Because it is expertly prepared with the ideal N-P-K ratio for fiddle leaf figs, we adore Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Food. The best aspect is that it is so mild you can incorporate it into your weekly watering schedule! In this manner, you can guarantee that your tree receives the ideal dosage each time and that you never have to remember a fertilizer plan.
Repot your fiddle.
Fiddle leaf figs frequently have limited growth as a result of outgrowing their pot or becoming root-bound.
This occurs when the roots encircle themselves so tightly that they are unable to branch out or absorb the nutrients or water needed to maintain growth.
It’s usually time to repot your plant if you see a bunch of roots poking out of the top of the soil or the bottom of the pot. Since most fiddle leaf figs require repotting every two to three years, you should consider doing so if you haven’t done so already.
Although repotting seems frightening, it need not be. You can learn everything you need to know about repotting your fiddle leaf fig from this article. The top 4 inches of soil can be removed and replaced with new soil if your fiddle leaf fig is too large to be repotted.
Your fiddle leaf fig can develop and thrive after the appropriate watering schedule, nutrients, and pot size are in place because environment is important for a healthy plant (indoors or outdoors)!
How can I encourage my fiddle leaf fig to grow more?
How to Grow Your Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Bigger and Quicker in 7 Easy Steps!
- OPTIMIZE THE POT SIZE IN STEP 1.
- Step 2: GUARANTEE OUTSTANDING DRAINAGE.
- 3rd step: COMPLETE, REGULAR WATERING.
- Step 4: Verify the soil’s aeration.
- Do an annual soil treatment in step five.
- Step 6 is to fertilize less frequently.
- STEP 7: TURN ON THE LIGHTS!
Fiddle Leaf Figs grow slowly, right?
Fiddle leaf fig trees have gained popularity in recent years among bloggers. I enjoy looking at the lovely interior design photographs on Instagram, which frequently feature potted fiddle leaf figs. One that I purchased last year perished slowly and sadly, leaf by leaf. Recently, I struck it lucky and paid only $12.99 each for a pair of fiddle leaf figs at Home Depot. Since these plants are elusive, I was thrilled to find them since I was determined to show myself that I could maintain one (or two) of them.
One of my plants was already displaying symptoms of distress when I came home. The few leaves at the top were withered. Because I want mine to live this time, I have been investigating this plant. I discovered that the experts frequently emphasized the following: Growing a Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree: Tips and Tricks
- Avoid overwatering. a weekly glass of water
- It requires good lighting. The plant prefers consistent bright (indirect) light, although if placed in an Eastern-facing window, it can endure occasional full sun. Once it starts to slant toward the light, rotate the plant every several months.
- It’s crucial to maintain a stable atmosphere. Maintain a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees.
During the (growing) summer, fertilize once every month, then repot as the roots expand. Also, bear in mind that this plant grows slowly.
This plant is indigenous to West Africa’s tropical regions, where it can naturally reach heights of 40 feet or more. In their natural environment, fiddle leaf plants will first produce blooms and then fruit, but this rarely occurs indoors.
As I previously indicated, my previous attempt to raise a fiddle leaf fig failed miserably. The poor thing quickly grew weaker as it started losing its leaves. Upon further investigation, I discovered that if your plant is dropping leaves, it either requires more hydration or is exposed to a draft. A good approach to raise humidity is through misting. In order to remove dust and enhance the glossy appearance, you should also clean the leaves with a soft sponge and water. Its leaves could dry out and fall off because to cold drafts coming in through windows, doors, and air conditioners.
Why aren’t my figs expanding?
First, we shall discuss the reasons why a fig tree won’t bear fruit in this post. If you’re looking for that information, read our page on fig trees that don’t produce fruit.
There are a number possible causes for a fig tree’s failure to bear fruit. The three main causes of a fig tree not bearing fruit are the age of the tree, too much nitrogen, and water.
Fig Tree Not Fruiting Because of Age
A fig tree’s age is the most frequent cause of its fruitless state. Similar to animals, trees must mature before giving birth to children. Fig trees produce seeds in the form of fruit. The fig tree won’t bear fruit if it isn’t old enough to produce seeds.
A fig tree won’t typically start bearing fruit until it is two years old, although it can take some trees up to six years to achieve the proper maturity.
There is nothing you can do to hasten a tree’s rate of development. The only solutions are patience and time.
Fig Tree Not Producing Fruit Because of Too Much Nitrogen
Too much nitrogen is another typical cause of fig trees not bearing fruit. This frequently occurs when you apply fertilizer that has an excessive amount of nitrogen. Nitrogen makes the plant’s leaves and branches grow lushly, but it produces very little fruit, if any at all.
If you believe that too much nitrogen in your soil is preventing your fig tree from producing fruit, switch to a lower nitrogen fertilizer or add some phosphorus to the soil.
