It’s time for soil after you’ve chosen a container for your fiddle leaf’s new home.
Fiddle leaf figs require potting soil that drains well and has a lot of organic content. It performs best on a peat-based soil with some perlite. For good reason, this is staple fare for the majority of indoor potting mixtures.
A fundamental ratio would be around two-thirds peat and one-third perlite. Though many other, more complex recipes might also be effective. I merely want to give you a rough idea of what constitutes adequate drainage in this area.
Can fiddle leaf figs be grown in cactus soil?
It’s time to repot your fiddle leaf fig into the soil you’ve chosen for it, whether you manufactured it yourself or purchased it.
First, carefully coax your fiddle out of the pot by tipping it on its side. If the grower’s pot is made of plastic, you can squeeze the pot to release the root ball. If necessary, you can additionally agitate the interior of the pot with a trowel or even a butter knife.
Massage the root ball of your fiddle after removing it from its original pot to get rid of as much of the old soil as you can.
After that, add a few inches of your new soil to a clean pot’s base. You can either buy a new pot or wash and disinfect an old one. Make sure your pot has openings for drainage.
You should leave about two inches of headroom at the top for watering. Set your tree straight in the pot and fill in the sides with your new potting soil.
Once your tree is in its new container, water it well and top it up with a bit more potting soil to account for settling.
I’m done now! Although repotting is quite simple, some fiddle leaf fig owners find the week or two that follows to be difficult. This is why.
Root Shock
A fiddle leaf fig may experience root shock, which can cause droopy or even lost leaves for about a week after a significant change in its environment, such as moving or being replanted.
At this point, many owners of fiddle leaf figs become panicked and begin to make even more alterations in an effort to lessen the effects of root shock, but this is actually the WORST thing you can do at this time.
After repotting your plant, put it in a location where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect sunshine and then leave it alone because fiddles thrive on constancy. Don’t plant it once again. Stop watering more. Additionally, wait at least a month before fertilizing after repotting.
Ensure that your tree receives lots of light, then give it some room. It will get well in a week or two and return to being its gorgeous, vivacious self!
Root Rot
Owners of fiddle leaf figs typically live in fear of root rot because fiddles are typically susceptible to this illness and can swiftly perish if it isn’t treated soon once it sets in.
This is one of the main justifications for why soil drainage and aeration are so important! The roots of your fiddle may begin to decay if they are left in water for too long.
Repot your plant into new, quick-draining soil and temporarily reduce watering if you do discover symptoms of root rot, which are typically mushy stems or dark-brown blotches on the lower leaves. Use our Root Rot Treatment when you do water to aid the roots’ recovery.
This is a typical query! The nutritional level of cactus soils is often not suitable for a ficus, but they can function rather well for a fiddle leaf fig. In the event that you decide to repot your fiddle in cactus mix, start fertilizing it with Fiddle Leaf Fig Food around a month after the initial repotting.
What kind of soil benefits fig trees?
Now is the time to begin digging! To begin, dig a hole that is exactly the same depth as the root ball and three times wider than the pot. Figs tolerate soils with a moderate amount of alkalinity but do best in slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Most typical garden soils have a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. A pre-plant soil test should always be part of soil preparation. Use dolomitic limestone to raise the pH of your soil if it is too low. Till the soil after equally distributing the limestone across the entire area where the figs will be planted. Till a minimum 6-foot-by-6-foot area if you can so that each shrub may be planted at least 8 inches deep.
However, they will grow on many other soil types and are tolerant of heavy clay soils if drainage is excellent. Fig trees grow best in well-drained, organically rich soils. It will be worthwhile to add some organic compost to the native soil in poor fertility or dense clay soil. When the fruits are growing in the summer, they prefer the soil to hold a sufficient amount of water, but not so much water that the soil is continually soggy or damp.
In a row, bush-grown figs can be spaced as closely as 10 feet apart, and between rows, 15 feet. Figs grown as trees need to be spaced out 20 feet between rows and 15 to 20 feet between each row. Plants grown in containers don’t require pruning to be transplanted; simply take them out of the container, spread their roots, and place them in the planting hole. After adding soil to the hole, water it deeply enough to help the earth settle around the roots. When planting, avoid placing fertilizer in the hole.
