All About the Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree: Care, Propagation, and More

How do you care for a fiddle leaf fig tree?

1. Placement
2. Lighting
3. Watering
4. Routine maintenance
5. Propagation methods
6. Common concerns

The Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree (also known as the Ficus lyrata) is one of the most popular indoor plants you can get. Its large, glossy leaves and sleek trunk make for a gorgeous, architectural statement in any room of the house. While this plant may be a great aesthetic addition to your space, it is also quite finicky and many find it hard to care for.

If you’re interested in owning a Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree but are worried about how to keep it alive, don’t worry. This guide is all about how to care for a Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree. Read on to learn how to get this plant thriving in your space!

Placement

The first thing to consider is where to put a new Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree. Placement is crucial because this plant does not thrive when being moved around quite often. This plant is also very sensitive to environmental changes.

A Fiddle-Leaf Fig will appreciate a warm, humid environment that is away from air vents and drafts. It is known that strong winds can damage plants. This is why a Fiddle-Leaf Fig must be placed somewhere with gentle air circulation. This plant will not do well in low-light environments, so look for a space with plenty of sun exposure. The most ideal placement is in front of or close by a window.

When you’ve placed a Fiddle-Leaf Fig in its new home, it’ll take some time for it to adjust. So, don’t panic if it loses a few leaves in the first few weeks!

Lighting

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trees love sunlight — they need lots of it to thrive. Ideally, this plant should get plenty of indirect sunlight and some direct sunlight every day. Too much direct light can burn its leaves, particularly when it comes from the hot afternoon sun.

We recommend placing Fiddle-Leaf Fig near a window facing east. This gives the plant plenty of gentle morning sunlight while preventing the harsher afternoon light from burning its leaves.

The size of your Fiddle-Leaf Fig also plays a role in how much light it needs to grow well. The larger your plant is, the more light it will need. If you’re unsure if you’re giving it too much or too little light exposure, check its leaves. Too much sunlight will quickly form brown scorch marks, while too little sunlight will cause them to droop.

Watering

Fiddle-Leaf Figs need to be thoroughly watered regularly, which is about once a week. Depending on how big your Fiddle-Leaf Fig is, you’ll want to adjust how much and how often you water it. A good rule of thumb is to hold off on watering until the top 2 to 3 inches of its soil is dry. When this happens, it’s time for you to water it. Not sure how to go about watering your plants? Check out our guide here.

This plant does best when its soil is consistently and evenly moist, with a brief dry period in between. If your Fiddle-Leaf Fig is in a planter without a drainage hole, you should be extra cautious when watering. We suggest allowing your plant to dry out more for another day or two between waterings to avoid drowning your plant or causing root rot.

Routine Maintenance

As with most other indoor plants, Fiddle-Leaf Figs need routine maintenance to look their best. One of the most important parts of caring for your Fiddle-Leaf is to dust its most eye-catching feature, which is its leaves. Since the Fiddle-Leaf Fig’s leaves are so big, they need to be dusted regularly to help them better absorb sunlight and perform photosynthesis efficiently.

You should also rotate your Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree every week or two. Doing so will ensure even light exposure, allowing all sides to grow equally. This will keep your plant symmetrical and healthy.

Fiddle-Leaf Figs also benefit from the occasional pruning. Cutaway any damaged, burnt, overgrown, or crossed branches to help your plant breathe. Any cuts you make should be at least an inch away from the trunk to avoid irreversible damage. If you are pinching away dead leaves, pull on them very gently before trying to sever them, as they tend to fall off with only a little pressure.

Aerating its soil every few months will keep it from becoming compacted and too root-bound. Aerating can be done with several tools. A small shovel, pick, or stick can do the trick. Gently show your tool into the soil, slowly pushing it in to avoid damaging the roots. Repeat this action around the pot and it will effectively break up any spots where the soil has stuck together.

Lastly, if you’re planning on fertilizing your Fiddle-Leaf Fig, our recommendation is to use the “less is more” approach. Avoid overwhelming this plant by placing lots of nutrients in one go. We recommend using a slow-release pellet fertilizer and mixing them in the top layer of soil.

Propagation Methods

Despite its finicky nature, it is quite easy to propagate Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trees. Working with stem cuttings is just about impossible to mess up.

To propagate your Fiddle-Leaf Fig, follow these steps:

1. Use a pair of sharp shears to cut a stem. The stem has to be 12 to 18 inches long with a few leaves.
2. Leave out only two to three leaves on the cut stem. Pick out the rest.
3. Pick a jar or vase and fill with room temperature water. Immediately place your cutting in the vessel. Then, place it in a warm place with bright and indirect light.
4. Change the water in the vessel when it becomes cloudy.
5. In a few weeks, expect a few small white bumps to appear on your cutting. After a few more weeks, roots will grow from these bumps.
6. When the roots grow about 2 inches long, plant the cutting in a pot filled with soil.
7. Water the soil until damp. Then, follow standard light and watering guides for a fully grown Fiddle-Leaf Fig.

And voilà, you have a baby Fiddle-Leaf Fig!

Common Concerns

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trees do not have any serious diseases or pest issues that you have to keep an eye out for. However, they are prone to bacterial and fungal diseases, which can be caused by overwatering or stagnant air. If you notice the leaves have spots or dark patches, your Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trees may need treatment.

If something is off about the growing conditions, Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trees are quick to tell you so. Keep an eye on its leaves, as this is how they communicate their conditions. If your Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trees are dying at a quick rate or develop blemishes, you need to make adjustments to its care. These plants are also toxic to children and pets, so make sure to keep them away from your little ones.

Key Takeaway

Fiddle-Leaf Figs can be fussy plants at times, but providing these with proper conditions and care can be much easier than you think. This is especially true if you follow our guide on how to care for a Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree above.

Are you convinced that you want this stunning plant for your home? Get your own Fiddle-Leaf Fig today from Unbeleafable PH! We guarantee premium quality plants, personally delivered anywhere in Metro Manila. For more inquiries, contact Unbeleafable PH by clicking here!