The fiddle-leaf fig will not withstand situations with both low light and high light, in contrast to other plants (looking at you, monsteras!). It must be placed in an area with lots of bright, indirect light. Furthermore, it requires a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
“Lighting is the first and most crucial factor you should take into account before purchasing a fiddle. Little did I know that by placing my fiddle in a room with a north-facing window when I first took it home, I was sort of setting myself up for failure “Greene explains. “Fiddle-leaf figs like lots of light, and they frequently need up to five hours of direct light each day,” says the author. It thrives “near to south- or west-facing windows, or directly in an east-facing window,” according to Greenery Unlimited, and nothing can be anything blocking that light (like a building or trees). Additionally, because it grows toward the sun, you must rotate it once a month.
In addition to these lighting requirements, you also need to gradually introduce sunshine; you cannot expose it to too much sunlight at once. Otherwise, the lovely green leaves of the fiddle-leaf fig can burn and get brown spots. On the other side, too little sunlight will cause its leaves to become brown or yellow, or even worse, fall off. It also hates being moved around a lot since it could lose its leaves. Most likely out of spite. Even if your plant sustains some combat wounds in the process, you’ll finally locate the best location for it, even if it takes some trial and error.
“Adding a grow lamp ($23) is one of the things you can do to supplement that light if you already have a fiddle-leaf fig but feel like it’s not getting enough,” advises Greene. They’re fantastic since you can automatically control how much light it receives each day, especially if they include a timer.
Fiddle Leafs can they survive in dim light?
The Ficus lyrata, or fiddle-leaf fig, can withstand temperatures in offices that are average or higher while also being highly resistant of low light circumstances.
Gorgeous fiddle-leaf figs have enormous, lustrous, dark green leaves. Technically speaking, Ficus lyrata is a species of tree that can reach heights of six feet or more. They are therefore ideal for use as floor plants and in bigger offices.
How can you maintain a fiddle leaf in dim light?
A botanical miracle and tree envy For years, I coveted fiddle leaf fig trees. Fiddle leaf figs are used by all the legitimate designers and in every beautiful interior shown in Domino. They simply yell, “Oh, yes. This space is so lovely that a huge plant just stays there all the time.
I was upset because I couldn’t grow even a tiny herb. The photographs of the beautiful fiddle leaves only served to mock me. After a few years have passed, I’ve miraculously managed to keep mine alive for almost two years.
I frequently receive emails on Newton, my fiddle leaf fig tree. If you’ve read this site for even a little while, you’ve probably heard about my serial plant-killing tendencies. Not only do I have a “Black thumb, my entire stinking arm might be lethal.
I made a commitment to Newton when I brought him home. Hell or high water, whatever. The usual plant-care advice wasn’t going to cut it. I had more work to do.
My fiddle leaf fig tree needed wooing. THE DAY I BRINGED HIM HOME There is a small phenomenon that my husband affectionately refers to as the “ceramic cemetery My empty pots are stacked there, plantless and unfulfilled, under our tool shed. The moment I tried to discreetly smuggle a 3-foot tree into the house without his noticing was captured in this scene.
Hey, have you had lunch yet? (Nonchalantly attempting to divert the conversation before it really gets going.)
(As he notices the tree, he nearly gags on his coffee.) STU: Seriously? Well, you are being overly hopeful.
ME: I’m up for this! It seems that a plant is more difficult to kill the larger it is. (Lie.)
ME: Additionally, it was heavily discounted, and I couldn’t resist a good offer. (Yet another falsehood.
(Makes an offensive hand motion and whispers at the plant.) ME: Ignore what he says. Your entire life is still in front of you.
SUPERSTITION + TIPS So here’s the situation… There are a few “You may obtain trusted advice on taking care of fiddle leaf fig trees online. The majority of them will be laid out for you today based on my research and observation.
However, only “My previous attempts at growing plants have not gone well when I followed the instructions. I included a few unconventional things that I frequently perform to Newton’s care plan. Here’s my opinion on how to maintain a healthy fiddle leaf fig:
1. Pick the Right Planter – The sweet girl at the nursery warned me that buying a fiddle leaf fig a too large planter can be a deathtrap. Choose a diameter of 8 to 10 cm for tiny plants. The largest size you should use for larger plants is 12–14. – Ensure that the bottom of your pot has drainage holes. (I used a pot with holes and scattered a few rocks beneath the dirt. The planter is positioned between my floor and a clear plastic liner.)
