Can A Fiddle Leaf Fig Grow Outside

If you reside in a sunny place or want to move your houseplant outside, fiddle-leaf fig plants can thrive there. It takes time to transition your indoor fiddle-leaf fig plant into an outside garden.

The fiddle-leaf fig should first be moved into a new pot, and the soil should be refreshed.
Start by leaving it out on the patio or porch during the day for a week. To get the plant used to outdoor conditions and avoid damaging it from the afternoon sun, bring it inside in the early evening.
Finally, keep it away from wind and direct sunshine by positioning it in shaded places with bright, indirect light. The plant benefits from morning filtered light.
Every two to three days, water the fiddle-leaf fig because of outside environmental variables.

How is a fiddle leaf fig maintained outside?

Putting your sick fiddle leaf fig outside has a lot of benefits. It reminds me of traditional medicine from a century ago, when they would advise using fresh air to heal lung conditions. If you reside in a climate that is suited, moving your fiddle leaf fig outside will benefit your plant greatly, including:

supplying a lot of fresh air
Nighttime humidity levels rising
supplying sunlight to assist in boosting your plant’s defenses
drying the soil to aid in the root’s recovery
Providing a respite from the stress of a failing plant

I’m amazed at how quickly after he went outside, my ill plant started to flourish. Look at these examples of the before and after! It has at least a dozen enormous, robust new leaves and has grown at least a foot taller in the last two months! I’ll soon be able to remove the old, broken leaves and enjoy owning a gorgeous, healthy plant!

Light changes

We all know how much fiddle leaf figs enjoy the sun. This becomes a problem in the fall when the days grow shorter and the sunlight that does shine down is often dim or at an acute angle.

A fiddle that has been content in a particular window all summer may suddenly receive a sunburn if the sun has shifted to shine directly on it in the fall, or if the light has diminished and your plant doesn’t get enough. This is because the sun’s position in the sky changes as the seasons change.

Be cautious of the illumination coming through the window of your fiddle. You might need to move the plant if you notice that the sun is shifting such that it shines straight in the window. This is especially true for windows that face south in the northern hemisphere and north in the southern hemisphere.

On the other hand, if the sun moves away from a window, keep an eye out for symptoms that your plant isn’t getting enough light.

If this appears to be the case, you might choose to use a grow light in addition over the winter.

Temperature changes

The weather warms up in the spring, and fiddles are typically content. When the temperatures plummet in the fall, the true challenge begins! Being tropical plants, fiddle leaf figs prefer warm temperatures at night, no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. If you play fiddles outside, you must bring them inside at night when the temperature drops.

If you reside in a chilly area, the fall and winter months may also see lower temperatures in your home. Keep a close watch on the soil’s moisture content because this may lessen the amount of water your violin needs. Reduce the amount of water you feed your instrument but maintain the same timetable if you observe that the soil takes longer than usual to dry out.

My fig tree may I put outside?

Figs are a delectable treat that grow best in warm settings but may also be cultivated with with extra care in more temperate areas. How to plant a fig tree in your garden is provided here!

About Figs

Figs can be grown in colder climates if they are properly protected from freezing temperatures or cultivated in containers and kept indoors, but they fare best in regions with long, hot summers (Zone 8 and warmer).

Because its blossoms don’t need to be pollinated in order to produce figs, the common fig tree (Ficus carica) is the most well-liked kind of fig for backyard gardeners. The common fig tree comes in a wide range of types, including hardy cultivars that can be planted outdoors in slightly cooler climes (Zones 6 and 7). Other fig species are difficult for home gardeners to raise because they either don’t yield edible fruit or have very specific pollination needs (such needing to be pollinated by a specific kind of wasp).

Figs can be consumed straight from the tree, preserved, or cooked with. Remember that figs stop ripening after they are picked, so make sure to harvest them at the proper time!

