As previously noted, caring for fiddle leaf fig plants can be challenging and scary, but you must identify the issue in order to have a healthy fiddle leaf fig.
Fix it right away and take care of the plant to prevent future problems. Only if you continue to mistreat or neglect your fiddle leaf fig will it be unable to recover its previous level of health.
Here are some advice and tactics you may use to try to encourage your fiddle leaf fig to branch out now that you are aware of some issues that may arise and cause it to appear lanky.
Notching your Fiddle Leaf Fig
Making a series of tiny cuts or notches along the plant’s trunk is known as the fiddle leaf fig tree notching technique.
By using this technique, you can encourage the branching of your fiddle leaf figs’ leaves without reducing the plant’s height. Your fiddle leaf figs’ new growth will form deeper down the plant if you notch the plant.
Methods of Notching
There are two distinct ways to notch. The first involves cutting diagonal slits into the fiddle leaf figs’ trunk right above a leaf or node, about one-third of the way down.
Similar steps are taken in the second approach, but this time, two incisions are formed, and a little portion of the trunk is cut out.
It might be challenging to properly notch without damaging the plant too much or accidently decapitating your fiddle leaf fig. This method might be scary to those who are unskilled, and some plant parents may experience variable success.
Use the first technique outlined to test it on your fiddle leaf fig if you want to give it a shot.
It is significant to remember that nothing works best on an older, thicker, or more woody trunk. Wait until your fiddle leaf fig tree has fully grown before using the notching procedure if it is still in its green stage.
Pinching Your Fiddle Leaf Fig
The pinching technique is another approach to encourage your fiddle leaf fig to grow new branches. The pinching technique is similar to pruning, with the exception that you will pull the top bud, also known as the growth tip, off the plant rather than cutting a portion of the fiddle leaf stem.
If your fiddle leaf fig tree plant has grown to the desired height, you should use this procedure.
For instance, if your fiddle leaf fig tree is currently two feet tall but you want it to branch out at three feet, wait until the plant is three feet tall before beginning to pinch the top.
Your fiddle leaf fig will soon develop a brown-cased bud at the top. Here, fresh leaves develop.
Fear not; this is typical for the plant. The brown casings draw back and dry off as fresh leaves grow and mature. They shouldn’t be removed because this is normal, but they might come off when they’re ready.
Contrary to pruning and notching, this procedure does not call for cutters or shears. All you need to pinch a fiddle leaf fig is your thumb and pointer finger to snap off the growing tip at the top. You can choose to use a pair of cutters if it’s too difficult to break off with your fingers.
How come my fiddle leaf fig is so lanky?
Leggy or unstable growth on a fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) typically indicates insufficient light. The entire plant could develop a weak trunk and grow tall and flimsy. Long branches may have leaves that are widely spread apart, or this may just apply to the lower branches if they are shaded from sunlight. Lower leaves may fall off if they don’t get enough light.
The brightest room in your home should have your fiddle-leaf fig tree, which should be placed just far enough from the window to avoid direct sunlight touching it. The plant will also receive the necessary protection if there is a sheer drape between the window and it. Position carefully so that all branches, high and low, have access to light, and move anything in their way. If your windows are high and light doesn’t reach the bottom leaves, you might need to keep your plant on a stand. Every time you water, rotate the tree a quarter turn to ensure that all sides receive an equal amount of light and that its shape remains balanced.
Keep leaves clear of dust, as an accumulation will limit the amount of light that reaches the leaf. Prune leggy branches to a node in the spring.
Our Guide contains more details on how to take care of your fiddle-leaf fig plant.
Can I remove the fiddle leaf fig’s top?
Your fiddle leaf fig probably has no other branches that will allow it to transition from a fiddle leaf shrub to a fiddle leaf tree. In addition, bear the following in mind before proceeding:
The amount of regrowth that results from pruning depends on how severe it was. The reason for this is that the plant is trying to grow again in an effort to balance the root system below with the shoot system above, which is now designed to support the plant at its bigger size before trimming.
