Fiddle Leaf Fig Care & Tips
The day he brought it home
August, 13, 2020
On August 13th, 2020, my husband surprised me with the plant of my dreams - a stunning fiddle leaf fig! Seriously, it was like winning the botanical jackpot! Now, let's fast forward nearly three years later - this glorious specimen is not only surviving but thriving like nobody's business. I always get questions about how I care for it and what I use to maintain its healthy leaves. So, I have put together all of my tips and tricks to help new FLF plant owners too.
Bringing home your Fiddle and Repotting
When you bring home a new Fiddle Leaf Fig, it will typically be in a nursery pot. It can be tempting to immediately repot it into a larger container, but this can lead to what is called transplant shock, which occurs when the roots of a plant suffer damage during the transplanting process. To give your fiddle leaf fig the best chance, it needs time to acclimate to its new environment, and it is suggested to give your fiddle at least a month for this adjustment period. A healthy fiddle leaf fig typically only needs to be repotted every one to two years, so you can keep it in the nursery pot for a little while. Fiddle Leaf Figs are known to enjoy being slightly root bound, so unless it’s to the point where the roots are coming out from the drainage holes it doesn’t need to be touched.
So go ahead and stick that ugly little nursery pot into a cute basket.
If you do decide that it's time to replant your fiddle leaf, it's crucial to consider the winter months. During this period, the fiddle enters a dormant stage, where it’s growth slows down, and it’s energy focus shifts towards root development. This dormant phase is a time of rest and rejuvenation for the plant. The best time to repot is during the Spring, aligning with its natural growth cycle.
When picking a new pot, make sure it's just slightly bigger than the current one that it is in. Using pots that are too large can cause root rot. So, go only 1-2 inches larger for regular pots or 2-3 inches for bigger ones and make sure it has a few drainage holes on the bottom. Always approach the repotting process with care. The goal is to gently move the fiddle from its original container to a slightly larger one without disturbing its delicate roots. After repotting, make sure to water the plant right away. This helps the soil settle around the roots then place your plant in a bright spot and allow it to adjust. Remember, fiddle leaf figs dislike change. Therefore, it's best to let it adapt to its new pot and soil without making any more changes.
Lighting
Fiddle leaf figs are tropical plants that means they need lots of light and humidity to grow well. To keep them healthy, it's important to put them in places with bright, indirect sunlight. So if it doesn't have a clear view of the sky, it’s more likely to perish. Fiddles are creatures of habit and will flourish once they've found a happy and sunny spot.
During the warm Kentucky spring and summer months, I keep my fiddle outside on my porch where it's not in direct sunlight. It loves the heat and humidity, and when it rains, I pull it out from under my porch and let nature water it. As long as the weather doesn't drop below 60 degrees, it stays out there pretty much all summer. That's also always when I notice the leaves undergoing the most significant growth too.
In the cooler months of Fall and Winter, I take extra care of my fiddle while it goes a dormant stage. I bring it inside my housed and to make sure it gets enough light, I use grow lights that imitate sunlight. These lights are important in keeping the fiddle alive during the harsher seasons. Remember to keep the plant away from drafts and open windows, as this can harm it. Since humidity also decreases, I like to place a humidifier near the fiddle to prevent the leaves from drying out and breaking. If your fiddle's edges curl or have "dimples," it means it needs more moisture. When the air is too dry, the new baby leaves may stick and cause holes in the leaf. Something I’ve learned along the way is when I see a new leaf peaking through I spray it with a mister a few times a day so that the leaves don’t stick together.
Watering
Watering is a common issue for new fiddle leaf fig owners. Many people are afraid of overwatering, so they only give their plant small amounts of water each time. However, "overwatering" actually refers to how often you water your plant, not how much water you give it. Its ability to withstand heavy tropical rainfall means it can handle a good soaking. Just make sure the water can freely flow out of the pot or container, as stagnant water can lead to root rot. To determine when it’s time to water again, touch the top inch of soil. If the top inch of the soil feels very dry, then it's time to water again.
Caring for your Fiddle
Caring for my fiddle is my favorite part, it’s basically a fourth family member in our house. Over time, dust can accumulate on its leaves, slowing down the process of photosynthesis. To clean it, you can use water from a spray bottle and a cloth. Carefully support the leaves and gently wipe each one to remove the dust.
If the fiddle plant is outside in the rain, remember to allow it to drain properly. Make sure to wipe off any soaked leaves before returning it to its original spot. Additionally, you can add an extra touch of radiance to your fiddle plant by using my favorite product called "Leaf Shine." This can be done approximately once a month.
Maintaining the cleanliness and shine of your fiddle plant not only keeps it looking stunning, but also contributes to its overall well-being.
Fertilizing your Fiddle
Fertilizing your fiddle supports the growth of a strong root system, providing your fiddle with the necessary nutrients it needs. To help your fiddle grow well, apply fertilizer during the growing season, starting from spring. Feed it every month from spring to fall, and every three months from fall to spring. If you repot the fiddle, wait a month or two before fertilizing again, to let the roots recover. Be cautious not to use excessive fertilizer, as it can harm the plant. Over-fertilization leads to stunted growth, a fragile plant, and wrinkled leaves.
Hopefully, this basic knowledge I’ve learned along the way can help someone who just got their first fiddle. While it may seem like a super delicate plant that requires utmost care, it's important to remember that it will thrive as long as you find the right routine and stick to it. If I can do it with no experience at all, so can you! And don’t forget to tag me with your plant baby on instagram so I can see your beautiful FLF.
To shop all my favorite fiddle leaf fig purchases click the link below.
