Once you have your fiddle-leaf fig at home, it is necessary to repot it in a pretty container that complements your decor and is also good for the health of your plant. Since gardeners water their plants daily to bathe the roots, the majority of fresh plants are shipped in plastic growth containers with drainage holes to keep roots dry and prevent root rot.
Finding a container that retains water better than plastic growing pots while still having a sufficient drainage system to support the root ball’s growth is ideal because fiddle-leaf figs require the ideal balance of moisture and dryness is essential for their growth.
Look for containers that are an inch or two taller and 3 to 4 inches larger in diameter than the pot that your fig was grown in. However, avoid purchasing a pot with a diameter of more than 6 inches, as this may encourage root rot in your plant.
Your pot also has to have drainage holes in the bottom and a saucer or reservoir underneath to catch any extra moisture.
Picking the Proper Potting Mix & Soil Amendment
Finding goods that enable your plant to perform to its maximum potential is the first step in picking the ideal potting mix and soil amendment for your fiddle-leaf fig. Our organic potting soil from Jobe’s offers an all-natural answer to your fig’s fundamental demands. Our potting mix, which contains BiozomeRa special combination of beneficial bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi, and archaea, helps the roots of fiddle-leaf figs develop quickly and maintain moisture without the use of any hazardous substances.
Consider include a perlite soil amendment while potting to truly make sure our potting mix stays loose, prevents compaction, and provides for optimum water drainage for your fiddle.
Repotting Your Fiddle-Leaf Fig in Four Steps
There are only a few stages involved in potting your fiddle-leaf fig plant, but you must take your time and handle it gently the entire time to prevent damage:
Find a Workspace
It is now time to move your plant to its new location because you have a suitable fiddle-leaf fig container and potting soil. Make sure you’re in a place that you don’t mind getting dirty because this process might be messy. Think about moving your plant on a piece of plastic or an old bed sheet outside on your patio or inside.
Fill in Jobe’s Potting Mix & Soil Amendment
Give your fig a platform for its root ball to sit on by adding 4 to 5 inches of potting soil to your new container. While your plant is inside the pot, make sure it isn’t overstuffed with soil. Check to see if the top of your fig’s root ball protrudes above the rim of the pot to determine this. Remember to include your soil amendment as well!
Remove & Transfer
Next, carefully detach the growing container from the root ball of your fig. Do not force your fig out of its pot if you are having trouble doing so. Carefully cut the plastic container’s side using a pair of scissors.
After being removed, place your fig inside the new pot while keeping it upright by the trunk. Next, fill the container with potting soil and soil amendment until it is completely full. After that, lightly compact the dirt to allow your fig’s roots to breathe.
Initial Watering
It’s time to water your fig for the first time once it has been potted. To guarantee that any air in the soil has been released, completely submerge the pot in water. You might need to add more potting mix if you see that the sides of the soil are now lower than the middle.
Allow your plant to dry for at least an hour after the soil has been thoroughly moistened and even reached the top of the pot. Then, before taking your fiddle-leaf fig inside, be careful to completely drain the water reservoir of the pot.
Are fiddle leaf figs fond of little pots?
Select a larger pot to replant your Fiddle Leaf Fig in if it is root-bound. It’s ideal to select a pot that is just a few inches wider than the one it is currently in.
This is due to two factors. First of all, fiddle leaf figs prefer their pots to be small. And secondly, these plants frequently expend their energy filling out a much larger pot if they are given one. In other words, the plant will prioritize developing its root system before producing new leaves!
This may be the cause of your Fiddle’s failure to develop if it is in a pot that is too big.
Another thing to keep in mind is that you must use a pot with drainage holes at the bottom. Your Fiddle Leaf is vulnerable to a variety of harmful situations, such as overwatering and root rot, without sufficient drainage. Check to see whether your FLF is being overwatered here.
If you want to plant your Fiddle Leaf in a decorative pot that doesn’t have drainage holes, make sure you first plant it in a pot with drainage holes before putting that pot inside the decorative one.
How big of a pot does a fig plant require?
