All You Need to Know About Fiddle Leaf Figs

It’s the houseplant everyone knows and loves. Fiddle leaf figs earned their credibility a long time ago, largely for their popularity on social media. A quick search reveals that people all over the world continue to love their fiddle leaf figs just as much today as they did years ago.

What’s the big deal about these eye-catching plants? First, they look downright incredible. Few plants capture attention like these striking beauties. Next, there’s the sheer satisfaction that comes from watching them flourish under your care. Once you’ve put your energy into them, you’ll see just how well they grow with some TLC. In some cases, they’re capable of growing up to 10 feet tall inside.

Keep in mind that it’s possible for a fiddle leaf fig to fare a little too well — so much so that they may even outgrow the inside of your home! In that case, transport it outside and keep it in a shaded spot to maintain it. Here’s how to make sure your fiddle leaf fig thrives and brings you continuous joy at home.

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Lighting Needs

Adequate lighting is vital to your plant’s wellbeing. A lack of sunshine can cause issues like brown spots, leaf loss, and yellowing leaves. Ideally, place the plant in a spot that’s exposed to plenty of natural, indirect light throughout the day. In their natural habitat, they’re exposed to near-constant sunshine, so a large window is a great option.

Then consider shading. If your window doesn’t have an awning or some type of overhang present, it’s possible the sunlight will scorch the leaves. In that case, pull the plant back several feet. It should still be in the path of light, but shouldn’t be exposed to excess direct sunshine. Aim to give the plant at least six hours of natural light.

What if you don’t have access to this kind of lighting? Try a grow light that shines LED or fluorescent light on the planet. Those wavelengths will support the plant’s growth without overheating the leaves, so you don’t have to worry about burns. If you’re giving your plant artificial light, it should receive at least eight hours.

Drainage Needs

Optimal drainage is vital to the health of your fiddle leaf fig. Weak drainage can cause excessive moisture to build up, leading to root rot and premature plant failure. In their natural habitat, the soil that supports the fiddle leaf fig drains efficiently. It’s never exposed to too much or too little water. Of course, when you’re in charge of the drainage instead of Mother Nature, it can be decidedly trickier to accomplish the right ratio.

When you know drainage is efficient, you can saturate the roots entirely without worrying that the moisture will linger at the base of the container. Under ideal conditions, the water simply flows out of the drainage holes without causing rotting at the roots or leaving the soil soggy and weighed down.

Watering Needs

While proper drainage is essential, you still need to be mindful of how much you water your fiddle leaf fig. It’s best to do so no more than once a week, although the final decision depends on the size of the plant, drainage capability, and container size. You can use a soil meter to guide you until you get a good feel for what your plant needs. Insert it into the soil so you can determine the soil’s moisture level. When the number reads low, it’s time to water.

At the same time, be careful about signs of root rot. If you see something suspicious, like discoloration or wilting, it’s time to move the plant to a fast-draining soil and use a root treatment promptly. That should resolve the problem before it harms the plant permanently.

Finally, get into the habit of rotating the plants on a regular basis to ensure they grow evenly. You can do this every time you water, or every other time. That way, your fiddle leaf fig will look great from every angle.