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.
The ideal soil for fiddle leaf figs is what kind?
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 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.
How is soil formulated for fiddle leaf figs?
The optimal soil for growing fiddle leaf fig trees is one that drains well and has a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. Your Fiddle Leaf Fig will have the best chance of succeeding in a soil mixture made up of 2 parts organic soil, 1 part peat moss/coco coir, and 1 part perlite.
What kind of soil does fig vegetation prefer?
Although common figs (Ficus carica) are simple to grow and yield delicious fruits, few Granite State gardeners grow them since they can’t consistently withstand the harsh winters in New Hampshire. Figs thrive in USDA Zones 7 through 10, despite being native to western Asia and southeastern Europe. Anywhere in New Hampshire, figs cannot be safely grown outdoors because, in Zone 6, plants typically incur considerable dieback in cold winters. However, adverse weather can be removed from the equation by successfully growing them in containers.
Under ideal conditions, the common fig can grow 10–20 feet tall and wide, though it is unlikely to get this big in a container. It is a deciduous shrub or small tree. Silver-gray bark and big, tropical-looking leaves with three to five lobes apiece are ornamental characteristics. Despite not having fruit, figs can make appealing potted plants for patios and decks.
Fig fruit ripens in late summer or early fall after inconspicuous blossoms appear around branch tips in the spring. Contrary to other common fruit trees, such as apples, figs do not require cross-pollination with another kind, making fruit production simple on a modest scale.
Take into account the following growing advice if you want to begin growing figs in containers:
Choose the right container
Selecting the appropriate container is the first step in growing beautiful and fruitful figs. It is more crucial that the container has sufficient drainage and is the proper size for your fig plant than the material it is made of. Containers made of clay, ceramic, plastic, or wood will all function as long as there is at least one hole in the bottom to allow for the drainage of extra water.
The container also needs to carry enough potting mix so that you won’t need to water it continually and be sturdy enough not to topple over on a windy day. At the time of planting, there should be one to two inches between the roots of the fig plant and the container walls. Once the container is completely filled by the fig’s roots over time, you can transfer it into a bigger pot. You are less likely to experience problems with pests like root rot and fungus gnats by beginning small and progressing to larger-sized containers.
Keep in mind that as winter comes, you’ll need to relocate the container to a safe area. Avoiding too ornamental and hefty containers might be beneficial, as can growing figs on dollies or wheeled plant stands.
Use soilless potting mix
Figs favor continuously moist, well-drained soil that is rich with organic matter. A high-quality soilless potting mixture is the finest choice for container gardening. Potting mixes are specifically designed for growing plants in pots. They are airy, lightweight, and hold moisture well. One of the most important components of potting mix is air space. A fig won’t live if the roots aren’t given adequate oxygen to breathe. Good mixes always include an organic component (peat moss, compost, or bark), vermiculite or perlite (to help retain moisture), sand, fertilizers, and limestone, despite the fact that the ingredients frequently vary.
Properly watering and fertilize
For container-grown figs to be successful, proper watering is essential. Figs need to be watered frequently, especially when the weather is hot during the growing season. Apply water until it starts to drain from the bottom of the container after the top one to two inches of potting mix have dried. The potting mix should always be wet but not drenched.
Throughout the growing season, figs need a moderate amount of nutrients to support new growth and, eventually, fruit. Yellowed or abnormally tiny leaves may be a sign that fertilizer is required. Complete liquid fertilizers should only be applied at the recommended rate and interval since they will supply all the nutrients required.
Because organic fertilizers depend on soil bacteria to make their nutrients available and because soilless potting mixes lack these microbes in significant quantities, synthetic fertilizers are favored over organic ones for container-grown plants.
Move figs indoors during the cool months
To be healthy, figs require a time of dormancy in the winter. Fig leaves naturally turn yellow and fall off as the days get shorter and the weather gets cooler. As soon as the leaves begin to change color or before the first deadly frost, move plants to an unheated basement, garage, or greenhouse. Reduce watering slightly after figs are indoors, making sure the top two inches of the potting mix are dry before watering.
Although the roots of dormant plants won’t absorb much water, moisture is required to prevent the roots from drying out. How often you need to water will depend on the size of the container, the potting soil, and the temperature; this may simply be once per week or two. To prevent root rot and early plant death, avoid overwatering dormant figs.
