These simple and thorough tips for fiddle leaf fig tree care will ensure that you’re giving your beautiful houseplant everything it needs to thrive. Plus, how to troubleshoot when leaves drop or turn different colors.
Despite living in the city for most of my adult life, I really love working outside in the garden with my hands. There’s something so grounding about being a part of nature and seeing a little plant you’ve planted or purchased continue to grow.
Maybe it sounds silly, but I really love them. Watering them, trimming them and caring for them has become one of favorite hobbies.
If you also love gardening, but don’t have the space, houseplants are the next best thing. They add warmth and life to your house. Their vibrant green color adds an organic element to any space that makes it feel well-rounded and comfortable.
We’ve had a fair amount of houseplants and over the years. I’ve learned plenty of tricks to keeping them healthy and thriving. But, if you’ve had houseplants before, you’ll know that some are more forgiving than others.
One of my all-time favorite plants is my fiddle leaf fig. I love their big green leaves and deep green color. I also love that they grow into trees and can end up being a statement in a room.
I’ve had several fiddle leaf fig trees over the years—some have thrived and some have died. But, I’ve learned a lot along the way about what keeps them healthy and happy.
But, let’s back track for a hot second. A few years ago, I bought a gorgeous fiddle leaf fig tree and plopped it in a pot. I watered it regularly and within a few weeks, it started dropping leaves.
Not just a few either. Like half of its leaves. Worst of all, it wasn’t growing new ones. I moved it to a sunnier spot in the house, but still no luck. Eventually, I had to throw it away which was really sad, because larger fiddle leaf fig trees are not cheap!
Since then, I’ve made the effort to learn exactly what keeps a fiddle leaf fig healthy and how to take care of them with ease.
I’m happy to report that my small fiddle leaf fig that I picked up at Home Depot is thriving! It’s grown more than a foot and continues to put off new leaves on a regular basis, though it does slow down a bit in winter.
I consulted with Eric at Gethsemane’s, a nursery in Chicago who gave me the low down on the best tips for fiddle leaf fig tree care.
8 Tips for Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Care, from an Expert
Fiddle Leaf Fig Plants Are Fussy, Treat them Accordingly
First and foremost, if you’re looking for a low maintenance house plant and are new to plants, a fiddle leaf fig might not be the best place to start. They’re fussy and if they’re not happy, they’ll be dropping leaves.
That being said, if you get them in a good place where they’re happy and growing, they’re actually quite easy to take care of. Once I found a spot that mine loved, I only water it every 2-3 weeks.
If you’re not sure if it’s doing well, don’t worry, a fiddle leaf fig will tell you they’re not happy by dropping leaves, turning brown or yellow or dying all together. If this start happening, pay attention to your plant and change your methods.
Find a Spot with Good Morning Light
We often buy a houseplant with a specific place in mind, but know that fiddle leaf figs actually need a decent amount of sunlight. So, before you purchase, make sure that you have a good spot for it.
You want it to have good sunlight not just on its leaves, but on its roots at the top of the soil too.
A room with lots of windows, preferably an east or south-east facing window is great. If you have an area with a window that’s floor to ceiling, even better.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Light Requirements
Most tags on fiddle leaf figs will say that it needs indirect light. I’ve found that to be completely inaccurate. It doesn’t need to be in blazing sunlight all day long, but it does need around 3 hours of sunlight each day.
Through trial and error, I have found that morning light does wonders. I’ve had fiddle leaf figs that only get afternoon light and for whatever reason, they just don’t do very well for me.
All of my fiddle leaf fig plants that get morning light put off new leaves much faster, drop less leaves and are overall happier.
If you need to put something underneath your plastic pot to raise it up, try a terra-cotta planter turned upside down. Or get a plant stand to raise your fiddle leaf fig pot to window level.
Don’t Repot Immediately
When your fiddle leaf moves from the nursery to your home, it may drop a few leaves as it adjusts to a new place. This totally normal, the last thing you want to do is start moving it around.
To keep from shocking it too much, Eric suggested waiting to repot until next spring when it’s grown a bit and actually needs more space.
If you think you need to repot, he suggested sticking your fingers around the inside edge of the pot. Also, if you can easily get your fingers in the soil, you’re probably okay.
How to Know When to Repot
If you hit roots immediately, it’s time to repot into a larger container. Whenever possible, wait to repot until the spring. If you’re wondering what pot is best for fiddle leaf fig, you’ll need one that fits the plant and has enough room to grow, but isn’t massive either. It should also have great drainage, aka, holes at the bottom so the roots don’t sit in water and rot.
As for soil for fiddle leaf fig plants, you’ll want to use a peat-based soil. Most indoor plant soil mixes are perfect.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Watering
When it is time to water, which I’ll talk about in the next point, make sure you’re soaking the plant to the roots. A pint or two won’t do it.
You’ll want to make sure that your fiddle leaf fig is in a planter with good drainage and a saucer underneath. You want it to be able to fully drain, and not let the roots sit in water.
If you’re looking for a self watering pot for fiddle leaf fig plants, I’d suggest against it. Often times those keep the roots of the plants wet. Fiddle leaf fig trees do much better when they get a full soak, and can fully dry out. That’s why the best pot for fiddle leaf fig trees is one with great drainage and plenty of space underneath so that you’re not letting the bottom of the plant sit in water
Best Pots for Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees
Eric suggested a gallon or two to fully soak the plant. You’ll start with a little, let it absorb, then come back 10-15 minutes later and water until you’ve added it all. Remember to remove any leftover water that drains into the saucer so those roots don’t get soggy.
Typically, I don’t have too much water, but if you do, try using a turkey baster or sponges to soak up the excess water. If your plant is smaller, you can just water it in the sink or shower and once it’s fully drained, move it back to its home.
Don’t Water on a Schedule
Eric actually said this was a good rule of thumb for all plants, which makes sense. Depending on the temperature, humidity, time of year, amount of sunlight and other factors, your plant may need to be watered more or less.
The easiest way to tell is to stick a finger an inch into the top of the soil. If it’s dry, water it, if it’s damp, let it be for a few days and check again. He suggested that you check the soil every 2-3 days. That doesn’t mean you’ll water every 2-3 days. Just check to see if your plant needs water!
Once you get to know your plants schedule, you won’t have to check as often. Now, I only check every couple of weeks.
Your Leaves Are Talking To You
Whenever my plant’s leaves started changing color, I figured it meant something, but I couldn’t figure out what exactly. So here’s what they’re trying to tell you:
- Brown, Crispy Leaves: this means your plant needs more water.
- Yellow Leaves: this means you’re overwatering, cut back on your watering and let your plant dry out more between waterings.
I wish I had known this tip a long time ago. It would have saved several of my plants lives!
Fiddle Leaf Fig Fertilizer
Outdoor plants have the opportunity for the soil to be replenished with nutrients from organic matter. But, when your tree is inside, it relies 100% on the soil. This is why repotting when your plant outgrows its current space is so essential. If you’re not repotting often, make sure that you’re fertilizing your soil to give your fiddle leaf fig tree everything it needs.
As for when to fertilize, make sure to read the instructions on the fertilizer you choose. This Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food is what I purchased and have been happy with. You mix the liquid fertilizer with water and pour straight into your planter for fiddle leaf fig tree.
The other reasons for fertilizing your fiddle leaf fig plants regularly is that it helps keep your plant healthy and grow faster.
I hope these tips helps make your fiddle leaf fig tree care easy and straightforward.
Do you have a collection of houseplants too? What tips do you have for caring for a fiddle leaf fig tree?
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