Our preferred approach for giving your violin humidity isn’t misting, but fresh leaf buds are the one exception.
The emergence of new baby leaves from their leaf sheaths can result in tearing since they are thin, sensitive, and have a tendency to stay together (see, that almost rhymes!).
New leaf buds should be misted, but only the lead buds, and not so much that the water runs off onto the surrounding leaves.
Give your new baby buds a nice sprinkling a few times each week, and if you’d like, gently dab up any surplus water with a clean, soft towel.
In a dry climate, you can still grow a healthy fiddle leaf fig. It requires a few additional tools, but it is entirely possible! Even if you reside in the middle of the desert, follow these recommendations for a beautiful, healthy tree.
How can a fiddle leaf fig be kept content?
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.
How are fiddle leaf fig leaves cleaned and made shiny?
The simplest approach of cleaning huge leaf plants can have a significant impact with just a spray bottle and a cloth. Sprinkle plenty of water on the plant or each leaf before gently wiping away the dust. Keep in mind that leaves can be delicate, so be careful not to handle them roughly. This could be a very time-consuming process, depending on the size of your plant!
What should I use to wash my fiddle leaf fig leaves?
Your best option might be to spritz the leaves and wipe them down with water and a soft cloth if your plant is too huge to take outside or into the shower. Avoid the temptation to add any special ingredients or oils that could clog the plant’s pores because applying anything to the leaves of your plant other than basic water is bad for it.
Use a spray bottle of distilled water to protect your plant if your water is particularly hard or if you have a water softener. I use a clean towel and this tiny spray bottle from Amazon (seen below). Spray each leaf, carefully wipe it off, and then repeat as necessary to thoroughly clean your plant. Each leaf might need to be completed twice or three times.
Cons: Because wiping each leaf can harm your plant, this is the method I least like to employ. The undersides of your plant’s leaves cannot be cleaned with this procedure, and it takes a lot of time. Finally, because the contaminated spray water will fall down around your plant, I find it annoying and messy. To protect your floor, you might wish to place a towel underneath your plant.
How can I maintain glossy plant leaves?
First things first: We do not advise cleaning your indoor plants with leaf-shining treatments. There are various commercial plant shine products available, and many stores utilize them to enhance the appearance of their plants. Nevertheless, leaf shine products sometimes cause more harm than benefit.
Stomata, which are microscopic pores found in plants, are essential for many of the organisms’ processes. Stomata allow oxygen to enter through during respiration. Stomata let carbon dioxide to pass through during photosynthesis. Additionally, stomata let water vapor to flow through during transpiration. Numerous leaf shine items block these apertures with oil or wax, which restricts the critical gas exchanges that stomata are necessary to.
Even while the leaf shine product makes the promise that it is clog-free, its residue might draw in more dust and dirt, giving you a plant that is ultimately not all that shiny. You get caught in a never-ending cycle of cleaning and re-shining as the foliage gets harder to clean.
We all agree that plants are beautiful, but if you want to bring out even more of their beauty, there are safer ways to do it without endangering the health of the plants.
Clean plants’ leaves with a damp cloth.
Wet the towel (or sponge) and squeeze away the extra moisture. Place one hand softly underneath each leaf to support it while the other hand wipes down the top of the leaf while moving away from the stem. Repeat the procedure on the leaf’s underside, where common houseplant pests like to conceal themselves. Use a gentle brush if the leaves are delicate or little.
Shower your houseplants.
All plants, but especially those with numerous leaves, benefit greatly from a light, lukewarm shower. To make sure the water cleanses the undersides of the leaves, carefully run your hands through the vegetation. For ferns, orchids, and palms that enjoy dampness, this technique works well. Just be careful not to overwater your plant while you’re doing it (only water plants in containers with drainage holes) and be sure to shake off any extra water from the leaves afterward.
Clean leaves with a bit of soapy water.
Try combining water and all-natural liquid soap if water alone is insufficient. Either bathe your hands with the mixture and gently apply it to the plant, or you can carefully wipe the leaves with a soft cloth dipped in the soap and water mixture. Clean the plant’s leaves from top to bottom; doing so may assist get rid of any potential pests. When finished, thoroughly rinse the plant to remove all of the soapy liquid, then shake off any extra water.
Or opt for a mixture of vinegar and water or lemon juice and water.
Vinegar and water are also useful for removing residue accumulation on leaves. But be careful not to go overboard. Start by combining a gallon of water and one teaspoon of vinegar. After that, carefully dab the mixture onto the leaves of your plants using a delicate cloth. Bonus: The smell of vinegar works wonders to deter pests and curious animals. Lemon juice is a good substitute for vinegar. Mineral salts can be dissolved with the aid of an acid, such as lemon juice or vinegar. Lemon juice and water, in contrast to vinegar and water, won’t get rid of pests on your plants, but it will dissolve mineral buildup from hard tap water on your leaves.
