So, you’ve just purchased, or currently own, a Fiddle Leaf Fig. Now what? We get lots of questions about fiddle leaf figs on social media and in the nursery. In this video we’ll cover watering, lighting, maintenance, and fertilization! We’ll also talk a bit about common problems like leaf dropping and discoloration. Let’s get started!
Watering
The first thing we’re gonna talk about is watering. Fiddle Leaf Figs need to be thoroughly watered about once a week. Depending on the size of the plant — and therefore the size of the roots — you’ll want to adjust the amount you water. A good rule of thumb is to wait until the top 2 – 3 inches of the soil is dry, and then give the plant a thorough watering. You’ll want to make sure to plant in a planter with a drainage hole so you can thoroughly soak your plant until you notice water dripping out the bottom. However, don’t let the drip tray sit full of water for any extended lengths of time, as this allows root rot to set in easily.
Lighting
On to lighting tips – Fiddle Leaf Figs should be placed in front of a window that will receive direct morning or afternoon light. Ideally, what you’re aiming for is a window with a mostly unobstructed eastern, western, or southern exposure. Slowly acclimate to more sun, if they’re given too much direct sunlight too quickly, the leaves could burn and form brown scorch marks.
Maintenance
Next is maintenance – like with most other plants, Fiddle Leaf Figs do require some general maintenance. One important routine you can do for your Fiddle Leaf is dusting its leaves! Since their leaves are so large, Fiddle Leaf Figs need to be dusted regularly. When dust accumulates on plant leaves, dust particles make it difficult for the plant to absorb sunlight and perform photosynthesis. We also recommend using Leaf Shine to keep your plants’ leaves looking shiny and beautiful! In addition to dusting leaves, it’s also a good idea to rotate your plant weekly or bi-weekly. Rotating your plant gives it even light exposure, meaning one side won’t be growing drastically more than another, leading to a sturdy and symmetrical plant.
Fertilization
Fertilization is next, and our suggestion on fertilizing your Fiddle Leaf Fig is the ‘less is more’ approach. It’s best to not overwhelm your plants with additional nutrients all at once. We highly recommend using all purpose fertilizer like Monty’s twice a month during the spring and summer. Common problems and issues for fiddle leaf figs we usually see are things like leaf dropping & browning edges. It’s also worth mentioning that a humidifier can do wonders for Fiddle Leaf Figs and other tropical plants all year round, especially in the winter when indoor air becomes dry. They help to prevent browning leaf tips! Another important thing to remember is to make sure your Fiddle leaf fig isn’t getting any cold air from drafts by doors or air vents. This can cause leaves to drop.
I hope you got some good info on your fiddle leaf fig! If you’ve got any other questions we didn’t get to, you can text us at 615-244-8949 or visit our website!
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