Gradually reintroduce figs outside during the spring
Move your fig outside for a few hours every day as the warm weather approaches in the spring to help it become used to the outdoors. Over the course of a few weeks, progressively expose it to extended periods of sun exposure. When there is a danger of frost in the evening, bring it back inside. The fig can be permanently relocated outside to a full-sun site after the final date of frost for the length of the summer.
Although growing figs in containers can be enjoyable and rewarding, it’s necessary to set reasonable goals. Fig trees in good health will consistently bear fruit, but probably not more than you can eat in a few snacks or meals. Try growing figs in containers instead if you’re ready to take a chance and cultivate an unusual fruit tree in New Hampshire.
Do fiddle leaf figs need direct sunlight?
They can tolerate some direct sunlight, but it’s not their favorite place to be. It’s a good idea to put the plant near a south or west-facing window, but not directly in the sun, as it prefers steady, ambient light. They can tolerate up to six hours a day of direct sunlight, if necessary.
Finding a location where the conditions are as consistent as possible throughout the day is the finest thing you can do for these plants as they are creatures of habit. One thing you should never do is put your plant in low-light.
Can my plant go outside?
Of course, you can take care of your fiddle leaf fig outside given the correct circumstances. It might perhaps act and develop to a height of more than 40 feet if you locate it in the ideal location. Your garden should, however, be entirely frost-free and never drop below 50 degrees at night in order to prevent any issues.
On summer days, you should use caution as well. Keep your plant from getting too hot too quickly and water it frequently so the roots have access to moisture all the time. Similar to when you keep it as a house plant, you should be watchful of how much direct sunshine it gets.
Why do the leaves turn brown?
You have some homework to complete if the leaves on your fiddle leaf fig are starting to turn brown. There are several potential causes, but light and water are the most frequent ones.
In most cases, water is the culprit if the edges of the leaves are becoming brown. If just the lower leaves are impacted, overwatering has created root rot. The likelihood of the plant being thirsty increases if all of the leaves are going crispy. Unhappy leaves that are going brown in the middle show that the plant needs more humidity since it is receiving too much light.
What’s the difference between a fiddle leaf bush and a tree?
An established fiddle leaf tree can cost hundreds of dollars, so you’ll probably end up nurturing a smaller plant to grow tall. Ficus lyrata likes to grow straight up if left unattended, but you can encourage branching by either pruning the new growth or notching the stem.
To notch, choose where you want a new branch to grow and make a 1/8-inch cut into the stem just above a node using a clean knife. The node should produce a new branch. The lower leaves can then be removed when your plant appears very healthy.
Should I mist my plant?
When caring for any rainforest plant, especially in the winter, misting is a need. Fiddle leafs prefer a humidity level of 65 percent, which is substantially higher than that of most houses.
Filling a spray bottle and leaving it next to the plant is the ideal method for misting. You can regularly spritz it with room-temperature water in this manner. Misting your plant is very crucial after dusting its leaves. For your plant, a humidifier is ideal if you can afford one, but regular misting with a spray bottle should suffice.
How long does it take for the plant to grow?
Most fiddle leaves can grow up to 10 feet tall indoors. They might even outgrow your home if they’re truly content. However, that may take up to 15 years. Of course you two want to stay together for that long, but it can be difficult to wait for a plant straight out of a magazine.
These are not the quickest-growing plants, but with proper care and fertilization, the 18-inch bush you purchased from the garden center should mature into a respectable-sized tree in 34 years.
Should I cut off brown spots off the leaves?
Although brown stains on the leaves are unsightly, you shouldn’t immediately remove them. After all, in order to photosynthesize, the plant requires its leaves. Your plant won’t thrive if the leaves are pulled out as soon as spotting appears.
Your plant is attempting to tell you something when its leaves turn brown, whether it’s water, fertilizer, sunshine, or pest control. The best course of action is to try to identify the issue, fix it, and then postpone pinching off the damaged leaves until your plant has produced some healthy new growth.
Are fiddle leaf fig toxic?
Yes. We’re not talking about plants that are aesthetically pleasing but dangerous here, but if you have kids or animals in your house, you should be cautious of them around any Ficus family plant, including your fiddle leaf fig.
A healthy adult won’t suffer long-term consequences from ingesting the plant, but cats, dogs, and small people can get hurt from the calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves. A burning, irritated mouth, trouble swallowing, drooling, and vomiting are indications of an adverse response. Consult a doctor straight away if you believe that your child or pet may have consumed a portion of the plant.