How High Maintenance Is A Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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How fast does the fiddle-leaf fig grow? This houseplant can grow

2 feet a year

, reaching about 6 to 10 feet in height.

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How much sun does a fiddle leaf fig plant need?

Yes, fiddle leaf figs live in

full sun

in the wild, but they also have protection from afternoon sun from the canopy of trees nearby. Ideally, you should place your fiddle leaf fig in a south-facing window, where it will get steady sunlight all day long.

What is the lifespan of a fiddle leaf fig?

The ficus lyrata, or fiddle leaf fig, is a tropical tree native to the West African lowland rainforests. It can live for up to

25-50 years

(if cared for properly in non-tropical conditions).

How do you take care of a fiddle leaf fig tree?


Fiddle leaf figs like to be watered well, but they also love to dry out slightly in between waterings

. Avoid just putting on a cup here and there however. “We like to take ours outside and give them a good drenching, this allows them to really take up lots of water into the potting mix. A shower is ideal.

Where should I put my fiddle leaf fig?

Fiddle Leaf Figs should be placed

in front of a window that will receive direct morning or afternoon light

. Ideally, what you’re aiming for is a window with a mostly unobstructed eastern, western, or southern exposure — you don’t want trees or close buildings shading the window.

Are fig trees hard to keep alive?

(Sorry, had to.) 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 do I know if my fiddle leaf fig is happy?

You can tell if your plant is healthy

if the fiddle leaf fig has new growth and the new leaves are larger than the old ones

. The plant will also look good overall and feature vibrant, shiny green leaves.

Can you put fiddle leaf fig outside in summer?


You can definitely move your potted fiddle leaf fig tree outdoors for warmer months

. But keep a few things in mind. Ensure the plant is in a sheltered location where it doesn’t get buffeted by wind or heavy rains.

Do fiddle leaf figs like grow lights?

These plants don’t need direct light, but they do need a light source to survive, and

grow lights can be a great way to supplement this

. On average, fiddle leaf fig can take about four to seven hours of direct sunlight per day, and they can also grow very well in indirect light.

Can fiddle fig live indoor?

A fiddle-leaf fig is perfect as a focal point of a room if you can situate it in a floor-standing container where the plant is allowed to grow to at least 6 feet tall. (Most indoor specimens reach around 10 feet tall.)

How cold is too cold for a fiddle leaf fig?

How cold is too cold? Generally, a fiddle leaf fig will do well in temperatures ranging between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. As with anything, there is some wiggle room, and you can get away with

up to 50 degrees

. Anything that falls below this would adversely affect the plant.

Will an indoor fig tree produce fruit?

Most common indoor fig variety.

You will not only get fruit

, but also have a lovely, decorative plant at home.

How do you keep fiddle leaf figs alive in the winter?

  1. Make Sure There’s Drainage. Your plant’s overall health depends on the health of its root system. …
  2. Don’t Overwater. It’s important that you allow your Fiddle Leaf Fig to dry out a bit between waterings. …
  3. Let Them Rest in Winter. …
  4. Let Old Leaves Go. …
  5. Repot When Necessary.

How do you keep a fig tree alive in the winter?

Although some planting tricks (such as planting your fig against a south-facing wall) can help figs survive most winters without extra care,

wrapping them in layers of burlap and fallen leaves in late autumn or early winter

will keep them from dying back too severely during a cold winter.

What happens if you cut the top off a fiddle leaf fig?

Make the cut just above the top of your node. Do not cut into the node which would damage it, but just above. Cutting your fiddle leaf fig or any plant in the fig family will

produce an oozing, milky, white latex sap

. Just don’t eat it or get it in your eyes as it can be irritating and don’t let it hit the carpet.

Why are fiddle leaf fig trees so expensive?

Fiddle leaf figs are so expensive

due to their rising popularity as a statement decor and eye-catching looks

. The houseplant looks like no other indoor plant, and the size of the leaf can be altered according to pot size. The huge size of the fiddle leaf plants also adds to the cost of the plant.

How often should you repot a fiddle leaf fig?

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.

What temperature do fiddle leaf figs like?

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.

Is fiddle leaf fig toxic?

Fiddle Leaf Fig –

Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested

, causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting.

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 is fiddle leaf fig good for?

Fiddle leaf figs

clean the air

.

According to this NASA study, many plants, including ficus trees such as ficus lyrata, are effective at cleaning air and removing harmful chemicals. Fiddles can also grow quite large, and larger plants respire more than smallers ones, making them more effective at cleaning indoor air.

Should I cut off brown leaves on fiddle leaf fig?


Any leaves with large brown spots or holes can safely be removed to improve the overall health of your plant

. An injured or sick leaf drains the resources of your plant and can spread an infection. When you notice damaged or sick leaves, remove them quickly any time of year.

What do brown spots on fiddle leaf fig mean?

Arguably the most common cause of brown spots in a fiddle leaf fig is

root rot from over-watering

. Root rot is a fungal infection that takes place when the roots sit in water for too long and don’t have adequate drainage. Fiddle leaf fig roots in particular need fast-draining soil and ample drainage.

Why are my fiddle leaf fig leaves turning white?

Fig Tree Leaves Turning White. White areas your fiddle fig’s leaves generally indicate one of two issues:

Mildew or sunburn

. Sometimes a fig’s stems and/or leaves start “growing” a white powder. While this is often mistaken for mold, it’s actually a mildew infection.

How do you care for a fiddle leaf fig outside?
  1. First, transplant the fiddle-leaf fig into a new pot and change the dirt.
  2. Over the course of a week, start with leaving it on the patio or porch during the day. …
  3. Finally, place it in shaded areas with bright, indirect light protecting it from wind and direct sunlight.

Can you plant two fiddle leaf figs together?

Is fiddle leaf indoor or outdoor plant?

Care for an

Outdoor

Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree

Of course, you’ll want to make sure your climate is suitable for growing a fiddle leaf fig outdoors. Temperatures should be no cooler than 50 degrees at night and generally no hotter than 95 or so during the day.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.