A fiddle leaf fig tree is native to rainforest environments in central-to-west Africa. Although a beautiful plant with large leaves and a classic houseplant choice for interior designers, these aren’t the easiest plants to take care of.
Unless it’s a faux plant, a fiddle leaf fig can present a lot of challenges. If you’re buying a fiddle leaf fig, you’re making a commitment to look after it and ensure it receives the proper care. The ultimate guide for fiddle leaf fig care contains everything you need to know to maintain its impeccably unmatched visual impact.
Light
Fiddle leaf fig plants like light. They often reach towards the light. This can affect their shape. Rotating your tree once a month will aid in keeping it straight and standing tall. Otherwise, the plant could start to lean and bend.
Water
A fiddle leaf fig enjoys a warm, wet, and humid environment. They shouldn’t be placed in dry areas. Keep them from air vents and drafts. Assess the soil before watering. It should be evenly moist. Some brief drying out between waterings is alright.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Tips
- Repot your fiddle leaf fig every 18-24 months. Choose a container that’s up to 4” larger in diameter to accommodate new growth. Don’t choose a pot larger than that when upgrading to a new container as it could drown the plant roots. The best time to repot is spring or summer.
- Dust can accumulate on a fiddle leaf fig’s leaves and make photosynthesis less efficient. As a part of your fiddle leaf fig care, rinse your plant’s leaves with room temperature water every three months.
- Check the soil regularly to ensure it isn’t being overwatered. Many plant owners overcompensate and water too much, resulting in leaves to drop and root rot. If your container doesn’t have a drainage hole, this might be a reason to get one.
- Houseplants are best fertilized spring through fall. For a fiddle leaf fig, fertilize once per month March through November.
The Best Place for a Fiddle Leaf Fig in the Home
Due to the need for a lot of light, place them directly in front of a window where you know the light’s always going to reach them. The brighter the space, the better. Do ensure you water it regularly as well though as you could dry out the soil.
Why Are My Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Drying Up?
If you are seeing leaves on your plant dry up or appear brown, it may be because of environmental changes. Fiddle leaf fig are one of the most sensitive indoor plants to changes in temperature, light, and placement. Don’t panic if you lose a few leaves but if it persists, it may take some investigating to get to the bottom of what’s going on.
Even with all the best intentions and making all the right moves, you may still see a fiddle leaf struggling to survive. If you enjoy the look and don’t want to worry about them looking their absolute best, try ArtiPlanto premium-made handcrafted artificial plants. There’s virtually no difference in appearance and choosing a faux plant makes pest management, routine maintenance, and watering simple.
