How to Care for Fiddle Leaf Figs: Tips for a Thriving Tree

I am sure you all have heard of the fiddle leaf fig tree (also known as the ficus lyrata). They have a reputation of being beautiful and also quite difficult to keep alive.

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A dying or dead fiddle leaf can leave you a bit heartbroken. Those beautiful leaves start to drop and it’s a pitiful process to witness. If you’ve had one die or you’re just too intimidated to get one, then I hope this post helps.

Potting Fiddle Leafs

You bring a gorgeous fiddle leaf home … now what? Most of these trees come in thin/cheap plastic containers when you first purchase them. I like to take my tree out of these suckers as soon as I get home.

Choosing the Right Pot

For pots, I use good ol’ terracotta pots. My mom taught me to never use plastic pots but use clay or earthenware because it allows the soil to “breathe.” If you get an earthenware pot, make sure it has a hole for drainage. Drainage is vital to a fiddle leaf. If you don’t have a hole at the bottom of your pot, then the water can pool inside and cause the roots to rot, which can kill your plant.

Preparing the Potting Mix

Fiddle leaves don’t like to stay soggy. I will get a pot that is not much bigger than the original pot that it came in. The roots like to be somewhat snug in the pot. Next, fill the bottom of the pot with some small stones or a drainage disc. These stones aid with drainage and also help the dirt not drain out when you are watering it.

Tips for Potting

Once the sides are filled with dirt, I put my hand down along the sides and make sure the dirt is pushed down all the way. My favorite potting mix is actually a cactus/palm mix found at local hardware stores. The potting mix has sand in it which helps keep the soil loose and also helps with drainage. I’ve used this mix for years and love it!

How Much Light do Fiddle Plants Need?

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This thing loves the light!! If you get a fiddle leaf, then find a window with ample light. Be sure that it is bright, indirect light. Don’t stick it in a corner away from the sunlight (if you can help it). Its leaves love to drink up the light so keep it in a bright, sunny spot in your home.

Cleaning the Leaves

Since the tree thrives on bright light, it is very important to keep the leaves clean from dust and dirt. If the leaves get too dusty, they can actually “suffocate” when they don’t have a clean surface. Thanks, photosynthesis! Every week or so, I wipe the leaves with a wet cloth and get all of the dirt and dust removed. After the leaves are cleaned, I use a leaf shine spray to make them extra glossy.

Rotating the Tree

Since this tree loves drinking up the light, it will eventually start leaning towards the sun. Rotate the tree slightly (some people do every time they water or once a month) and this will help keep the tree straight and balanced.

Where in my House Should I Put my Fiddle Leaf?

The fiddle leaf is not a huge fan of being moved around. It loves stability and moving it around your house can actually cause the leaves to drop. You can take it to the sink to water it, but moving it for extended periods of time can cause problems.

Tips for Placement

Another tip is to not have your tree in a drafty area. Near a door (especially during winter) or a vent can really irritate the tree. Find a spot in your home that’s not near a door or vent and has loads of sunshine!

Watering Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees

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Overwatering your tree can be deadly and waiting too long to water it (when it is bone dry) can cause the leaves to brown and drop. I typically water mine once a week, but always check to see if it is ready to be watered. Sometimes I wait two weeks (depending on weather conditions that affect moisture levels).

Gauging Watering Needs

To gauge whether it is ready to be watered, I stick my finger in the dirt about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, then it is ready to be watered. If it is still moist, then it can wait another day or two.

Pruning & Propagating

Did you know you can make new fiddle leaf babies from cutting a branch of your existing tree? It’s like having a baby plant! This process is called propagation and it’s really fun to do.

Cutting Branches

To propagate, you will need to cut a healthy branch from your fiddle leaf tree. Cut it at a 45-degree angle and make sure the cut is about an inch from a node (where the leaf meets the stem). This will help the cutting root more easily.

Rooting the Cutting

Once you have cut the branch, place it in a glass of water or a propagation station with some rooting hormone. This will help the cutting develop roots. After a few weeks, you should see roots developing and you can transfer the new plant to soil.

Conclusion

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Fiddle leaf fig trees can be a bit finicky, but with the right care and attention, they can thrive in your home. By following these tips, you can keep your tree happy and healthy. Remember to provide bright, indirect light, stable temperatures, and proper watering. With a little love and care, your fiddle leaf tree will become a beautiful addition to your home.

FAQs

Q: Why are fiddle leaf fig trees so hard to keep alive?
A: Fiddle leaf fig trees have a reputation of being difficult to keep alive due to their sensitive nature and specific needs.
Q: How often should I water my fiddle leaf fig tree?
A: Water your fiddle leaf fig tree once a week, but always check to see if it is ready to be watered by sticking your finger in the dirt.
Q: Can I propagate my fiddle leaf fig tree?
A: Yes, you can propagate your fiddle leaf fig tree by cutting a healthy branch and placing it in a glass of water or a propagation station with some rooting hormone.