Tools and Materials
How To Care for Fiddle Leaf Fig
Most of the fiddle trees are planted or kept inside the house, as they look aesthetically pleasing. So, we will learn some steps to maintain while the plant is indoors.
Choosing the Perfect Spot for Light
Before you learn how to take care of a fiddle leaf fig, it is important to know where to put it if you are keeping it inside.
- This plant grows nicely in bright and indirect sunlight. Place your fiddle leaf fig near a large window where it can get plenty of natural light without being exposed to direct sunlight for a long time.
- You can use a grow light if you don’t have enough natural light in your house.
Moisture and Temperature Requirements
- For proper fiddle leaf fig care, it is important to maintain the moisture level in the room where it is placed.
- They should be placed in warm areas of your house, where the temperature is around 60°F and 75°F (16°C to 24°C).
- Do not place it near an area where there is a sudden change in temperature, like AC vents, heaters or windows with strong air.
- Using a humidifier or regularly misting the leaves can help keep your plant healthy in winter- fiddle leaf plants like a moderate level of humidity.
Watering and Cleaning
If your plant is inside the house, it needs to be cleaned by hand and proper watering is necessary.
- You should let the top layer of soil dry a little before you water it.
- Overwatering should not be done; do it until the top layer is no longer dry.
- Empty the water container in which the plant is put to give proper air circulation for the roots to grow.
- Clean the leaves using a damp cloth to avoid dust and other pest-related diseases. Since the plant is placed inside, it will look more appealing if the leaves are cleaned regularly.
Crispy and dry leaves are signs that you are not giving enough water. Dark brown, damp and yellow leaves indicate overwatering. So, adjust your watering method according to the state of the leaves.
Using Fertilizer
- Fiddle leaf figs should be fertilized about once a month during the spring and summer seasons. In fall and winter, the plant’s growth slows, so it’s best to reduce or stop fertilizing.
- A water-soluble fertilizer with an equal ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) works well for fiddle leaf figs.
Repotting the Fiddle Tree
Repotting should be done every 2-3 Years. As your fiddle leaf fig grows, you'll need to repot it into a larger pot.
- For repotting, you will need more soil. Use a high-quality potting mix that includes peat, perlite and a bit of sand as well. You can also add organic matter like compost or worm castings to improve soil quality.
- Choose a pot that is two inches larger in diameter than the current one.
- Be careful not to damage the roots while pulling out the plant from the pot.
Pruning and Shaping the Plant
While you are pruning to remove the damaged parts of plants you can give it a nice shape to it simultaneously.
- Use sharp and clean pruning shears or your hands to pull out the damaged leaves.
- Cut the leaf's stem at an angle just above the node where leaves attach to the stem, about half an inch away from the trunk. This will also help in branching.
- After you are done pruning, you can use a trimmer to give it the shape you prefer. Most people keep it in a triangular formation but do this process during the growth season so it can develop quickly.
Maintaining the Plant
The main part of maintaining the plant is to keep it safe from pests and diseases.
- You can use insecticides directly if you want, but in a limited amount, it will take care of both pests and diseases.
- If you want a more organic way, you can use neem oil to treat the fungus and molds.
- Keep cleaning the spider webs from time to time.
- When the plant is big enough, you can start propagating it to get another plant from this one.