Usually, the most active shoot growth takes place 6 to 8 inches after the pruning cut.
Make the cut on your fiddle leaf fig
Make a decision regarding the size of the Ficus lyrata cut. Once more, the branching will be more noticeable the longer a part is clipped. (And the less the plant will grow in height, at least for that shoot.)
Your fiddle leaf fig won’t be encouraged to generate as many lateral branches off of the main trunk if you simply pinch out the fresh buds at the top with your fingers.
If you want to encourage a little lateral development to make your plant appear fuller near the top, pinching is more helpful.
On the other hand, you’ll see a lot more branching if you remove 12 of the top shoots.
Choose the node that you want to cut above. The spots on stems known as nodes are where leaves, buds, or branches can grow. However, not every node has leaves or branches; some nodes may only have a mark and a little thickening of the stem. Internodes are the parts of the stem that lie between the nodes.
3. Make use of a clean pair of pruners. Just above the top of your node, make the cut. Cut just above the node rather than into it, which would harm it.
Any plant in the fig family, including your fiddle leaf fig, will exude an oozing, milky, white sap when cut. Simply avoid eating it, getting it in your eyes, or letting it land on the carpet because it can be annoying.
4. As a final piece of advice, wait to remove leaves from the trunk of your fiddle leaf until the new branches have begun to grow. Your plant should be as robust as possible because those leaves aid in the development of the new lateral buds.
(Are you wondering what to do with the plant pieces you pruned? Why not cultivate a second fiddle leaf fig?
I’m done now! Now, give your new lateral buds, which will eventually grow into branches, a few weeks. While the exact length of time varies on a number of variables, your chances of success are higher if you attempt this in the spring, when fiddle leaves are actively growing, as opposed to the winter, when they are largely dormant. In comparison to winter, when the plant will need more time to heal the cut and form new buds, springtime will see rapid new development.
How should a leggy fig tree be pruned?
Whether you have a fig tree or a fig bush in your backyard garden, pruning it each year will promote growth. Think about some general advice for this procedure.
- 1. In the tree’s first year, prune it. When you first plant a young fig tree or fig shrub that you purchased from a nursery, trim it. When pruning for the first time, you should remove roughly 50% of the branches. This will enable the tree to concentrate its efforts on developing a solid root system.
- 2. During the tree’s first winter, prune it once more. Winter trimming should be done every year, beginning with the first winter your tree experiences. The end of the tree’s dormant season in late winter is the ideal time to use pruning shears. By early spring, new branches will begin to grow as a result.
- 3. Continue to prune your tree every year after that. It’s crucial to prune your fig tree in its first year, but remember to continue pruning it the following year and the year after that. Fresh fruit will start to ripen in early summer if your fig tree is pruned while it is dormant. This will result in a more fruitful growth season.
- 4. Decide which branches should bear fruit. It’s time to go strategic now that you’ve finished your first pruning. Search for five to six exceptionally sturdy branches that branch off from the main trunk as you prune the tree in its second year. Your main branches for fruit production will be these. Remove the rest of the tinier branches from the main trunk.
How can I encourage the growth of my fiddle leaf fig?
Fiddle Leaf Figs can be encouraged to branch by notching, which doesn’t entail the plant’s height being reduced. Instead, tiny cuts or “notches” are made all the way up and down the stem or trunk to promote the formation of new growth lower on the plant.
There are two distinct notching patterns. The first slashes diagonally through the FLF trunk at a depth of about one-third, immediately above a leaf or node. Similar in nature, the second involves two cuts and the removal of a tiny “chunk” or piece of the trunk. To remove a small portion of the trunk, make the two slices just 1-2 mm apart.
It might be challenging to properly notch a plant without accidently decapitating it or cutting too deeply. It’s unquestionably a more sophisticated technique with variable outcomes. If you want to try it, I also advise going numerous notches. Not all of them have a 100% success rate. So if you want two or three branches, you might want to do six notches.
The best stem for notching is one that is more aged or woody. It might be advisable to wait till your FLF stem reaches maturity if it is still green before attempting to notch.