Figs respond favorably to organic mulching. Mulch may mitigate nematode issues’ consequences.
Can I grow fiddle leaf figs in garden soil?
The fiddle leaf fig prefers a soil mixture with sufficient structural strength to hold the plant’s roots firmly in place but won’t compress or pack down. If the mixture is too light, the plant may tip as it grows taller and its root ball may come out of the ground. The dirt may become dense if it is excessively heavy. The deep dirt may prevent air from reaching the roots, stunting the plant’s growth, or may obstruct water drainage, causing root rot.
Types of Soil for Fiddle Leaf Figs
This plant can be grown in a variety of all-purpose potting mixtures made for indoor houseplants. However, a growing mix created especially for the plant is frequently the finest soil mixture for fiddle leaf figs. It should not be planted in garden soil since it is usually too dense.
Plant-specific blends are structured similarly to all-purpose blends, but they have been modified to meet the unique requirements of the fiddle leaf fig. One or more of the following are probably present in the ideal soil for fiddle leaf fig plants grown indoors:
- Bark: Adding chunks of fir or pine bark to the mixture can help it drain better and prevent it from compacting.
- Sphagnum peat moss has two benefits: It drains efficiently and also absorbs water and releases it gradually to prevent root evaporation.
- Perlite: This light-weight byproduct of volcanic glass aids in aerating the soil and allowing oxygen to reach the roots. Additionally, it stores water to keep the soil just moist enough.
- Coconut coir, a fibrous layer that lies between the coconut’s fruit and shell, keeps the growing medium light and airy. Additionally, it takes in water and slowly releases it.
- Charcoal, a byproduct of burned wood or peat, helps sustain the roots of fiddle leaf figs by absorbing salts and other impurities from the soil and strengthening the soil’s structure.
- Sand: Coarse sand promotes drainage and provides stability in potting soil.
Drainage
Utilizing a soil that drains effectively is the most crucial factor to take into account when selecting soil for fiddle leaf fig plants. Wet feet are not good for this plant. Its roots could decay if they are submerged in water. Brown stains or drooping leaves may be the result of poor soil drainage. If the plant’s leaves start to fall off, it might already be too late to save it from root rot. The greater the likelihood of saving the plant, the earlier it is discovered to have inadequate drainage and is repotted.
When watering the plant, check to see if any water is dripping from the drainage holes on the pot’s base. The majority of the water can pass through well-draining soil, but some is absorbed and held to maintain a mildly wet environment.
Water Retention
It may seem paradoxical, but a soil’s ability to hold water while yet having good drainage is ideal for a fiddle leaf fig. Sand and huge pieces of bark are components that give the mixture air gaps and aid in drainage. Peat moss and other elements soak up some of the water before gently releasing it. Still other substances, like perlite and coco coir, serve these dual purposes.
Additionally, some producers could include tiny clay pellets that gently release water after absorbing it. This helps hold the roots firmly in the pot and is advantageous when producing larger fiddle leaf figs.
The pH Level
Fiddle leaf figs prefer soil that is close to their natural growing habitat, with a pH range of 5.3 to 6.7 and a near-neutral acid/alkaline balance. Lower than 5.3 pH levels may be overly acidic, which can cause feeble, yellowing leaves. On the other side, a pH of above 6.7 may be overly alkaline, causing the plant to become stunted and have red blotches on its leaves.
Repotting the plant in new soil that is better suited to its requirements is preferable to trying to balance out existing fiddle leaf fig soil that has a pH that is either too high or too low. If pH is a concern, low-cost pH test kits are available to check the acidity and alkalinity of soil.
Does fiddle leaf fig potting soil from Miracle Grow work well?
Managing soil moisture is essential for fiddle leaf fig success. Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix is ideal for growing plants because it contains coconut coir, which stores and releases water while facilitating simple soil rewetting. It should be placed in a container with multiple drainage holes that is 1/3 broader than the plant’s root ball. Place the plant so that the top of the root ball is approximately an inch below the top of the pot and fill the bottom third of the pot with potting soil. More potting soil should be added around the root ball, and once the plant has been fully watered and allowed to drain, it should be placed.