Growing figs is simpler than you may imagine, even in frigid climates. Despite being a native of the Middle East and Asia, this fruiting tree (Ficus carica) is quickly gaining popularity among North American gardeners as a backyard fruit crop. Figs are prized for their flavor, which has a hint of honey.
Figs can be grown outdoors without any winter protection in USDA hardiness zones 8 through 10. Growing fig trees calls for a little more skill if you plant in an area where winter lows often fall below 10 degrees F. Figs require additional winter protection in these northern climates, and while you can take the bother to wrap the tree in layers of blankets and tarps, it is far simpler to grow fig trees in fabric pots and overwinter them indoors.
There are several fig types, but if you want to grow them in a cold region, start by picking one that is hardy and self-fertile, such “Chicago,” “Brown Turkey,” or “Celeste.”
Fig trees do best when they are grown in fabric aeration pots. The permeable fabric not only keeps the soil well-aerated but also promotes healthy root structure. Furthermore, transporting fig trees indoors for the winter is made much simpler by the portability of lightweight cloth containers.
Fig trees can initially be grown in smaller containers, but as they mature, each tree needs a 15-20 gallon container. This small container is perfect for growing figs since you can move it around with ease and it encourages a strong root system without fostering excessive top growth.
Figs favor abrasive, permeable soil. Four parts of premium potting soil, one part of coarse bark chips, and one part each of coarse sand should be used to fill containers. Fig trees should be planted at the same depth as in their nursery container.
- Place the pot where it will get at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.
- When fig trees are dormant, prune them. Branch out any dead or straying limbs. Each year, cut one-fourth of the plant’s entire height to keep it at a reasonable size.
- Each spring, fertilize figs grown in containers with a modest application of organic granular fertilizer.
- Fig trees in containers need to be watered frequently.
In order to grow fig trees in cold climates, they must be brought indoors as soon as the first fall frost occurs. Choose a location with temps between 20 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit, such as a garage, shed, or cellar. When dormant, fig trees just need to be watered every six weeks and don’t need any light.
Move the plant outdoors gradually over the course of two or three weeks after spring arrives, increasing its exposure to sunlight and weather extremes. Move containerized figs outside for the remainder of the growing season once the threat of frost has passed.
One of the best parts of gardening is raising figs. Grow your own fig tree to enjoy this delicious, homegrown fruit.
How can I tell if my fiddle leaf fig needs a new pot?
For good reason, fiddle leaf figs are popular in the design world. They are a terrific modern accent in homes and businesses thanks to their enormous, architectural leaves, which create a striking statement. Despite the fig’s image as a bit of a prima donna, if you and your fig abide by a few simple rules, you and your fig can enjoy a long-lasting and fruitful relationship.
Here are some fundamental instructions for taking care of a fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata). Keep in mind that if you ever need assistance troubleshooting plant concerns, feel free to stop by our store or use the hashtag #heyswansons to share your queries on social media.
SOIL
Fiddle Leaf Figs are native to the rainforest and prefer rich, porous soil. When repotting your fig, we advise using E.B. Stone Organics “Edna’s Best” Potting Soil.
You can either gently remove the plant from its pot and search for roots that develop in a thick circle or check the bottom of the container to see whether the roots are emerging from the drainage holes.
You can repot your fig into a container that is up to a few inches larger if it has outgrown its current one. Fiddle leaf figs typically require repotting every one to two years.
Another choice is to carefully cut the root ball of a huge plant and repot it in its original container with fresh potting soil. Don’t forget to only remove 20% of the root ball.
When your plant has grown as big as your home or office will allow, you have the option of trimming the roots to prevent it from getting any bigger.
LIGHT
Give your fig a strong, indirect light source. The leaves might be burned by the afternoon sun if it is too intense. If your single window is facing South or West, try relocating the plant a little bit away from the window or put a sheer curtain in front of the window to block the sun’s rays.
WATER
Consistent watering helps fiddle leaf figs stay hydrated but not drenched. Water slowly and thoroughly until water drains out of the drainage holes in the pot, let the soil dry to about 1, and then water slowly and thoroughly one more. To prevent the plant from sitting in water, make sure to dump any remaining water from your caching pot or tray.
