Caring for a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree: A Guide
In the heart of a green thumb's home, a fiddle leaf fig named Frida has become a beacon of success. Once struggling with indoor plants, the owner has found a knack for nurturing this tropical beauty. Here's a guide on how to care for your very own fiddle leaf fig.
Watering
Water your fiddle leaf fig when the top inch of soil is dry, roughly every 7–12 days. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Let excess water drain out and avoid letting the plant sit in standing water. Using a water meter can help determine the ideal watering schedule, watering only when the soil dries and the meter reaches a moisture level 2 or 3.
Lighting
Place your plant in bright, indirect light. Fiddle leaf figs prefer ample light but direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. A spot near a window with filtered light is ideal. Fiddle leaf figs tend to do well in areas with high ceilings, skylights, and large windows.
Repotting
Repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound. Choose a pot slightly larger than the current one with good drainage to prevent waterlogging. Small rocks at the bottom of a pot can help water move through and prevent root rot. Trimming the roots during repotting can help maintain the health of the plant.
Maintenance
Misting the leaves once a week or every time you water helps increase humidity, especially in dry climates. Wiping leaves with a damp cloth prevents dust buildup that blocks sunlight. Fertilize sparingly, twice a year, using a balanced fertilizer if the plant’s growth slows or leaves pale; avoid over-fertilizing. For weaker trunks, gently shaking the plant occasionally may help strengthen stems (optional).
These tips support healthy growth and prevent common issues like yellowing leaves or drooping. Indicators for repotting include the soil pulling away from the edges, bacterial infection, lots of brown spots on the leaves, or root rot. Repotting a fiddle leaf fig should be done only when necessary to avoid stressing the plant. Fertilizing a fiddle leaf fig is not necessary if the soil is healthy and the plant is thriving.
Misting can help maintain humidity for fiddle leaf figs, especially in dry climates. Fiddle leaf figs prefer rainwater over sink water. Grow lights can be used in low-light areas to help fiddle leaf figs thrive.
A fiddle leaf fig tree can add aesthetic appeal and be a striking decorative statement in a home. Frida Kahlo, a fiddle leaf fig plant, is often complimented and graces the home of the author. Using the correct potting soil is crucial for fiddle leaf figs, as it should enable water to flow through to prevent root rot.
The key to caring for a fiddle leaf fig is finding a place in the home with enough light, usually a north or south-facing window. Fiddle leaf figs have become increasingly popular in recent years, often appearing in magazines, on social media, and home decor.
[1] Source: The Sill (https://www.thesill.com/learn/plants/fiddle-leaf-fig-care/) [2] Source: The Spruce (https://www.thespruce.com/fiddle-leaf-fig-plant-care-1412835) [3] Source: Gardening Know How (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/fiddle-leaf-fig/fiddle-leaf-fig-plant-care.htm) [4] Source: HGTV (https://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoors/plants-and-flowers/how-to-care-for-a-fiddle-leaf-fig-plant) [5] Source: Better Homes & Gardens (https://www.bhg.com/gardening/houseplants/fiddle-leaf-fig/fiddle-leaf-fig-care/)
- Nurturing a fiddle leaf fig at home not only adds aesthetic appeal to a lifestyle, but also becomes an engaging activity for those who appreciate home-and-garden pursuits, such as gardening.
- With the right care, including proper watering, lighting, repotting, and maintenance, a fiddle leaf fig can flourish and become a beacon of success, similar to Frida Kahlo's plant, in any home enthusiast's abode.