How is a fiddle leaf fig humidified?
Excellent Fiddle-Leaf Care for your fig plant strengthens it and increases its resistance to illness, while neglect leads to sickness, brown patches, and other issues. Fortunately, there are only 10 essential yet straightforward steps to taking good care of your fiddle-leaf fig tree. To have a happy and healthy plant, abide by these guidelines!
Provide Proper Drainage.
The cornerstone of the health of your plant is its root system. Many people are unaware that roots require both water and oxygen to function correctly. Your plant’s root system needs proper drainage in order to breathe and remain healthy. Root rot can develop in the soil and harm your plant if there is insufficient drainage.
How Often To Water A Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant:
It’s crucial to let the soil around your plant to get a little bit dry in between waterings in addition to allowing enough drainage. Your Fiddle-Leaf Fig often only requires one watering per week. One of the biggest mistakes brand-new Fiddle-Leaf Fig owners make is using too much water. Make sure you aren’t drowning your plant by being conscious of its water needs. Brown stains and falling leaves are indications that you’ve overwatered.
Give a Winter’s Rest.
Your plant gets less sunlight throughout the winter, which gives it less energy to carry out its metabolic processes. As a result, it needs less fertilizers and water. To give your plant a chance to relax over the winter, water it less and stop fertilizing.
Accept the Loss of Older Leaves.
In order to make room for new development, plants constantly expand and shed their older leaves. As they get taller, fiddle-leaf fig trees lose their lower leaves. If your plant has healthy new development, it’s okay if it occasionally drops its lower leaves.
Provide Humidity.
For a Fiddle Leaf Fig, the optimal humidity range is between 30 and 65 percent. If your area is particularly dry, you might need to spritz your plant or provide a humidifier to give it some extra humidity. Keep your indoor fiddle-leaf fig tree away from heater vents because they can dry out your plant.
Care For Problems Immediately.
Fiddle-Leaf Due to the high energy requirements for the development of their enormous leaves, fig trees grow quite slowly. As a result of how long it takes people to recover from issues, treating illnesses as soon as possible becomes even more crucial. If you notice brown patches, leaf drop, or an insect infestation, be sure to take action right once.
Repot When Needed.
In a few years, if your fiddle-leaf plant is in good health, its root system will start to exceed its pot. To give your plant more room to grow, it might be time to repot if you notice roots extending from the pot’s bottom or borders. If your plant has outgrown its current container, top dress it rather than repot it by taking out the top 4 inches of dirt and replacing it with fresh soil.
Fertilize the Fiddle-Leaf Properly.
For fiddle leaf figs to grow their big, gorgeous leaves, they need a lot of nutrients. Feed them frequently with Root Rocket Fertilizer or a liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 3-1-2, such as Fiddle-Leaf Fig Plant Food. A deficiency of nutrients can be detected by yellowing leaves and poor growth.
Use the Proper Tools.
It’s crucial to always have the right equipment on hand for effective Fiddle Leaf Fig maintenance. A rolling plant stand that enables you to move and rotate your Fiddle-Leaf Fig indoors is one of these, along with a watering can, a moisture meter, sharp pruning shears, and other gardening tools.
Check on Your Plant Weekly.
Getting to know your plant better is the greatest approach to care for it. Spend some time each week checking on your fiddle leaf fig. Before you water, check the soil to determine if it is moist or dry. Check the leaves for any indications of insects or brown stains. After that, turn your plant so that it receives consistent sunshine. Finally, record any alterations, such as new growth.
One of the most satisfying plants to raise is a fiddle-leaf fig tree, especially after you learn what they require. Order a copy of The Fiddle Leaf Fig Expert book right away on Amazon to learn everything you need to know. Additionally, you may sign up for The Ultimate Fiddle-Leaf Fig Care Webinar and become a member of the Fiddle Leaf Fig Club.
The ideal moisture level for a 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.
How frequently ought I to wet my houseplants?
Your Fittonia verschaffeltii’s leaves are brittle, brown, and not regenerating.
According to Hank Jenkins of the Plant Provocateur in Silver Lake, “Some plants flourish in dampness.
Their leaves will dry out if you don’t provide them with moisture. You must spray them if you want new growth and foliage.
According to “Reader’s Digest Success With House Plants,” many indoor plants are native to subtropical and tropical climates and require a relative humidity of at least 40%.
Jenkins says that Los Angeles is a coastal desert. “The humidity in this region is distinct from that in South America, Mexico, or Central America.
Therefore, if a philodendron, which prefers humidity, is planted in too-dry air or close to a heating or cooling vent, its leaves may shrivel and become brown.
