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 soil. 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.
Are fiddle leaf figs difficult to maintain?
placing a fiddle leaf fig tree in a large, contemporary container. Garden tools, dirt, and a container of Ficus lyrata on a hardwood floor. New house tree planting procedure
Fiddle Leaf Fig 10106:21
The fiddle leaf fig, which has been a popular houseplant recently, adds a stunning architectural element to any room in the house. Although this lush plant is beautiful and has shiny, violin-shaped leaves, it can be challenging to maintain. But don’t worry—we have advice to maintain it flourishing in your area.
The good news is that the fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata), if acclimated, can grow to be at least 6 feet tall, making it an impressive statement piece. If you want a different look, there are also various cultivars of the plant, such “Suncoast” and “Compacta,” that don’t grow as tall and are bushier.
So, before taking one of these not-so-cheap houseplants home, read our in-depth care instructions and essential information if you want to get the most out of your investment for years to come.
How are fiddle Leafs maintained?
Secret No. 6: Avoid letting a sick fiddle-leaf fig tree fully dry up. Make sure any extra water drains out the bottom of the pot when watering it once or twice per week. (I water mine in the shower and keep it there for a couple of hours so the pot can drain, then I put it back on the plant saucer.)
Secret No. 7: Even if the container is so tight that roots are visible at the surface, wait to transplant it until you notice fresh growth.
In conclusion, letting your fiddle-leaf fig tree heal slowly on its own is the greatest thing you can do to ensure its survival. Give it filtered sunlight, water once a week, and warm environments (a room temperature between 60 and 90 degrees would do). Furthermore, if there is even a remote chance that the temperature may drop below freezing overnight, don’t leave it outside.
Are you also attempting to preserve your fiddle-leaf fig? The Fig and I: 10 Tips for Caring for a Fiddle-Leaf Fig has more advice. Visit Fiddle-Leaf Fig Trees: A Field Guide in our selected plant guide for Tropicals 101 for additional growing, maintenance, and design advice.
Finally, consult our Creeping Fig: A Field Guide for additional guidance on how to effectively plant, nurture, and maintain a creeping fig.
Get additional tips on planting, growing, and caring for fiddle-leaf fig trees by reading our Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree: A Field Guide.
Finally, use our Houseplants: A Field Guide to learn more about how to grow and care for different houseplants.
Are you looking for additional tropical plants for your indoor or outdoor space? With the help of Tropical Plants: A Field Guide, you can learn more about how to cultivate and care for different tropical plants.
Finally, consult our Vines & Climbers: A Field Guide for more guidance on how to cultivate and maintain a variety of vines and climbers.
How frequently does a fiddle leaf fig require watering?
Some people may find it challenging to determine whether their Fiddle Leaf Fig has been getting too much or too little water. But the leaves and soil of your plant will always let you know what it needs. Fortunately, it becomes simpler to read these cues over time. To determine if you are overwatering, ask yourself some straightforward questions like:
Do I water more frequently than once a week? Your fiddle leaf fig needs watering no more frequently than once per week. It might even be less depending on the environmental factors (light, humidity, and temperature).
Do I check the soil of my plant before watering it? Always insert your finger one or two inches into the soil of your plant to check its moisture content. Wait till it dries out more if the soil seems wet to the touch after your last watering. It can be simple to overwater if you don’t check in first.
Do the leaves on my plant have dark edges or spots? Overwatering and root rot are indicated by brown stains on the edges or centers of leaves.
Is my plant emitting a musty smell? Verify that your plant’s attractive container doesn’t have a water-filled basin. This can attract insects in addition to causing fungal illnesses.
Do the drainage holes in the pot of my plant exist? Your plant should ideally be inside of its attractive container in its plastic nursery pot. You may move your plant more simply and get the finest drainage this way. Make sure the container includes a drainage hole if you only want your plant to be in a decorative one.
Owners of this plant may become wary of overwatering for all the reasons mentioned above. However, giving the Fiddle Leaf Fig too little water can have its own set of negative effects on its health. If you believe you have been under-watering your plant, consider the following questions:
Do younger leaves have a smaller size than older ones? The plant is probably having trouble getting what it needs if the newest leaves on your fiddle leaf fig are significantly smaller than older ones. Smaller leaves may indicate a shortage of nutrients, light, or water.
Is your plant losing leaves quickly? Low humidity or thirst may be to blame for this. Make sure your plant isn’t exposed to dry air blasts from being in front of a vent.
Is the top inch of the soil on it touchably dry? While you should let your Fiddle Leaf Fig plant dry out a little bit in between waterings, you don’t want to let it get completely parched. Prior to watering, let your plant briefly dry out.
Are the leaf’s margins browned and wilted? Starting at the outside borders of the leaves, these brown spots will move within. Your plant is definitely thirsty if they feel dry.
Do the leaves have an inward curl? A badly underwatered fiddle leaf fig can be identified by this. Your plant can have a shower, but it probably needs some time to recuperate completely.
It is typically safe to conclude that you are overwatering your fiddle leaf fig if asking yourself these questions does not make it evident whether you are doing so. Not by yourself! Most indoor plant failures occur as a result of overwatering by worried plant parents, who also have a tendency to overlove their plants. Try to visit your plant more often, and spend some time examining its leaves. Through these, your plant will let you know what it needs. Once you understand how to interpret the indications correctly, taking care of it will feel much simpler.
Why keep dying my fiddle leaf figs?
Leaf drop has three primary causes, and it might be challenging to distinguish between them. Finding out what is causing your plant to drop leaves is the first step in quickly fixing the problem.
Leaf Drop From Shock
When you buy a new fiddle leaf fig plant, it goes through a lot of stress moving and being placed in a new setting. Fiddle leaf figs prefer a steady environment and dislike change.
Given that the plant was raised in a bright greenhouse with numerous other plants nearby and high relative humidity, the new illumination and humidity may both be much lower than what the plant is accustomed to. Your plant may respond to shock by shedding older leaves at the centre and bottom of the plant, which may be coupled with the physical stress of being bruised during the transport.
Leaf Drop From Dry Conditions
Dryness is the second main factor in fiddle leaf fig leaf drop. A fiddle leaf fig may drop leaves due to lack of watering and extremely dry air.
Be careful not to place your plant in the bright sun or close to a heating vent where it will frequently be bombarded with dry air. Because fiddle leaf figs dislike drafts, it’s best to choose a location far from any vents or bursts of hot air.