2. Determine the Location Carefully. Sunshine is good for fiddle leaf figs, but too much direct sunlight might be harmful. Place them in a bright spot where they get at least 4 hours of sunlight each day, but keep them out of the direct sun. I put mine in a well-lit spot, but there are drapes there to block out the sun’s rays.
3. Rarely Move but Frequently Rotate – These guys want to stay at home. They tend to act out or don’t want to go off on wild adventures. You might wish to let it outside occasionally during the year, but not during a windy season. Choose a location in your house where he can remain stationary. – You should rotate the planter every few weeks because fiddle leaf fig trees tend to grow in the direction of the light. (I didn’t do a very good job of this, so Newton is a little on the heavy side. I can identify…”
4. Take Care of the Leaves – You should occasionally give the leaves a little dusting. Even a little covering of dust can prevent sunlight from being absorbed and slow the growth of the tree. After dusting, spritz the leaves with a spray bottle to hydrate them.
5. Wait to Water – Probably the most crucial piece of advice…
Avoid overwatering. Waiting until the top inch of soil is dry but you can still feel moisture one inch deep is the advised course of action. The frequency of this can vary depending on your location, pot size, and humidity. (See below for my REAL water indicator.) *WATCH: Falling leaves indicate either excessive or inadequate irrigation. Brown leaves near the ground indicate overwatering. Brown top leaves may indicate underwatering.
Give your tree some vitamins, please. I tried Superthrive Plant Vitamin Solution after hearing from a few readers that it had worked wonders for their ill FLF. If you see that your leaves are limp or sickly, mix a capful of it with some water and immediately pour it into the soil. Even during the growing season, you can add this to the soil to encourage the growth of new leaves. (Read the excellent botanist reviews on Amazon, and you’ll be convinced just like I was.)
Additionally to the “Here are my superstitious routines, which have helped my FLF.
Name your tree, first. He needs to experience belonging to the family. Additionally, if you give him a name, you’ll probably remember to treat him more like a pet than a houseplant and to give him attention.
2. Sing to the tree every day. Ellie Goulding is blasting on Pandora while other times I’m shouting out the Beatles. Both appear to appeal to Newton. Equally.
3. Vigilantly protect yourself from plant terrorists. (Also known as: little children) My daughter has no access to Newton or the neighborhood. White chairs and ceramic vases? Try it out. Come close to the plant, and I’ll take care of your tiny hiny.
4. As a final option, use water. I don’t water the plants until the top leaves start to fall just a little bit. This helps me avoid overwatering because I tend to do so. Although it is a little hazardous, this approach has been successful for me and my partner. (*Due to the size of my tree and the temperature where we reside, it only needs to be watered once a week.)
Who can say for sure what has kept him alive for almost two years (just luck? I’m not taking any chances, but a miracle?
*The tiny brown area, which appears to be a dying bud, is actually natural. At first, all fresh leaves have this appearance.
TROPICAL PLANTS IN WINTER TEMPERATURES? Many people believe that since these plants are tropical, you need to reside in a state with plenty of sunshine to have one. Well, I happen to reside in Missouri’s tundra, and my plant is still alive and well. The secret is to create the ideal circumstances inside. In the winter months, we use a humidifier for my kid, but I’m sure Newton enjoys it as well.
TREE FEAR Fearful of failing with a plant, much less a beautiful fiddle leaf tree, for the 1,000th time? I’m telling you, it’s worthwhile to take a chance. Just get one from IKEA or your neighborhood nursery! We are rooting for you, Newton and I.
PS: View my FREE guide below for information on 11 of my favorite indoor plants that ANYONE can grow.
Can fiddle-leaf figs grow in the dark?
The light that most homes and apartments naturally provide—not too much, not too little, nothing too bright, nothing too dark—is what the fiddle-leaf fig needs to thrive. An east-facing window is suggested by Harnek Singh, a gardener at Wave Hill Public Garden in New York City. According to him, fiddle leaf figs require both direct sunlight and a lot of indirect light. “South or west-facing windows will receive too much afternoon sun.
So keep in mind that your fig requires adequate sunlight in your home just like the nourishing rays that come through the deep canopy of the jungle. Cacti and succulents that live in the desert should be placed in the south-facing window.
