Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

Fiddle leaf figs are the darlings of the design world and for good reason! Their large, architectural leaves add a dramatic touch to interiors. If you follow some basic guidelines, you and your fig can have a long and productive relationship.

Soil

Fiddle leaf figs are jungle dwellers that like rich, well-drained soil. We recommend E.B. Stone Organics ‘Edna’s Best’ Potting Soil.

Light

Give your fig very bright light but protect it from the direct afternoon sun in summer, which can be too strong and burn the leaves. If you have only a South- or West- facing window, try moving it back from the window or use a sheer curtain to block direct rays during summer. Fiddle leaf figs are not a good option for low-light conditions.

Water

Fiddle Leaf Figs enjoy consistent watering to keep them moist but not soggy. Water slowly and thoroughly until water runs out of the pot’s drainage holes, then let the soil dry to approximately 1” before watering well again. Be sure to empty any water from your cache pot or tray so the plant does not sit in water!

If figs do not get adequate water, their leaves may begin to yellow or brown at the edges and eventually drop. If the plant is watered too often, the roots will be unable to gain access to oxygen and may begin to rot. Signs of overwatering are similar to those of underwatering and include yellowing, browning, and dropping of the lower/older leaves.

Water slightly more during the growing season (spring and summer) and slightly less during the winter.

Humidity & Temperature

Figs like the warm, humid conditions of the rainforest. To increase humidity in your home or office, you can place a shallow tray of water near or under your plant. If placing the tray under the plant, fill it with pebbles and keep the water level below them, so the roots of the plant are not sitting in standing water.

A humidifier in the winter can also do wonders to increase humidity and keep your plant happy. You may also want to mist your plant a few times a week to increase humidity around the leaves.

Fiddle Leaf Figs are not big fans of drafts or sudden changes in temperature. Cold drafts from windows or air conditioning can cause the leaves to drop. They are content when night-time lows do not drop below 60 degrees.

FERTILIZER

Fertilize with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer May through September, following the directions on the package. You can also add an inch or two of fresh potting soil annually if needed.

Pests

Figs are susceptible to aphids, mealy bugs, and spider mites. These pests can cause the leaves to yellow and drop from the plant. It’s a good idea to regularly check the foliage for pests. We can recommend an appropriate natural pesticide depending on the pest attacking the plant. Stress on the plant can cause it to be more vulnerable to pests. A happy, well-watered, and misted plant will be less likely to suffer from pests!

Tips

How do you know if it’s time to repot your fig? Check the bottom of the pot to see if the roots are growing out of the drainage holes, or gently pull the plant from its pot and look for roots that densely circle. If your fig outgrows its pot, you can repot into a container that is up to a few inches larger. Generally, fiddle leaf figs need to be repotted every 1-2 years. Another option, especially for a large plant, is to trim the root ball carefully and repot the plant into its old pot, adding new potting soil. Remember not to trim more than 20% of the root ball. Trimming the roots will also keep the plant from growing much bigger.

Those large, beautiful leaves can attract dust! Give your fig a cleaning with a soft, dry cloth every once in a while to keep it shiny and healthy. Remember to turn your plant regularly to keep growth even and prevent tilting!

Swansons Nursery
9701 15th Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98117
www.swansonsnursery.com garden@swansonsnursery.com (206) 782-2543