Planting Fig Trees

Figs can be successfully planted outdoors in USDA Zones 8 and higher. Make sure to select a hardy fig variety if you live in an area where winter temperatures regularly drop below 10F (-12C). Winter protection could also be necessary. As an alternative, figs can be cultivated in sizable containers and stored indoors over the winter.
When the tree is dormant, in the early spring or late fall, plant fig trees outdoors.
Grow fig trees in containers in earth-based potting soil and supplement with fine bark chips for better drainage. In the summer, keep the tree in direct sunlight. Make careful to water the tree gently and add a high-nitrogen fertilizer every four weeks in the spring and summer. Move the tree indoors for the winter and maintain the soil moist.
Plant the tree in full sun in the spring or early fall for outdoor fig trees. Fig trees may flourish in a variety of soil types as long as it is well-drained and rich in organic matter. (Find out more information about organic soil amendments.)
Fig trees should be placed at least 20 feet from any structures or other trees.
If given the chance, fig trees will have deep roots, so keep that in mind when selecting a planting location.
To bury tree seedlings produced in containers:
Laying the root ball on its side and cutting through the roots with shears will allow you to remove the plant from the pot and cut any circling roots.
Create a hole that is somewhat broader and deeper than the roots’ spread. In the center of the hole, place the tree on top of a small mound of earth. Make sure the roots are spread out from the trunk without being overly bent.
Place the tree in the ground 2 to 4 inches deeper than it was in the pot (check the color of the trunk to see the original soil line).

Caring for Fig Trees

To aid in their establishment, young fig trees should receive regular watering. Water fig trees thoroughly at least once a week in dry places.
The majority of fig trees do not need regular fertilizing unless they are planted in containers. However, you can add 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen supplement if your fig tree doesn’t grow much (less than 12 inches in one growing season). Divide the nitrogen throughout three to four feedings. Apply the nitrogen starting in late winter and stopping in July.
To assist prevent weeds and preserve moisture for the tree’s roots, you can also spread a layer of mulch around the tree.
Pruning fig trees is not very necessary. To promote growth during the dormant season, make sure to cut off any branches that are dead, sick, or weak.
If figs are growing in great quantities, you can thin the fruit to promote the development of larger figs.
Bring container-grown fig trees indoors for the winter in colder climates. Maintain soil moisture.
Outdoor-planted fig trees may wither and die if the winters in your area are especially chilly. The tree’s underground portion is probably undamaged if it is a hardy type. While the tree is still dormant, remove all dead wood and keep an eye out for fresh growth in the spring.
“Brown Turkey,” which yields a lot of medium-sized to giant figs. Although this kind performs best in warm climates, it can also tolerate cooler temperatures to some extent.
Small, sweet, purple figs called “Celeste” are produced. One of the most winter-resistant kinds is this one.
The winter-resistant variety “Hardy Chicago” yields medium-sized, purple figs.
King is a plant that does well in the northwest’s milder climate. It yields figs that are medium in size and sweet and flavorful.
“Kadota,” which bears little to medium-sized fruit with vigor. It is the fig that is most frequently canned, and its figs are rich and delicious.

Harvesting Figs

Figs shouldn’t be picked before they are completely ripe since they won’t continue to mature off the tree. The figs ought to have an even hue and feel slightly supple to the touch.
Because figs are a favorite food of birds and squirrels, you might need to spend money on bird netting to safeguard your crop.
Wear gloves or long sleeves when gathering figs because the fig tree’s sap might harm your skin.
Figs lose their flavor quickly. Figs can be kept for two to three days in the refrigerator.
You can freeze whole figs for long-term storage and use at a later time. The figs can also be dried as a storage option. Also possible is home canning of figs.
Potassium, dietary fiber, and calcium are all abundant in figs.

Fiddle-leaf figs can withstand what temperatures?

Since houseplants gained popularity, the Fiddle Leaf Fig has been the indoor plant that has dominated fashion and design trends (Ficus lyrata).

This plant can be found as a tree or in its younger, more shrubby stage. It has huge, glossy green leaves on a substantial-sized plant that can grow to be at least 8 feet tall. The ficus family, which is made up of many species that have long been popular indoor plants, includes various species, including the fiddle leaf, which has some of the biggest leaves of any of them. It can be difficult at first to keep a fiddle leaf fig happy at home, but after you learn some of its fundamental preferences, you can maintain your temperamental fiddle’s happiness and health!

Let’s just clear up one thing first.

The fiddle leaf fig is a drama queen in general. In other words, these plants consistently prefer certain conditions, and if those requirements are not met, they sulk by shedding leaves. You guessed it: Your plant will drop leaves if it is moved, turned, or repotted. It will also drop leaves if exposed to frequent drafts or intense heat.

However, your fiddle leaf fig may still live on even though its leaves are falling. In the first 24 weeks after getting your new Ficus plant, some leaf loss is typical. If, however, the leaf falling is severe or continues, check your plant’s hydration and lighting needs to see if it is growing in the best conditions.

The fiddle leaf is not the simplest indoor fig to maintain, so if you have had trouble with one in the past or want to take a shallower dive into the Ficus world, we advise trying one of the simpler figs first. If you’re worried that your house or workplace may not have enough light, consider growing a Ficus Audrey (Ficus benghalensis), which can tolerate lower light levels, or the Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica), which is just as cool but distinct from the fiddle leaf.

