Are Fiddle Leaf Figs Difficult To Care For?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Are fiddle leaf figs difficult to care for? Despite its popularity,

it’s certainly not the easiest houseplant to look after

, but its visual impact in a space is unmatched when given proper conditions and care. The Fiddle Leaf Fig appreciates a warm, humid environment, a fair amount of water and plenty of light.

Are fiddle leaf figs hard to keep alive?

The good news is,

even if it feels impossible, even if you struggle with the easiest, most low-maintenance plants out there, you can keep a fiddle leaf fig alive

. You just need to know what you’re doing, but once you do, it’ll be fine. Take a deep breath, grab your watering can, and get ready to learn.

How long do fiddle leaf figs last?

It can live for up to

25-50 years

(if cared for properly in non-tropical conditions). What makes it so popular among design circles? Most people credit the big, floppy round leaves of the tree, shaped like violins.

Do fiddle leaf fig trees need a lot of water?

Fiddle Leaf Figs need a lot of natural light and do best when placed directly in front of a window.

Water thoroughly about once a week

, allowing the top couple inches of soil to dry out before watering again.

Do fiddle leaf figs do better inside or outside?


Fiddle-leaf fig plants can thrive outdoors if you live in a sunny area or are looking to transition your houseplant outside

. Moving your indoor fiddle-leaf fig plant into an outside garden is a gradual process. First, transplant the fiddle-leaf fig into a new pot and refresh the soil.

Why is fiddle leaf fig popular?

Simply put, they photograph well. And if you think about it, you’ve probably seen many more fiddle-leaf figs online or in editorial spreads than you have in real homes. The reason behind this is also the reason why the fiddle-leaf figs popularity is so peculiar:

they’re difficult to care for

.

How often should I water fiddle leaf fig?

Watering a Fiddle Leaf Fig

The number one way to kill a fiddle leaf fig is to overwater it or not allow for proper drainage. Water your plant about

once a week or every 10 days

.

How much does a fiddle leaf fig cost?

Fiddle leaf figs can cost

around $200 for a full-grown plant

. However, if you buy a young plant, you can get one for approximately $20. In general, buying local and in-person is the best way to make sure you are getting a healthy plant.

Why do fiddle leaves fall off?


Lack of watering and very dry air

can cause a fiddle leaf fig to drop leaves. Take care not to put your plant in direct sun or near a heating vent, where it is blasted with dry air regularly. Fiddle leaf figs do not like drafts, so picking a spot away from any vents or blasts of hot air is ideal.

Can a fig tree live indoors?

Can you grow a fig tree indoors?

The short answer is no

. Here’s why you wouldn’t want to: The edible fig (Ficus carica) needs full sun in the summer, which is almost impossible to get indoors. In autumn, the deciduous fig tree loses its leaves and goes into dormancy for the winter, when it doesn’t need any sun at all.

How fast do fiddle leaf figs grow?

Fiddle-leaf figs can grow quickly.

It’s not unusual to see them shoot up a foot or two in a year

. If you leave your plant in a corner and don’t rotate it, that growth can quickly become uneven as it tries to reach for the sunlight.

How much sun does a fiddle leaf fig need?

“Fiddle-leaf figs enjoy lots of light and they can often take

up to five hours of direct light a day

.” According to Greenery Unlimited, it does best “close to south- or west-facing windows, or directly in an east-facing window,” and nothing can be anything blocking that light (like a building or trees).

Can I put my fiddle leaf fig in the shower?

Showering cleans the leaves.

This is probably the biggest benefit of giving your fiddle a shower!

Showering can be an effective method for cleaning dust and dirt off your fiddle leaf fig leaves

. Dust on the leaves doesn’t just look bad, it can hurt your plant!

What temperature do fiddle leaf figs prefer?

Fiddle leaf figs prefer to be in warmer temperatures ranging from

60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit

. However, make sure your fiddle leaf fig is nowhere near a heating vent, fan, or drafts from a window or door. “Fickle fiddles” thrive in higher humidity.

When should I repot my fiddle leaf?

Generally, fiddle leaf figs need to be repotted

every 1-2 years

. What if I don’t want to move my fig into a larger pot? Another option, especially for a large plant, is to trim the root ball carefully and repot the plant back into its old pot, adding new potting soil.

Is a fiddle-leaf fig a succulent?

Caring For A Fiddle Leaf Fig —

The Zen Succulent

| Durham’s Neighborhood Plant & Gift Shop.

