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!
Fiddle leaf figs tolerate direct sunlight.
The light that most homes and apartments naturally provide—not too much, not too little, nothing too bright, nothing too dark—is what the fiddle-leaf fig needs to thrive. An east-facing window is suggested by Harnek Singh, a gardener at Wave Hill Public Garden in New York City. According to him, fiddle leaf figs require both direct sunlight and a lot of indirect light. “South or west-facing windows will receive too much afternoon sun.
So keep in mind that your fig requires adequate sunlight in your home just like the nourishing rays that come through the deep canopy of the jungle. Cacti and succulents that live in the desert should be placed in the south-facing window.
Singh also advises buying fiddle-leaf figs from reliable sellers to prevent encountering the opposite issue. He claims that many of these plants are frequently already declining as a result of spending too much time in the dark. Foliage that is flagging and leaves that are pale, spotted, or wan-looking are indicators of improper light exposure. If your plant displays these signs, try shifting it to a different location for a week or two.
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 type 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.
Do fiddle leaf figs grow better indoors or outdoors?
This can be viewed from two distinct angles. Are you only planning on taking your potted fiddle leaf fig tree outside for the summer? Or do you want to move the tree permanently so that it can continue to thrive in the garden? Let’s examine the responses to each of these concerns in order to see how you might accomplish this without endangering your tree.
Can I Move A Potted Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Outdoors For Warmer Months?
Your fiddle leaf fig tree in a container can absolutely be moved outside during the warmer months. Keep in mind a couple things, though. Make sure the plant is in a protected area away from the wind and strong rains. Still air and drafts that are either hot or cold can cause Fiddle Leaf Figs to lose leaves because they like moisture. (If they lose a few leaves during the move, don’t be alarmed; it’s likely stress, and they will recover.)
Let it acclimatize to the sunlight for a while. Moving something into direct sunlight for extended periods of time may cause the leaves to scorch and fall off because the indoor lighting is indirect. Place it in a position with some light shade, preferably away from the hotter afternoon heat. As the plant grows accustomed to the outdoor light, you can gradually increase the amount of sunlight it receives.
Can I Transplant A Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree To The Outdoor Garden?
Your fiddle leaf fig tree can be moved outside if you reside in an appropriate climate. You must first be aware of its temperature needs. Nothing less than 50 degrees at night and nothing hotter than 95 degrees during the day are required for a fiddle leaf fig tree. It also requires a humid atmosphere. Because many of our humid regions in the US experience temperatures that are too cold or too hot for it, finding a decent place for it can be challenging. Originally, it is a rainforest plant.
However, if you have close to optimum temps and a protected location with plenty of filtered sunshine, then go ahead and transplant. You should transition your plant gradually. Keep it in the pot for a week or two, exposing it to increasing amounts of sunshine. After that, plant it in the ground and provide it with the right nutrients and dirt for the new environment. If you don’t get much rain, make sure to water it a few times a week to keep it from drying out.
Where should I position my fiddle leaf fig for maximum benefit?
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.
Will the rain harm my fiddle leaf fig?
Do Not Over Water is the first Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree ownership rule. They don’t require watering every few days like most plants do. In actuality, you ought to let the soil dry out completely between waterings. Your fiddle leaf may even go up to ten days without needing water, according to The Urban Sprout.
Before adding further water, the top few inches of the soil in the pot should be dry.
Put your finger one to two inches into the soil to measure the moisture content. It is too soon to give your plant more water if it feels damp or moist. To the touch, it ought to feel dry.
A moisture meter can be purchased if you want to get fancy. Simply insert it into the soil, and it will show you how much moisture is present. While a moisture meter is by no means necessary, it helps increase your confidence when deciding whether or not to water your Fiddle Leaf.
So how much water should you give your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree?
These plants are accustomed to the intense rainfall and extended dry spells seen in the rain forests of Africa. Therefore, you must give your plant a deep watering when you do water it.
After some time, the state of the plant’s leaves will indicate whether you are watering it enough or too much. Here are some examples of fiddle leaf fig tree leaves in good health.
Signs of Too Much Water
- beginning at the plant’s base, the leaves are beginning to turn a yellowish-brown color.
- patches growing in the middle of the leaf that are brown or black.
- leaves shedding
- Root rot is indicated by a musty smell coming from the roots and the soil.
Signs of Not Enough Water
- On the leaf edges, brown or dark patches appear.
- Brown patches can be found on the plant’s leaves all around, not only near the bottom.
Here is a picture of a leaf from one of our plants during a dry spell.