Light

The best lighting is consistent bright or filtered light, but avoid extended direct sunlight; place yourself in an east-facing window or a few feet from a south or west-facing window. To maintain balanced growth, rotate the plant every so often.

Water

In general, most Ficus prefer consistently moist soil—never soggy soil. Prior to watering, the top 24 inches of the soil should always be dry. Water until the water runs out the drainage holes. It’s preferable to err on the side of too little watering than too much as you learn more about your plant’s watering requirements. The majority of problems are caused by overwatering, especially in the winter when development is slower. Be sure to tailor your watering frequency to the season and water roughly half as frequently in the winter. Additionally, plants growing in lower light levels could need less water than the same plants growing in higher light levels.

Soil

To ensure the success of your fiddle leaf fig plants, use a high-quality, rich, well-draining potting soil. Fiddle leaf figs don’t like their soil to be too wet or too dry.

Temperature & Humidity

The ideal temperature range for fiddle leaf figs is between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. But watch out for drafts from windows or doors, fans, or heating vents when planting a fiddle leaf fig. Higher humidity is favorable for fickle fiddles. There are several ways to increase the humidity in your home, including:

Add a sizable humidifier to increase the humidity in the entire space, or use a smaller tabletop humidifier to target specific plants.
Misting: Misting can be a terrific way to increase humidity, but if done improperly, it can promote leaf diseases. Use a fine mister and only spray in the morning to give the water time to evaporate during the day.

Fertilizer

To maintain healthy growth and vibrant color, use a basic indoor plant food diluted to half strength. Use fertilizer from March through September, but avoid feeding during the winter. When watering newly transplanted plants for the first time, Malibu Compost Tea for Houseplants can be used to stimulate stressed plants or assist prevent transplant shock.

Toxicity

If consumed, the plant is harmful to both people and animals in all parts. Being in contact with sap while handling plant parts might cause moderate skin irritation; use caution and gloves when handling.

Pruning

Pruning is best done in the spring when the plant is actively growing again because it encourages branching or horizontal development (many Ficus species will “bleed from cut areas with a white sap that is sticky and contains latexprotect floors and furniture with paper, cloth, or plastic sheeting before pruning indoors, and wear gloves for protection).

Troubleshooting

One of the main issues that farmers face is leaf browning, which can result from a variety of issues. It is useful to make a note of the shape, pattern, and color of the spots as well as where on the plant the damaged leaves are located (i.e. toward the top or bottom of the plant). Due in part to their big size, fiddle leaf figs’ leaf issues can often be the most striking; each damaged leaf has a significant effect. They can be vulnerable to environmental shock and transplant shock, as was previously noted, and will likely exhibit some degree of leaf drop for the first 24 weeks after being brought into your home. If brown patches appear or dropping persists, one of the following factors may be to blame:

Older leaves (toward the interior and lower parts of the plant) are typically harmed first by root rot brought on by overwatering; the damage appears as a black area in the middle of the leaf or sporadic dark blotches.
prolonged dryness/underwatering
Most damage occurs to the newest leaves, which are on the leaf’s edges.
infection with bacteria
regions of new growth that are worse off may become yellow, appear unnaturally tiny, or have spots that are more brown or reddish in hue than black.
Pest-specific insect damage varies; keep an eye out for exceptionally shiny or sticky leaves as a sign of pests nearby and conduct a closer inspection.

Scale and fungus gnats: Regrettably, Ficus plants are virtually as common among insects as they are among people. Scale can be hard to see, especially in the beginning phases of the “infestation,” and when they are, they can be numerous and challenging to get rid of. They resemble tiny tan lumps that can be removed with a fingernail or small tool. They are typically seen along the midrib of a leaf (top or bottom) or on a stem at the point where a leaf is joined. You may identify issues early and get back on the road to recovery by regularly inspecting your plant and cleaning its foliage. Find out how to spot scale and get rid of it here.

If you start to experience fungus gnat issues, top-dress with Mosquito Bits or lightly dust the top of the soil with Diatomaceous Earth. Avoiding overwatering your plants and waiting until the top 2 or 3 inches are dry before watering again are the best ways to keep fungus gnats away.

The Little Fiddle

The ficus in this image is a “Little Fiddle,” which is a smaller variation of the fiddle leaf fig. It doesn’t just have a cute growth pattern; it also has a tendency to be a little bit more resilient than the bigger fiddles. Fiddle leaf figs can grow in a variety of shapes, such as trees, bushes, and columns.