How to Grow Fiddle Leaf Fig Care - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team / 2024

Fiddle leaf fig care is a popular plant for indoor and outdoor gardens. The large, glossy leaves are beautiful, and the plant can grow to be quite large. Fiddle leaf figs are easy to care for, and they make a great addition to any home.

How to Grow Fiddle Leaf Fig Care - Plant Care & Tips

Also known as

Fiddle-leaf fig
Banana plant
Palm plant
Bamboo plant
Snake plant

Good to Know

Fiddle leaf figs are a type of tropical plant that originates from western Africa.
They are also known as the "banana plant" because of their large, banana-shaped leaves.
Fiddle leaf figs are popular houseplants because they are easy to care for and they can thrive in low-light conditions.
To keep your fiddle leaf fig healthy, water it when the top inch of soil is dry and fertilize it once a month during the growing season.
Fiddle leaf figs are prone to root rot, so make sure you plant them in well-draining soil.
If you live in a cold climate, you'll need to bring your fiddle leaf fig indoors during the winter months to protect it from the frost.
Fiddle leaf figs are relatively pest-resistant, but they can be susceptible to mealybugs and spider mites.
To prevent your fiddle leaf fig from getting too big, prune it regularly.
If you want to propagate your fiddle leaf fig, you can do so by taking stem cuttings.
Fiddle leaf figs make great houseplants because they purify the air and they can help improve your indoor air quality.

Related plant:
Fiddle Fig

Growing Steps

For fiddle leaf fig care, first step is to place your plant in a location that gets bright, indirect light.
The second step for fiddle leaf fig care is to water your plant when the top couple inches of soil are dry.
The third step to take for fiddle leaf fig care is to fertilize your plant once a month during the growing season.
The fourth step in fiddle leaf fig care is to provide humidity for your plant by misting it regularly or placing it on a pebble tray.
The fifth step to take for fiddle leaf fig care is to keep an eye out for pests and diseases and act quickly if any are found.
The sixth step for fiddle leaf fig care is to regularly clean the leaves of your plant to remove dust and debris.
The seventh step in fiddle leaf fig care is to prune your plant as needed to remove any dead or damaged leaves.
The eighth step to take for fiddle leaf fig care is to repot your plant every couple of years to refresh the soil.
The ninth step for fiddle leaf fig care is to propagate your plant by taking stem cuttings and potting them up.
The tenth and final step for fiddle leaf fig care is to enjoy your plant and watch it grow!

Related plant:
Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

The Soil

About soil condition, a fiddle leaf fig should be planted in a well-drained pot with fresh potting mix. The potting mix should be high quality and rich in organic matter. A fiddle leaf fig can also be planted in a mixture of 1 part peat moss to 1 part potting mix. The roots of a fiddle leaf fig should never be allowed to sit in water.

Light requirement

So, like the other houseplants, a fiddle leaf fig needs bright, indirect sunlight to thrive. The best place for your plant is near a south- or west-facing window. If you dont have a spot that gets enough light, you can supplement with a grow light. Be sure to rotate your plant regularly so that all sides get equal light exposure.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition that is best for a fiddle leaf fig is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer a humid environment, so placing them near a source of water is ideal. If the temperature drops below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the leaves of the plant will start to turn brown and drop off.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 50 to 60%. The leaves will start to drop if the humidity gets too low. If the leaves are constantly drooping, it's an indication that the plant is not getting enough water.

Fertilizing

Mentioning fertilizer, this family of plant doesn't need extra nutrients. A good potting mix with some organic matter is all that is needed. Fertilize sparingly in spring and summer, using a balanced fertilizer. If you see yellow leaves, this is a sign of over-fertilization. When it comes to watering, the rule of thumb is to water when the top inch of soil is dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. In the winter, watering can be reduced, as the plant is dormant.

Light requirement

Pruning is an important part of fiddle leaf fig care. By pruning off dead or dying leaves, you allow the plant to put its energy into new growth. You can prune your fiddle leaf fig as needed, but be sure to use sharp, clean shears to avoid damaging the plant.

The Propagation

Propagation is best done in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Take a 6-8 inch cutting from a stem that has new growth. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into rooting hormone. Stick the cutting into a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Place the pot in a warm, bright spot out of direct sunlight and keep the soil moist. In 4-6 weeks, you should see new growth and roots beginning to form. Once the plant is established, you can transplant it into a larger pot.

Growth Rate

Usually, the plant growth rate is between 1 and 2 feet each year. If you live in an area with a lot of sun, your plant may even grow a bit faster. Just be sure to keep an eye on it and give it the occasional trim to keep it from getting too leggy.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are overwatering, underwatering, brown leaves, and wilting leaves. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Underwatering can cause the leaves to turn brown and wilt. If the leaves turn brown and fall off, it is usually a sign of too much water. If the leaves are wilting, it is usually a sign of too little water.

Growing Tips

If you are growing your fiddle leaf fig indoors, make sure to place it in an area that receives bright, indirect light.
Water your fiddle leaf fig when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Be sure to use a well-draining pot when growing your fiddle leaf fig.
Fertilize your fiddle leaf fig once a month during the growing season.
If you notice the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig turning yellow, this is a sign that it is not getting enough light.
Avoid placing your fiddle leaf fig in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
Make sure to prune your fiddle leaf fig regularly to promote new growth.
If your fiddle leaf fig is growing too tall, you can encourage it to branch out by removing the growing tip.
You can propagate your f