Fiddle Leaf Fig Care - Teak And Terracotta

In general Fiddle Leaf Figs need a little bit of care – they don’t like to me moved too much or be overwatered, but other than that they do well in most households with the right care. We run down all you need to know and a few fiddle leaf fig care tips…

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Summary

Light needs:	FLFs like a lot of indirect sunlight but will tolerate a lot of different light conditions from mid-low to high.
Watering needs:	Let it dry out fully between watering.
Fertilizer:	High nitrogen content feed in summer months.
Soil:	Really well draining, add cactus soil to your normal compost
Humidity:	40-60%. High end of normal household humidity – mist them when watering.
Temperature:	15-27°C (59-81°F). Higher end of household temperatures.
Where to buy:	Try our list of the best rare plant shops.
Other names:	Ficus Lyrata, lyre-leaved fig tree, FLF.
Common issues:	They don’t like to be moved around or get drafty. Be sure not to overwater.

Intro

Welcome to our Fiddle Leaf Fig Care guide. The Ficus Lyrata, or Fiddle Leaf Fig, is a stylish leafy plant that has risen to prominence due to it’s amazing looks making it great for indoor plant styling. It’s unique shaped leaves look stunning in almost any space.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Light Needs

FLFs can tolerate a range of light conditions, they will do well in a lot of home environments in terms of light…

Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Need Direct Sunlight?

Fiddle Leaf Figs like good amounts of sunlight, if you live in a colder climate then direct sunlight will be good for them, but avoid midday sun. Some morning sun is fine. Be careful though – if you FLF has not been in direct sunlight before it needs gradual exposure or it will burn. So keep it under shade and gradually reduce the hours of shade, this way you can get them to tolerate direct sunlight.

Can A Fiddle Leaf Fig Live In Low Light?

FLFs like light and will grow quicker with good indirect sunlight with some direct sunlight. But they will tolerate medium light conditions and they will often do okay back from the window, although they may not be as lusciously green.

You can rotate the plants slightly each time you water so they do not grow lopsided.

How Often to Water A Fiddle Leaf Fig

Do not overwater your FLF, let it dry out between waterings which will mean watering it every one to two weeks in growing season. Check the top inch or two (a finger depth) is dry before watering.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Fertilizer

In the hotter months when the plant does most of it’s growing you can give it a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content (i.e. a 312 NPK). Keep an eye on the plant after feeding it to make sure the leaves are not burning.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil

FLFs like well draining soil, or they can get root rot. I use a standard potting compost with a mix of cactus and succulent compost (about 20%) which has worked well. You can also add some perlite too if you like to make sure it is well draining.

When To Repot A Fiddle Leaf Fig

You don’t need to repot these plants regularly, but once they become root bound you can move them up a pot size if you want them to grow bigger. The best time of year to do this is spring.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Humidity

FLFs like slightly humid environments. Normal household humidity is about 40-50% and fiddle leaf figs like 40-60%. You can mist them occasionally if you like.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Temperature

Aim for 15-27°C (59-81°F). FLFs should be kept in relatively warm household environments. Good fiddle leaf fig care means paying attention to temperature – don’t let them get too cold, or the leaves can brown and even fall off. Move them back from cold windows or drafts in the winter (and keep them away from cold air-con units).

Where To Buy Fiddle Leaf Fig

You can get these practically everywhere these days from small specialist stores to huge garden centers. I search Ebay, Amazon and Etsy for deals. Also local apps/craigslist marketplaces etc.

Other Names for Fiddle Leaf Fig

Ficus Lyrata, lyre-leaved fig tree, FLF.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Indoors Tips

The key to caring for an FLF indoors is to water it well but let it dry out between waterings, and keep it in the same spot.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Care Outdoors Tips

Keeping an FLF outdoors is possible as long as you can maintain temperatures above 10°C (50°F), and keep them from strong winds and strong sun.