Fig Tree Will Not Fruit Because of Watering Conditions
A fig tree may cease producing figs or never start producing if it experiences water stress from either too little or too much water, especially if the tree is young. The fig tree won’t have the energy to devote to producing fruit since water stress will put the tree into a survival mode.
Increase the water if your fig tree isn’t receiving enough moisture. Remember that when the temperature rises above 65 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius), fig trees in pots require daily watering and twice daily watering when the temperature exceeds 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 C.).
Reduce your watering or improve the drainage in the region or in the pot if your fig tree is receiving too much water. Never allow fig trees to grow in water that is still.
These are the most frequent causes of fig trees failing to produce fig fruit. There are other additional, less frequent causes, most of which are related to the nutrients in the soil. If you believe that your fig tree is not being affected by the aforementioned factors, test the soil and make adjustments based on the results.
How can you promote the growth of leaves?
You may make a fertilizer by mixing baking soda, household ammonia, and epsom salts. This fertilizer promotes plant development and helps plants keep healthy foliage.
How can I tell if the light reaching my fiddle leaf fig is adequate?
Measuring the space between the leaves on your fiddle leaf fig tree is another proven way to determine whether it needs more sunlight.
The leaves of a fiddle will grow more closely together than those of a fiddle that must reach for its solar energy.
Here is an illustration of a fiddle leaf fig that displayed these precise signs. Just two years ago, I gave my mother this beautiful plant:
As you can see, the leaves were able to remain near to one another without suffocating one another due to the abundance of sunlight offered by the greenhouse environment. It was flawless.
I sent it over to my mother without checking for a bright spot in her home. The greatest spot she could locate in her house was close to a window, although it received little natural light.
After a year, she was able to move the large plant outside for some summer heat and humidity, but as you can see, the branches had already started to spread:
This fiddle leaf fig tree had a terrific summer, but when winter arrived, it had to return indoors.
It is now as follows:
Watch for this lanky, “reaching” appearance and address it right away by moving your plant steadily closer to the sun.
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.
What is the rate of growth of a fiddle leaf fig?
By perfecting your watering routine and locating the ideal location for your plant to flourish, you’ve taken on the difficult tasks. Just a few additional things are necessary for you to understand in order to preserve your fiddle-leaf tree.
Although dusting a plant may seem odd, you absolutely must dust those large, fiddle-shaped leaves. They gather a lot of dust because they are so big and frequently grow somewhat horizontally.
At least once every month, gently wipe the leaves with a moist towel. If you don’t, dust can obstruct sunlight from reaching the plant and clog stomata, which slows photosynthesis and makes the plant struggle to survive.
Fiddle-leaf figs expand rapidly. They frequently grow by one or two feet in a year. If you don’t rotate your plant and leave it in a corner, its growth may quickly become uneven as it reaches for the sun.
There are two options for handling this. Start by frequently rotating it. And second, if it starts to look uneven, make it even by pruning occasionally.
Turn the plant a few inches every several months. In order to remember which way we are moving, I turn Midori in the same direction (clockwise) every time.
Remove some of the leaves on the heavy side of your plant if it begins to grow lopsidedly to give it a more even appearance.
These plants will keep growing upward for as long as they are content. For aesthetics, optimal airflow, and to make sure the plant receives adequate light, trim the highest branches so that the plant remains at least a foot below the ceiling.
Remove any diseased or damaged leaves as well. These won’t recover and are just a drain on your plant. Furthermore, any infections that cause disease could infect the remaining parts of your fiddle-leaf fig and possibly kill them.
Giving your plant a tree-like shape by pruning is another reason you might want to do it. For a bushier shape, some gardeners choose to leave the leaves on the lowest section of the stem intact.
Fiddle leaf figs naturally take on that well-known trunk and canopy shape as they grow in the wild. However, the plant typically retains its bottom leaves indoors.
You can remove the bottom leaves and branches if you want the conventional tree appearance.
To promote excellent air circulation, you might also wish to thin your fig once a year. Any branches that are in the way should be cut.
Put on some gloves before pruning because the sap that is released when these are chopped can irritate the skin. Next, take out a fresh set of pruners. Although you can perform this activity at any time of year, if you do it in the winter, you won’t notice any new growth for a few months.
Cut stems off an inch from the leaf node or stem. Keep in mind that the plant will split where you cut it and sprout new branches as you stimulate the desired shape. If plants are pruned while they are developing, new growth should begin within a few weeks.
You can also remove any stems or leaves that don’t conform to the desired shape. Simply pick no more than a third of the plant at once.
Finally, you can use a pair of scissors to trim the brown pieces off or clip them off totally if some of the leaves have some dark spots at the edges caused by either overwatering or underwatering. There is no point in keeping them around because they won’t regain their color.
You can cut the entire trunk down to about a foot tall and start over if your plant begins to appear sparse as a result of leaf drop or lanky growth, or if you don’t like the shape. From the cut place, the plant will produce new branches, and you can reshape it.
Before you severely prune your plant, think about air layering. If you use the process outlined above, you might get two plants in return for your efforts.