Tips & Tricks for Growing a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
In the past few years, the blogging world has become enamored with fiddle leaf fig trees. As I scroll through Instagram, I see beautiful photos of rooms which often include a potted fiddle leaf fig. I bought one last year, and it died a slow, sad death – leaf by leaf. Recently I lucked out and found a couple of fiddle leaf figs at Home Depot for only $12.99 each. I was excited to find them since these plants are hard to find, and I really wanted to prove to myself that I can keep one (or two) alive!
By the time I got home, one of my plants was already showing signs of distress. The top few leaves were wilted. I have been researching this plant because I want mine to survive this time around. Here’s what I found the experts to repeat over and over: Tips & Tricks for Growing a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
- Don’t overwater. Water once a week.
- It needs good light. Consistent bright (indirect light) is best, but the plant can tolerate some full sun if placed in an Eastern facing window. Turn the plant every few months once it begins to lean toward the light.
- A consistent environment is important. Keep the temperature between 60-75 degrees.
Fertilize once a month during the (growing) summer months and repot as the roots grow. Also, keep in mind this plant has a slow rate of growth.
This plant is native to the tropics (West Africa) and can grow to reach heights of 40 feet or more in their natural habitat. In their natural habitat, fiddle leaf plants will produce flowers and then fruit, however, indoors it rarely happens.
As I mentioned before, My last attempt to grow a Fiddle Leaf Fig ended badly. It started losing its leaves, and the poor thing when fast. After my research, I learned that if your plant is losing leaves, it likely needs more moisture or there is a draft. Misting is a good way to increase humidity. Also, clean the leaves with a soft sponge and water to remove dust and improve the glossy appearance. Cold drafts from windows, doors, and air-conditioning units may cause its leaves to dry out and drop.
Want some help with a dying Fiddle Leaf Fig?
Check out Gardenista’s post: 7 Secrets: How to Save a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree.
Just want more information?
Check out About Home’s post: Ficus Lyrata – Growing Fiddle Leaf Fig Indoors.
If you can’t find Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees in your area, here’s an Amazon affiliate link for one:
Please – share any additional tips & tricks for growing a fiddle leaf fig. I would love to hear them!
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Where did you get that planter from?
Hi Nicole, the planter was from HomeGoods. It was really colorful, and I spray painted it black with gold feet.
I find a self watering pot really works well for fiddle leaf figs, especially as they get big. I add water about once a week to the reservoir and they become much more foolproof.
Thanks so much for the suggestion! I may have to try this!
I have a FLF that I have had since May of last year. It has only lost two leaves in this period of time. I’ve done a lot of research and the most important thing I’ve learned is they need lots of indirect sunlight. Please don’t place your plant in a corner because it looks good there. They need to be placed in front of a sunny window. Next is the watering situation. I learned the hard way when to water. Don’t stick your finger in soil to test dryness because it can be dry two inches down but wet farther on down. Use a moisture meter to tell you when it needs watering. Also when I water I don’t water until it runs out the bottom then water once a week. You are setting your plant up for root rot. I water with the cup method. When it was two feet tall I gave it a cup a water, then when it grew taller I gave two cups. My plant is now four foot tall and I give it four cups and I water. And again I use meter when I water. My method has worked great. When I first got my plant it was two feet tall and now it is four foot.. The one important thing I did, I named it Miss Figgy. I talk to her every day. My two adult daughters tell me I fuss over it more than I did them when they were little! Ha!
Thanks for all the advice, Marty! This is really helpful and I need to name my fiddle leaf figs AND talk to them – ha,ha!
I have a big one and pruned back to a stem with 2 leaves and place in water until roots sprout. Plant !!! Done it twice successfully.