Tips for Notching:
- You may have more control over the notch with a craft knife than with a pair of cutters.
- Directly above a leaf or node, cut the notch.
- Cut the notch diagonally, about a third of the way into the stem’s depth.
How can you encourage a fiddle leaf fig to grow?
How to Grow Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Bigger and Quicker in 7 Easy Steps!
- OPTIMIZE THE POT SIZE IN STEP 1.
- Step 2: GUARANTEE OUTSTANDING DRAINAGE.
- 3rd step: COMPLETE, REGULAR WATERING.
- Step 4: Verify the soil’s aeration.
- Do an annual soil treatment in step five.
- Step 6 is to fertilise less frequently.
- STEP 7: TURN ON THE LIGHTS!
Should I remove the fiddle leaf fig’s bottom leaves?
Similar to sculpting a masterpiece, shaping your fiddle leaf fig requires that you start with an idea of what you want the finished product to look like.
To ensure that the remaining foliage looks balanced, I find it helpful to label all the branches you want to remove with colourful tape or a Post-it Note before you begin. To lessen the risk of shock, start out gently and never remove more than 10% of your plant at once.
Decide on Your Ideal Shape
Fiddle leaf fig plants often have one of two shapes: a bush or a tree.
Smaller plants are typically bushier, whereas larger plants are typically more fashioned like trees. You might want to start shaping your little plant into a tree as it grows. Choose whether you want to prune your plant to maintain its compact bush shape or to give it a correct tree shape.
Plan to Remove Damaged Leaves or Branches
So that you can arrange to eliminate the least healthy parts of your plant first, evaluate the general health of each branch and group of leaves. Mark any sections that need to be removed if there are any leaves with brown spots or branches with smaller leaf growth.
Remove Crossing Branches
To increase airflow and relieve crowding, you should eliminate some portions of densely populated branches. You should take care of any branches that touch each other as well as any leaves that are preventing one another’s leaves from growing.
Create Your Ideal Shape
Any growth that is 8 to 10 inches or less from the ceiling, the surrounding walls, or the furniture should be planned for removal. Next, cut off any growth that does not conform to your ideal shape.
Remove lower leaves and branches to reveal a good trunk if you want to create a tree-like shape. Remove gangly or ugly growth if your plant is out of balance to give it a more appealing overall form.
How to Make Your Cuts
Pruning should begin once you’ve marked the sections you want to cut out and made sure you like the way the tree looks in its finished form. When pruning your plant, make sure the cutting motion does not crush or harm the stem by using a sharp, clean tool.
Cut each one away from the trunk or any leaves by about a half-inch. With no chance of infection spreading to the main trunk or any surviving leaves, this enables your plant to heal properly. In order to prevent the spread of bacteria and diseases, pick up and dispose of any falling leaves or garbage.
New Growth After Pruning
If your plant is healthy, it will typically divide the branch where it was pruned, producing two branches where one once was.
Eventually, this creates the impression of a fuller, healthier plant. Your plant might only continue to develop one branch where it was clipped if it is in pain or isn’t getting enough light. After pruning, allow access to lots of light to promote more development.
Fertilize After Pruning
Fertilize your plant frequently after pruning to promote new growth and aid in the plant’s recovery from the shock of pruning. (Are you unsure of the ideal fertiliser for your fiddle leaf fig? Test out our plant food! Within a few weeks to a month after pruning your plant, you ought to notice new growth.
What makes a fiddle leaf fig shake?
“To keep my fiddle upright while it was young and immature, I used a wooden dowel. I was able to remove the dowel and it no longer need extra support because it was able to strengthen itself over time as it grew and with frequent shakings, Paige added.
So even though I wouldn’t advise you to shake your plants firmly, giving them a gently rock would not harm them. In addition to your FLF, I can see this idea working well for Rubber plants, Monsteras, Alocasia, and Pilea plants. They all have thick stems that frequently need to support a lot of weight as the leaves enlarge. This will probably become a regular component of how I take care of my plants. Play some music, get moving, and invite my plants to join in. It seems like it would be enjoyable.