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.
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.
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.
Fiddle leaf figs, do they require bright light?
The Ficus lyrata, commonly known as the Fiddle Leaf Fig, is featured on the covers and in images of numerous design journals. Its tall stature and large, graceful leaves add drama and height and unify entire rooms. Despite where you’ve seen Fiddle Leaf Figs in pictures, some individuals don’t aware that they need to be placed just in front of a window. They can be challenging to care for until the plant adjusts to your environment and until you figure out when to water them. Continue reading to discover how to keep your fiddle leaf fig alive and healthy for many years to come.
Light
The best setting for Fiddle Leaf Figs is in front of a window that gets direct morning or afternoon light. The ideal window to choose has a primarily unobstructed eastern, western, or southern exposure. You don’t want the window to be shaded by nearby trees or buildings. If your Fiddle Leaf is positioned right in front of the window, a north facing exposure can also work if there is enough room and nothing blocking your view of the sky. You should gradually adapt your tree to being in several hours of direct sunshine if you plan to set it in front of a southern exposure. The leaves could burn and develop brown scorch scars if they receive too much direct sunshine too rapidly. Over the course of 1 to 2 weeks, gradually increase the amount of time it spends in front of a southern window.
The amount of light your Fiddle Leaf Fig need to thrive depends in part on its size. The amount of light a plant needs will increase with its size. For instance, a window would need to be much taller to accommodate a 7′ tall tree than it would a 4′ tall tree.
In general, your fiddle leaf fig will require more light to preserve its existing leaves and spur the growth of new ones the more leaves it has. In order to tell us that it isn’t getting enough light to support all of its leaves, a plant will respond when it isn’t getting enough light by losing lower and interior leaves.
It’s crucial to maintain your plant in front of the window during the winter months when natural light isn’t as abundant but also ensuring sure it doesn’t catch any chilly air from drafts that blow in. If your windows are drafty, try moving your Fiddle Leaf 2 to 3 feet away from the window to observe how it reacts. In most cases, keeping plants at this distance allows them to avoid any sporadic cold air blasts while yet receiving an equivalent quantity of light. For more advice on winter maintenance, keep reading.
Does a fiddle leaf fig require more than a grow light to flourish?
If you reside in a building or in an area with limited access to daily sunlight, indoor grow lights are a need. Although these plants don’t require direct sunlight to flourish, they do require a light source, and grow lights can be a fantastic addition to this. Fiddle leaf figs may grow well in indirect light as well as four to seven hours of direct sunlight every day on average.
Juhef Full-Spectrum Tri-Head 60W
A floor plant light will work best to guarantee that the entire plant is illuminated if your fig plant is on the larger side. To make use more convenient, this light has an automatic on/off timer memory function. Its three lighting modes offer your fig plant more than enough diverse lighting with their 10 various brightness settings.
The lamp is housed in a tripod platform that is extendable up to 47 inches. Additionally, it has a strategically positioned USB plug for easy access at home or at the workplace. The three-head lamp can also be used to provide lighting for other surrounding indoor plants. This light can be used to encourage your fig plant’s growth at all stages.