Singh also advises buying fiddle-leaf figs from reliable sellers to prevent encountering the opposite issue. He claims that many of these plants are frequently already declining as a result of spending too much time in the dark. Foliage that is flagging and leaves that are pale, spotted, or wan-looking are indicators of improper light exposure. If your plant displays these signs, try shifting it to a different location for a week or two.
Do fig trees thrive in dim conditions?
To produce high-quality fruits, fig trees need as much direct sunlight as possible. A minimum of 7 to 8 hours of sunlight each day are necessary for mature plants. Partial shade is acceptable for fig trees, but full shade and indirect sunlight are detrimental to the health of these fruit plants. So, for the greatest outcomes and the largest plant size, make sure your figs are growing in a sunny area of your yard.
How Many Hours of Sun Do Fig Trees Need?
The most amount of sunlight is necessary for common fig trees. A healthy fig tree is thought to require a minimum of 7 hours per day of direct sunlight.
- A fig tree needs seven hours per day of direct sunlight.
- If feasible, fig trees would love even more than 7 hours of direct sunlight.
Figs are used to the dry, hot summers and mild winters of Mediterranean climes. They are accustomed to as many hours of light and heat as possible. These are perfect circumstances for the fig tree. If a mature tree doesn’t receive enough sunshine, it will have a very difficult time producing fruit.
Can Fig Trees Grow in Indirect Sunlight?
Your fig tree won’t benefit from indirect light. Your tree needs at least 7-8 hours of direct sunlight every day; it cannot survive on indirect sunlight. Your tree will gradually lose the chance to photosynthesize as much as it needs to as a result of this.
- Indirect sunlight is ineffective for fig trees.
- Your tree’s growth will be stunted by indirect light, and the fruit will be of lower quality.
- To receive full sun, make sure your fig tree is positioned on the south side of your house.
Long-term, this will prevent a mature tree from producing a full harvest of fig fruit. Additionally, since photosynthesis is essential for creating the sugars that give wonderful fruits their flavor, any fruit that does develop will have a less sweet flavor.
Where in a house should a fiddle leaf fig be placed?
Even while it may be alluring to position your fiddle leaf fig wherever it blends in with your decor, doing so will benefit both you and your fiddle in the long term. Although being close to a window is acceptable, it should be at least a few feet away from any windows. Just keep it out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Even better if you have a sheer curtain that can block off the sun’s rays for your fiddle leaf fig. The window should ideally be facing south or east. Simply told, a Fiddle Leaf Fig shouldn’t be placed close to a north-facing window because it won’t get enough light there.
Use a compass app on your phone to determine the direction the windows in your house face if you are unsure of their orientation. Knowing this will help you take better care of your plants.
Which Direction Should Your Fiddle Leaf Fig’s Window Face?
Avoid placing your Fiddle Leaf Fig in front of a north-facing window if at all possible because they receive the least amount of sunlight. Such windows might get adequate light if you reside in a southern temperate climate, though. There is less light coming through these windows the further north you are from the equator.
East-facing windows benefit from the sun’s early morning light, but they don’t get much of its late-day illumination. Your Fiddle Leaf fig requires at least six hours of total daily sunlight, therefore this is a concern. Carefully consider the window’s size and check to see if it receives any noon light.
Windows facing west get the greatest natural light during the day. The sun’s beams are strongest at this time. Therefore, you should exercise caution if you plan to place your fiddle leaf fig in front of one since its leaves may burn. To protect it, keep your plant at least a few feet away from the window.
The sun shines brightest and for the longest on south-facing windows. They are perfect for fiddle leaf figs as a result. Just be careful not to place your plant too close to a window or you run the danger of burning the foliage.
Despite their reputation for being picky, fiddle leaf figs can adapt to poor illumination. Focus on giving your plant the greatest care possible even if you don’t have the finest lighting for it. Avoid overwatering and use fiddle leaf fig plant food when fertilizing. Additionally, remember to turn your fiddle leaf fig when watering! Your plant will eventually tilt toward its light source because it seeks sunshine. Without consistent sunlight exposure, leaves will also be less wholesome.
This article was modified from Claire Akin’s Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource. For additional information on how to take care of the fiddle leaf fig, see their website.