottom of your pot, or if the roots are so tightly packed that they’re starting to circle the inside of the pot, it’s time to repot.
2. Your fig is top-heavy or unstable
If your fig is toppling over, it’s a sign that the roots are not anchoring it well. This can be due to a pot that’s too small or roots that are too crowded. Repotting into a larger pot will help to stabilize your fig.
3. Your fig’s leaves are yellowing or dropping off
If the leaves of your fig are yellowing or dropping off, it could be a sign of root stress. This can happen when the roots are too crowded or if they’re not getting enough water or nutrients. Repotting will give your fig’s roots some room to breathe and will help to improve its overall health.
4. Your fig is not growing
If your fig has stopped growing, it could be a sign that it’s pot-bound. When a fig is pot-bound, its roots are so crowded that they can’t absorb enough water and nutrients to support new growth. Repotting will give your fig the room it needs to start growing again.
5. Your fig is wilting
If your fig is wilting, it could be a sign that the roots are not getting enough water. This can happen if the roots are too crowded or if the pot doesn’t have enough drainage holes. Repotting will help to improve the drainage and will give your fig’s roots some room to absorb more water.
How To Prepare Your Fiddle Leaf Fig For Repotting
First, figure out if your fiddle leaf fig needs to be repotted. There are five signs to watch for:
- If your fiddle leaf fig is growing out of its pot, has stopped growing, has roots coming out of the drainage holes, has yellow or brown leaves, or has been in the same pot for more than two years, it’s probably time to repot.
- To repot your fiddle leaf fig, you’ll need a new pot that is two inches wider and two inches deeper than the current pot. Choose a pot made of a material that will allow the roots to breathe, such as terra cotta, ceramic, or plastic.
- Before you begin, water your fiddle leaf fig well so the roots are moist. This will make it easier to remove the plant from its current pot.
- To remove the plant from its pot, turn the pot upside down and tap it gently until the plant loosens. If the plant is stuck, you can use a knife to loosen the roots.
- Once the plant is out of its pot, inspect the roots. If they are tangled or matted, gently loosen them with your fingers. If any roots are damaged, cut them off with a sharp knife.
- Place the plant in its new pot and fill it with potting mix, making sure to lightly firm the mix around the roots. Water the plant well.
- Place the pot in a bright, indirect light location and keep the soil moist but not wet. After a few weeks, you can resume your normal watering schedule.
How Often To Repot Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
It is generally recommended that you repot your fiddle leaf fig every 12-18 months.
However, there are a few factors that can affect how often you need to repot your plant. These include:
- The size of your plant: A larger plant will need to be repotted more often than a smaller plant.
- The type of pot you are using: A plastic pot will need to be replaced more often than a ceramic pot.
- The type of soil you are using: A soil that breaks down quickly will need to be replaced more often than soil that breaks down slowly.
- The amount of light your plant is getting: A plant that is in a low-light environment will need to be repotted more often than a plant that is in a high-light environment.
- The amount of water your plant is getting: A plant that is being watered frequently will need to be repotted more often than a plant that is being watered infrequently.
The Best Time Of Year To Repot Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
The best time to repot your fiddle leaf fig is in the spring, just as the weather is starting to warm up. You don’t want to repot too early, as the roots won’t have time to recover from the shock of being transplanted, and you don’t want to repot too late, as the plant will be putting all its energy into growing new leaves and won’t have the strength to recover from being transplanted.
The Best Soil For Repotting Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
When it comes to repotting your fiddle leaf fig, the most important thing to consider is the type of soil you use.
There are many different types of soil available on the market, but not all of them are created equal.
- You want to make sure that you choose soil that is well-draining and rich in nutrients.
- A good-quality potting mix should do the trick.
- Just make sure to avoid using any soil that is too heavy or clay-like, as this can cause problems with drainage.
If you’re not sure what type of soil to use, ask a nursery or garden center professional for help.”
What To Do After Repotting Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
After you have repotted your fig tree, there are a few things you should do to ensure that it thrives in its new home.
- Water your tree well. This will help it to settle into its new pot and establish itself. Be sure to water deeply, so that the roots have plenty of moisture to grow into.
- Next, place your fig tree in a bright spot. It will need lots of light to grow well. A south-facing window is ideal, but anywhere with bright, indirect light will work.
- Finally, be patient. It will take some time for your fig tree to adjust to its new pot and environment. Give it a few weeks to settle in before you start fertilizing or making any other changes.
With a little care, your fig tree will soon thrive in its new home!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I repot my fiddle leaf fig?
Ideally, you should repot your fiddle leaf fig every 12-18 months. However, if you notice that your plant is starting to outgrow its pot or if the roots are coming out of the drainage holes, then it’s time to repot.
What type of pot should I use for my fiddle leaf fig?
The best type of pot to use for a fiddle leaf fig is one that has drainage holes in the bottom. You’ll also want to make sure that the pot is big enough to accommodate the plant’s roots.
How do I repot my fiddle leaf fig?
To repot your fiddle leaf fig, start by removing the plant from its current pot. Gently loosen the roots and then place the plant in its new pot. Fill the pot with fresh potting mix and water well.
What type of potting mix should I use for my fiddle leaf fig?
The best type of potting mix to use for a fiddle leaf fig is one that is light and airy. A good mix will contain peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.
How often should I water my fiddle leaf fig?
Fiddle leaf figs should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Water the plant thoroughly and then allow the excess water to drain away.
Conclusion
Repotting your fiddle leaf fig is a process that’s important for the plant’s growth and development. So, you need to look out for signs of repotting like yellowish leaves, wilted leaves, unstable plants, etc. When you see these signs, you can follow the steps above to repot your Fiddle leaf fig and extend your relationship with the plant.