Are fiddle Leafs out of style?


The Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trend Will Only Continue To Thrive In 2021

, According To Celebrities.

How do you pick a good fiddle-leaf fig?

  1. Check the condition of the leaves. …
  2. Look at the shape and the size of the leaves. …
  3. Look for new growth. …
  4. The new growth should be in good shape. …
  5. Pull out your mobile phone’s flashlight feature and check in the nooks and crannies for teeny tiny bugs.

How long can fiddle leaf fig go without water?

A fiddle leaf fig plant is supposed to be able to go at least a week without water. It’s said that the exact time that a fiddle leaf fig can go without needing to be watered is

between seven and ten days

.

How do you care for an indoor fig tree?

Can fiddle leaf figs grow outside?

The fiddle leaf fig is

best grown in partial shade outdoors in most tropical and warm-temperate climates

, but it will take full sun when established.

Are fig trees toxic to dogs?

Although the fig plants are popular household plants,

they can be toxic to dogs

. The leaves of the fig contain a sap that can be very irritating to dogs, either on the skin or when ingested. Fig poisoning in dogs can happen to dogs that eat any part of this well-known plant.

Do fiddle leaf figs only grow from the top?

Why is it called a fiddle leaf fig?

Have you ever wondered why the Ficus lyrata is called the fiddle leaf fig plant? It’s obvious really.

The plant gets its name from the violin-like shaped leaves that remind you of a fiddle

. The leaves can grow to be huge too.

Should I cut the bottom leaves off my fiddle leaf fig?

Removing them denies you one of the plant’s early alert systems. Remember, those lower leaves are HELPING that tree to become a tree-shape and

should be left until the very last step of the shaping process

.

Should I cut brown spots off fiddle leaf fig?

Remove the affected leaves and make sure your plant has adequate light.

If there are multiple brown spots, you’ll need to cut away any brown, mushy roots and the leaves with brown spots then repot your plant

, taking care not to over water in the future.

Can I cut my fiddle leaf fig in half?

Use a sharp, clean tool to prune your plant and be sure that the cutting motion is not crushing or damaging the stem.

Make each cut about half an inch from any leaves or the trunk

. This allows your plant to properly heal without risk of infection to the main trunk or any remaining leaves.

Are fiddle leaf good for bedrooms?

The fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is one of the trendiest houseplants around, given its frequent appearance in home magazines, television shows, and blogs. Its large leaves are its focal point, so

providing the right lighting is essential to keeping your plant lush in a bedroom setting

.

Do fig trees grow well in pots?


Figs prefer organically rich soil that is consistently moist and well-drained

. The best option for container growing is a quality soilless potting mix. Potting mixes are specifically made for growing potted plants, are lightweight, retain moisture and supply plenty of air space around the roots.

Can you keep a fig tree small?

The answer is

yes it is possible to grow a fig tree in an 18 inch container and keep the tree in that container permanently

. However, to keep your fig tree healthy and cropping well there is some simple maintenance involved.

How do I get my fiddle leaf fig to turn new leaves?

How do you encourage leaf growth on a fiddle leaf fig?


Notching Your Fiddle Leaf Fig

Notching is a method of encouraging a Fiddle Leaf Fig to branch that doesn’t involve removing any height off the plant. Instead, small cuts or ‘notches’ are made up and down the stem or trunk to encourage new growth to form further down the plant.

Do fiddle leaf figs bear fruit?

Does a Fiddle Leaf Fig create fruit?

Outside its native habitat, a fiddle leaf fig rarely flowers or fruits

. But, we’ve included a photo of what the fruit looks like (right). Most owners enjoy these houseplants for their foliage and stature, rather than their fruit-bearing capabilities.

What window is best for fiddle leaf fig?

Fiddle-leaf Figs prefer bright, filtered light.

An east or north facing window with good exposure but no direct sunlight

is ideal. A short bit of daily direct sunshine is okay, but avoid mid-afternoon sun at all costs.

Can I put olive oil on my fiddle leaf fig?

From what I’ve read so far you can use these to clean and make your indoor plants’ leaves shine; A solution of half milk and half water. Inside of Banana peels.

Few drops Olive oil

.

Can I put cinnamon in my fiddle leaf fig soil?

But my lovely friend, Rachel Aust, gave me a great tip a while back to use Cinnamon to help keep them at bay! Seriously, such an easy and affordable hack! Just

sprinkle a light layer across the top of your soil after watering and repeat once a week for a few weeks!

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.