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.
How is a fig tree maintained inside?
Placing your fiddle leaf fig in the ideal location within your home will ensure its success. Put it in a location that is not exposed to wind or drafts (stay away from air vents! ), receives sunlight without being overly hot, and, on top of that, some humidity won’t harm. Greenery NYC offers a light-measuring guide if you’re unsure whether a particular location in your home is perfect for a fiddle leaf fig to live its best life.
Added advice? Your fiddle leaf fig tree should be rotated frequently, not moved. Fiddle leaf figs usually grow toward the sun, so rotating your planter once a month might promote more balanced growth and prevent it from bending in different directions.
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 frequently should I water my fiddle leaf fig inside?
The best thing you can do for your plant’s health is to water regularly and never let it become so dry that the soil starts to shrink and peel away from the pot’s sides.
The next time you water, the water runs down the edges of the pot and between the soil and the pot, not really reaching the roots of your plant. Soil shrinking is a huge concern. Your plant may perish as a result of the vicious cycle of inconsistent watering, which alternates between over- and under-watering.
The good news is that your fiddle leaf fig plant only needs to be watered once per week, which is a failsafe method for watering it just the proper quantity.
Your plant will become accustomed to the environment and thrive if you maintain your once-weekly routine. The benefit of watering your plant once a week is that you’ll have the assurance that you’re not overwatering or underwatering it. You are no longer required to worry or second-guess yourself!
Ensure that your plant is potted correctly and that each watering thoroughly drains the pot. Before watering, ensure that the bottom of the pot is dry by sticking a wooden skewer there. (A moisture meter is quite useful in this situation!) If the soil is still wet a week after your last watering, your drainage has to be improved immediately. (Your plant may require repotting.)
How To Water Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Properly (To Avoid Root Rot) | Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Information
Can fiddle leaf figs live in the dark?
There are numerous factors to take into account when determining how much light a fiddle leaf fig plant need. It can be difficult to always provide your indoor plants with enough natural light, especially in the winter. One of the most frequent issues with fiddle leaf figs is a lack of sunshine, which causes leaf loss, dark patches, and fading of the leaves.
Your plant will be healthier and more resilient to other issues if it receives plenty of sunlight. It’s crucial to have a place ready with enough light before bringing home a new fiddle leaf fig plant. However, how much light is required by a fiddle leaf fig tree?
How long do fiddle leaf figs in containers live?
A tropical tree with fiddle-shaped leaves, the ficus lyrata is a native of the lowland rainforests of West Africa. It has a lifespan of 25 to 50 years (if cared for properly in non-tropical conditions).
What makes it so well-liked in the design community? Most people give the tree’s large, floppy spherical leaves, which resemble violins, credit. People anthropomorphize the plant by comparing these to babies’ huge eyes in an effort to make them desire to care for it.
Of course, the majority of designers would also mention how photogenic the plant is, which undoubtedly helps.
Do fiddle leaf figs need direct sunlight?
Although they can withstand moderate sunlight, it’s not their preferred environment. 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. Placing your plant in low light is one thing you must never do.
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.