Jenkins continues, “A lot of folks don’t realize the value of misting. ” One of the best things you can do for your houseplants is mist them. I suggest to my clients misting their indoor plants once or twice a week.
How do I determine whether my fiddle leaf fig is content?
Fiddle Leaf Figs are infamously difficult to grow. There are a few typical maladies of this plant, like brown spots and leaf drop, that can make it sick or, worse, fast bring about its demise. The secret to keeping your plant happy and healthy is to keep an eye out for them and catch them early. Keep an eye out for these indications of a possibly sick fiddle leaf fig.
Brown spots on the leaves
The leaves of fiddle leaf figs are incredibly prone to browning. Brown spots that start to form and spread should be investigated even though a few small markings here and there are not a cause for concern.
Due to two opposing factors—either overwatering or underwatering—most brown patches on fiddles are unfortunately difficult to diagnose. Here’s how to distinguish between them:
Overwatering, which results in root rot, is probably to blame for brown patches that appear in the center of the leaf and spread outward. A fungal illness called root rot will eventually kill your plant by spreading to the leaves. You should repot your plant as soon as possible if it has root rot. Take the plant out of the ground, wash the roots thoroughly, and cut off any that are brown or mushy. After that, repot the plant in new soil with adequate drainage and remove the damaged leaves.
Are the brown spots on your fiddle beginning at the outside border of the leaves and moving inside? The plant is probably too dry for this to be the cause. Give your Fiddle a thorough rinse, and make sure it’s not too close to any heaters or air vents because that will likely cause the plant to dry out more quickly than is desired.
Finally, trauma may cause brown spots to form at random. A plant can suffer trauma just by changing homes (i.e. changing environments). If only one or two of your plant’s brown, damaged leaves are present, remove them at the stem and give your plant some time to heal.
The new growth is smaller than the older leaves
A healthy plant always shows new development, and if your Fiddle’s leaves are getting big and strong, your plant is doing fine.
The presence of little, stunted new leaves, however, may indicate that your plant is deficient in nutrients. Consider repotting your plant if it has been a while since you gave it fresh soil, or just fertilize it in the spring and summer to give it the extra nutrients it requires.
Dropping leaves
Fiddle Leaf Figs can appear to drop their leaves out of nowhere. One leaf here and there is normal; but, if several leaves have fallen off in a short period of time, you must act quickly to rescue the tree. Once more, underwatering or overwatering are the most likely causes of leaf drop in fiddle leaf figs. How then can you distinguish between them? Look at the direction in which the leaves are falling from the plant: if the older leaves (at the bottom) are dropping first, overwatering is probably the cause. On the other hand, if the plant’s leaves are falling off all around, it’s probably not getting enough water. Here are a few more techniques for differentiating.
Leaves turning yellow
Do your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves appear to be yellow? There are several potential reasons:
inadequate lighting Fiddle Leaf Figs require as much direct, strong light as they can get. Even a little direct sunshine is acceptable, but stay away from locations with medium or low light. Remember that a Fiddle that receives insufficient light is more likely to overwater.
a lackluster diet. Due to a deficiency of nutrients in the soil, your Fiddle plant may have yellow leaves. You may want to attempt fertilizing it with liquid fertilizer.
Pests. If fiddles are being attacked by insects, their leaves may also turn yellow. If you have a suspicion that this is the case, thoroughly check the leaves’ top and bottom surfaces for any potential bugs.
Stunted or slowed growth
During the spring and summer, healthy fiddles typically produce new leaves every four to six weeks. It’s possible to see your plant add numerous new leaves in only a few days or weeks because growth usually occurs in spurts. It’s typical for there to be no new growth during the winter. Again, if you don’t observe the expected growth in this plant, it may require new nutrients in the form of a quality plant fertilizer.
Dirty or dusty leaves
When was the last time you washed your plant’s leaves? Plants breathe through their leaves in addition to absorbing sunlight through them. Your plant won’t be able to carry out either of these tasks as effectively as we’d like if a layer of dust is present on its huge leaves. A fantastic technique to keep your Fiddle Leaf Fig plant bright, healthy, and vibrant is to clean the leaves every few months. You may read about various cleaning techniques for your fiddle leaf fig here.
Fiddle Leaf Figs are known to be pickier than most plants, despite the fact that they can be quite low maintenance. Maintain a regular watering routine, fertilize in the spring and summer, and most importantly, ensure that your plant receives enough light year-round (yes, this may require moving it in the winter!). Keep a watch out for any of these symptoms since treating them quickly is essential to keeping your plant healthy and looking nice.
This article was modified from Claire Akin’s Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Resource. For additional information on how to take care of the fiddle leaf fig, see their website.