During the spring and summer growing seasons, water slightly more than in the winter.
If figs do not receive enough water, their leaves may start to turn brown or yellow around the margins before dropping. The roots could decay if the plant is kept too moist because they won’t be able to get oxygen. Yellowing, browning, and the dropping of the lower/older leaves are indications of overwatering, which are comparable to those of underwatering.
HUMIDITY & TEMPERATURE
The warm, muggy climate of the jungle is favorable to figs. You might put a shallow tray of water near or under your plant to boost the humidity in your house or place of business. In order to prevent the plant’s roots from sitting in standing water when the tray is placed under it, fill it with stones and maintain the water level below them.
To enhance the humidity surrounding the leaves, you might also wish to mist your plant a few times per week. In the winter, a humidifier can also work wonders to boost humidity and keep your plant content.
Floppy Leaf Figs don’t like drafts or unexpected temperature fluctuations very much. The leaves may fall from exposure to air conditioning or cold drafts from windows. When evening lows do not go below 60 degrees, they are happiest.
FERTILIZER
During the growing season, fertilize your houseplants using an all-purpose fertilizer. To avoid overfertilizing, you can either follow the instructions on the packaging or halve the recommended dosage. Additionally, if you are not repotting that year, you can add an inch or two of new potting soil each year.
PESTS
A plant under stress may become more susceptible to pests. A contented plant that is misted and well-watered will be less likely to encounter pest problems!
Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites can all harm figs. Always be sure to check your plant’s foliage on a frequent basis. Depending on the pest attacking the plant, if you find insects, send us a picture or bring a sample in so we can suggest a suitable natural insecticide.
The plant’s leaves turning yellow and falling off are another sign. However, problems with watering could also be to blame. If you don’t see any pests on your plant, experiment with different watering schedules to see if the problem goes away.
OTHER TIPS
Those big, gorgeous leaves can be dust magnets! To keep your Fig gleaming and healthy, give it a once-over with a gentle, dry cloth.
Keep in mind to frequently rotate your plant to maintain uniform growth and avoid tilting!
Photos of your fiddle leaf figs are welcome! Show off your beauty by using the hashtag #heyswansons!
What size planter should I use for a tree?
A planter box that is at least twice as wide and deep as the root ball is required for trees.
The tree root balls of the trees expand as they get taller. Calculate that you’ll need to transfer them to a larger container every 2-3 years in a pot that’s 4 inches larger in order to accommodate some growth.
There should be at least 4 feet between each tree if you are planting more than one in the same pot.
What causes my fiddle leaf fig to droop after being replanted?
Like people, fiddle leaf fig trees experience some stress when they move into a new place. For them, moving into a new, larger pot might serve as a basic form of relocation. After repotting, symptoms like drooping leaves are completely typical. The symptoms might take a few days to manifest, but with the correct environment and care, your plant should adapt to the new container and return to normal in a matter of weeks. After repotting, keep a check on your fiddle to make sure the symptoms do not persist for too long.
If your Fiddle has been relocated to a new location in your house, it could also exhibit signs of stress. Your Fiddle could experience shock if the light or temperature suddenly shift. After a few weeks, if your plant is still receiving adequate light and the temperature change is not too drastic, it should easily adapt to its new surroundings. A few leaves may have drooped after your transfer because of the bumps it may have met, but this shouldn’t cause you any long-term concern.
Avoid placing your plant next to any radiators or air conditioning/heating vents. Drooping leaves are one among the stress indications that your fiddle will exhibit as a result of the drafts or heat pockets that are formed. You might invest in a compact humidity sensor, which is useful for identifying dry areas in your house.
If the leaves on your Fiddle are drooping but none (or very few) have fallen off, you’re in luck since you should have noticed the problem quickly enough to be able to fix it. After you have identified the problem and made the necessary changes to the environment or care, your plant should recover fully after a few weeks. If you’ve suddenly realized that it’s lost a lot of leaves, don’t panic. With the correct care, you should be able to resurrect your dying fiddle. Simply put, it can take a little longer and demand a closer look.