How To Propagate A Fiddle Leaf Fig

There are many ways to propagate a fiddle leaf fig we go through a lot of them in our full guide: Fiddle Leaf Fig Propagation, as well as Fiddle Leaf Fig Propagation In Soil, Fiddle Leaf Fig Propagation In Water.

The easiest way is to start them in water then move them to soil. Take a cutting from the end or near the end of a branch (the younger the better) and then let the wound heal over for a few hours. When it is healed you can put it in a jar of tap water to root. Keep it well lit and humid.

Then, in about 2 months, pot it up in soil, and keep it humid until it roots well in the soil and then starts to put out new growth from the top of the plant.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Cuttings — I chopped one of my fiddle leaf figs right down to make a loads of cuttings.

Young Fiddle Leaf Fig Cuttings — Some of my cuttings potted up

Is It Toxic To Cats?

They are toxic to cats if eaten, and can cause vomiting and numbness. So seek vets advice immediately if your pet eats any.

Fiddle Leaf Fig USDA Zone

They can live outdoors in zones 9-11. They can be fussy, so be careful with them outside. The bigger the plant, the more resistant they are to temperature chagnes and the better they do outdoors

Fiddle Leaf Fig FAQs and Common Issues

Here are few different issues associated with FLFs as well as answers to commonly asked questions…

Fiddle Leaf Fig Not Growing

FLFs are slow growing, you need patience! But check that is is not root bound and it is getting enough light as these can slow growth down

How Fast Do Fiddle Leaf Fig Grow?

For the first few years they grow really slowly, but as soon as they start to take on a tree-like shape after 3 years or so, they can grow half a meter (1.5 feet) a year if given the right conditions.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Overwatering

Overwatering can be quite common and cause leaf drop, browning or yellowing. Make sure your plants is a in a well draining medium and pot and let it mostly dry out before watering again. After watering make sure you tip out any excess water in the bottom of the saucer. They should not sit in soggy soil

How Often Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Grow New Leaves?

They should put out new leaves every 1 or two months, they grow slowly

Do Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees Grow Figs?

The fiddle leaf fig (ficus lyrata) does not grow figs, you need a fig tree (ficus carica).

Do Fiddle Leaf Fig Leaves Grow Back?

Once the leaves have been shed they do not grow back from the same spot. But new growth should grow from the top of the plant.

Do Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees Like To Be Root Bound?

They are ok to be root bound for a bit but they will not grow as well, so pot them up a size when they get crowded.

Can Fiddle Leaf Fig Grow In Low Light?

They will not grow well in low light, give them medium indirect light at least.

Where Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Grow Naturally?

They are native to Wet Africa, where they can grow huge!

Is Fiddle Leaf Fig Toxic To Cats?

Yes it is toxic if eaten, the sap is an irritant too. So seek vets advice if your pet eats it.

Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Difficult To Care For?

Fiddle Leaf Figs do have a few requirements to thrive, so are not super easy to look after. But as long as you meet their watering needs they should do well in most household environments. If you have a really dark space you might need to consider a different plant. They do get used to their location so don’t move them around once you find a good spot for them. In general they like being on a well-lit, warm window sill. The bigger they get the less fussy they are, as they can tolerate bigger changes in environment. I moved a few of mine to our terrace (we live in Spain) and they have survived the winter well.

Why Are The Leaves On My Fiddle Fig Turning Brown?

Leaves brown when the plant is overwatered. They can also turn brown due to drafts and coldness. Make the sure the top layer of soil is dry before watering and move the plant away from cold drafts.

Should I Cut Brown Leaves Off A Fiddle Leaf Fig?

You can cut brown leaves off as long as there are plenty of other foliage, so that they do not drain the plants energy.

Do Fiddle Leaf Figs Like Bathrooms?

FLFs will like the humidity and warmth of a bathroom, but they will also need good indirect sunlight, so a bright bathroom will be great for a fiddle leaf fig.

Is It Normal For Fiddle Leaf Fig To Drop Leaves?

These plants do shed leaves from time to time, the older leaves will fall off. It is nothing to worry about.