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 are fiddle leaf fig leaves shone?
Taking a fiddle leaf fig tree outside and giving it a hose-down is my preferred method of cleaning it. To get rid of all the dust and grime, you should give it a thorough soak. After that, you can leave it outside to dry for a few of hours. Just be careful not to leave it in full sunlight or leave it out overnight. The fact that soaking the root ball can help renew soil distribution and fix any issues with soil shrinking back from the container is an added plus.
Problems with this approach: It might not be able to move your plant outside safely if it is really huge or heavy. A rolling stand is useful for keeping a big fiddle leaf fig so you can move it outside. Of course, you might not have access to a hose and an outdoor space. Or perhaps the climate where you reside is too chilly for this approach to be effective.
Provide humidity.
In fact, fiddles adore dampness as tropical plants. It maintains the suppleness of their leaves, enhancing their sheen and gorgeous deep green hue.
Keep your tree away from vents, heaters, and drafts. If you live in a dry region, use a humidifier or pebble tray to add some extra humidity.
In order for your tree’s new leaf buds to emerge healthy, green, and glossy, give it a shower every now and again.
Clean your leaves.
Again, it may seem obvious, but one of the main causes of dull leaves is hard water stains and dust.
Cleaning your leaves is also good for your health because plants utilize them for photosynthesis, which is like eating and breathing, and for respiration, which is like breathing.
Wipe your leaves down occasionally with distilled water and a tiny bit of detergent-free soap.
How can I give my leaves a natural shine?
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.
I have a fiddle leaf fig. Can I use olive oil on it?
Are you all prepared for a new week? I realized this past weekend just how quickly summer flew by. Even though we were out and about every weekend for the past three months, it feels like we have accomplished nothing. I had so much on my to-do list that I wanted to get done over the summer because I was unhappy with the little progress I had made. I can at least cross off taking care of my Ms.Dee from the list. You know, I was thinking the other day that it would be nice to show our beloved Fiddle Leaf Fig some attention as well while I was splitting up some indoor plants that I hadn’t touched in 14 years. For precisely a year, it has been kept in the identical IKEA container that I purchased it in. Fortunately, it didn’t seem to stop developing as a result.
Basic Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Maintenance:
- There is a lot of ambient light.
- Water only when the soil is dry to the touch, once a week or longer.
- a warm environment (60 to 90 degrees F)
- Avoid vents, drafts, and drifts.
- When required, turn the plant to maintain it in the same position. They dislike being frequently transported.
- Repotting after a purchase should only be done when new growth is apparent.
- Repotting should only be done after the Fiddle Leaf Fig has become established and grown enough for the roots to be seen on the bottom of the container. Their roots want to be closely clustered.
- Use a container that is one or two inches larger than the root ball when you repot plants for the same reason.
- Pull the plant out slowly.
- Loosen the root ball and repot in an excellent potting mix that has been fertilized in a container that is one to two inches larger than the root ball.
If not regularly cleaned, the huge leaves of these show stoppers nearly often become massive dust collectors. I must admit that during the course of the year, I may have cleaned the leaves just once.
Yuck! According to what I’ve read so far, you can use these to clean and shine up the leaves of your indoor plants;
- a mixture made of milk and water.
- Within banana peels
- little olive oil
- Natural Mayo
- Cocoa Butter (My method)
I often use a damp towel to clean my indoor plants, but this time I put a few drops of coconut oil on a soft cotton kitchen towel. See the distinction?
I had the vague impression that the idea behind using Mayo or Olive oil was that the oil (in Mayo) naturally made the leaves shine. Both of these are heavier than coconut oil, which I always keep on hand. I reasoned, “Why not?” Actually, coconut oil has a long history with us and is something we adore. Kerala, the region of India where I was born, translates to “land of Coconuts.” Naturally, coconut and coconut oil play a major role in our cuisine. The latter is used for practically everything, including cooking, moisturizing skin and hair, and even as medicine!
- Pour it into the towel with just 2 drops of the solution.
- To disperse the oil over a greater area, rub the cloth on itself before applying gentle pressure to the leaves. This makes sure that the coating of the leaf is very thin. Again, because the oil is so light, the leaf’s pores won’t become clogged.
- Keep in mind to avoid applying oil to the leaf’s underside. For the underside, water would be adequate.
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.