When you notice roots poking through the bottom of the container, repot fiddle leaf figs using the instructions above. These plants don’t want to be disturbed, so don’t repot them more frequently than required. Depending on how quickly the plant is growing when it is still little, you might need to repot it every year.
Repot
Every two years, fiddle leaf figs typically require repotting, and spring is an excellent time to do it because the weather can help your tree recover from any root shock.
Additionally, the warmer weather makes it possible to repot your fiddle outside, which is advantageous if your tree is big.
Find a pot with drainage that is 1-2 times larger than your fiddle’s root ball if it is time for an upgrade (but no larger). Make sure to use a fast-draining soil like cactus mix or our Premium Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil.
After repotting your fiddle, the roots are particularly fragile, so wait a month before fertilizing. Chemical burns on your roots or leaves are not what you want!
Prune
Now is a wonderful time to prune your fiddle’s leaves if they are getting crowded or if the lower leaves are drooping.
To get rid of those leaves, just use a clean, sharp knife or a set of pruning shears. To prevent shock, be careful not to remove more than 10% of your fiddle’s leaves at once.
Bonus advice: You can reproduce any healthy branches or leaves that you prune! To encourage root growth, dip the cut end in some rooting hormone and place it in a glass of water. When the roots are one length, place in soil and change the water every day.
Clean your fiddle’s leaves
You should consider doing some spring cleaning on your instrument. It’s crucial to maintain the leaves of your plant clean because dust and grime can clog pores and hinder photosynthesis and respiration in addition to making them look ugly.
Use a hose, shower your plant, or mist it with warm water in a spray bottle to clean it. Then, gently wipe the leaves with a towel.
We advise using our Leaf Amor spray, which assists with leaf cleaning and also shields leaves against dust, dirt, bacteria, and fungus.
Adjust your watering routine
With the weather getting warmer, you may have become used to watering your instrument less frequently than you formerly did throughout the winter when it was chilly.
Observe the root ball of your plant using a moisture meter, and record how long it takes the soil to dry out. As the temps rise, you might notice that your plant needs a little bit more water.
Fertilize
Now is a wonderful time to start fertilizing your fiddle leaf fig if you haven’t already.
Like a multivitamin for your plant, fertilizer gives it the nutrients it needs to encourage the growth of its stems and leaves as well as give it a gorgeous, glossy green hue.
Find a 3-1-2 NPK liquid fertilizer, and make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle. Carefully adhere to the suggested fertilizer plan. I use Fiddle Leaf Fig Food since I can never remember to fertilize on a schedule, and it’s gentle enough to use with every watering. Every time I water my fiddles, I simply add a little to my watering can, and my plants absolutely adore it!
Adjust your light
Keep an eye on the type of light your fiddle is receiving because the angle of the sun’s rays changes in the spring. You might want to move your plant a few inches to prevent direct sunlight that could scorch it if the sun is suddenly shining squarely on its leaves.
Branch out
You should foster the growth of new branches on your fiddle during the spring. Try pinching or notching your fiddle if you want new branches.
Try pinching if you want the tree to sprout branches from the top: Get some pruning shears, look for the top of the tree’s freshest growth, and cut it off. (Beware of the sap!) Within two to three weeks, new branches ought to start to form.
Try notching if you want your tree to branch deeper down the trunk: decide where you want a branch to go, identify the closest node, then make a 1/8 cut in the trunk with a sharp knife. With a towel, remove the sap.
Although notching has a roughly 50/50 success rate, if it does, you’ll soon notice new branch buds!
A caveat: don’t make too many changes at once.
The spring is a great time to increase Fiddle Leaf Fig maintenance and benefit from growth spurts, but keep in mind that fiddles don’t appreciate too much change at once. Don’t repot, prune, notch, and fertilize all in the same day, to put it another way.
To give your tree time to heal, space large procedures like this out by at least a few weeks. And keep in mind to start with the fundamentals: light, water, fertilizer, and climate.