How To Maintain A Plant Of Fig Leaves?

Ficus lyrata, the main species of fiddle leaf fig, is a tall, evergreen house plant with large, glossy, fiddle-shaped leaves growing to 45cm. It is perfect for creating a focal point indoors and can be grown with other plants. To care for a fiddle leaf fig tree, it is essential to provide it with the right conditions, such as bright, indirect light, and regular watering.

Plant your fiddle leaf fig in a well-draining, all-purpose potting mix with peat moss added. They thrive in bright, indirect light, ideally from multiple directions, so position your plant near a window that receives plenty of natural light. An east-facing window is ideal for this plant. Water regularly but don’t over-water, ensuring the compost remains just moist. Feed with liquid fertiliser once a month from spring through to the end of summer, and remove yellowing leaves as needed.

Fiddle leaf figs appreciate a warm, humid environment, a fair amount of water, and plenty of light. Choose a location away from air vents and drafts, as direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Keep your fiddle leaf fig’s leaves glossy by gently cleaning them with a damp soft cloth. Removing dust and dirt helps keep them healthy.

Fiddle leaf figs are sensitive to temperature fluctuations, so place them in a warm room (60° to 85° F) away from drafts and heating and air conditioning vents. Mist the leaves and wipe off any dust with a paper towel to prevent dusty leaves from hindering sunlight access.

Weak trunks can also pose a challenge for fiddle leaf figs, as they thrive in warm, bright, and humid conditions. To ensure the health and longevity of your fiddle leaf fig tree, follow these tips and care for it properly.

How often should I water a fig leaf tree?

To maintain a healthy Fiddle Leaf Fig plant, water it once every 7 to 10 days, following a moderate watering schedule. The soil should indicate if the plant needs water, and if it feels dry, it is thirsty. To water the plant, water from the top over the soil until water seeps through the drainage holes at the bottom. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again. Another effective method is bottom watering, which involves placing the potted plant in a container filled with water for 30-60 minutes. This method helps hydrate the entire root zone without getting the leaves or trunk wet, which can cause bacteria, fungus, or decay.

Why is my fig leaf plant dying?

Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees (FLFs) can suffer from hydration issues due to dry air or irregular watering. These plants thrive in humid climates with regular drenches, but indoor trees can be exposed to dry air from air conditioning and heaters, or allow too much time before watering. Recognizing signs of insufficient moisture is crucial for maintaining a healthy FLF. Dry or cracked brown spots on leaves are common signs of severe dehydration, which won’t heal.

How do you take care of a fig leaf plant?

The fiddle leaf fig tree (Ficus lyrata), a native of the African rainforest, exhibits optimal growth when cultivated in a location that receives bright, indirect light and is provided with frequent watering. However, it is important to ensure that the plant is not situated in close proximity to air vents or drafts to prevent adverse effects on its health and development.

How to keep a fiddle leaf fig happy?

The fiddle-leaf fig is a stylish and glossy plant that thrives in bright light but not strong sunlight. To maintain its health, avoid under or over-watering, wait for soil to dry, and provide a drink when it does. Avoid cold drafts and humidity by misting it every few days. Clean the leaves to keep them lush and shiny. Fidel the fiddle-leaf fig is a style icon with gorgeous glossy leaves, so it’s essential to keep it healthy and well-maintained.

Where is the best place to put a fiddle leaf fig indoors?

To ensure the health and happiness of your Fiddle Leaf Fig, it is essential to place them in a window that receives direct morning or afternoon light. Ideally, the window should have a mostly unobstructed eastern, western, or southern exposure, without trees or close buildings shading it. If the window is large enough and clear, a north-facing exposure can also work. If you want to place your tree in a southern exposure, slowly acclimate it to being in many hours of direct sunlight over 1-2 weeks.

The size of your Fiddle Leaf Fig also plays a role in determining the amount of light it will need. A 7′ tall tree would need a taller window to accommodate its height. The more leaves your Fiddle Leaf Fig has, the more light it will need to maintain its leaves and continue to grow new ones. If the plant doesn’t receive enough light, it will drop lower and interior leaves, indicating that it needs more light to sustain all its leaves.

Do fig leaves need direct sunlight?

Despite being full-sun organisms, ficus lyrata plants require plenty of warmth, direct light, and humidity to thrive. They may show signs of needing more sun exposure when they don’t get enough sun. Slow growth is a sign they are recovering from something, such as being relocated, treated for insects, or rescued from root rot. These plants need plenty of sunlight to thrive and adapt to their environment.

Can you leave a fig leaf plant outside?

Fiddle Leaf Fig plants can be enjoyed as a beautiful addition to your patio or porch, but they need to be acclimated to sunlight to avoid sunburn. Move them to a shady spot on the porch and observe for a few days. If they tolerate this area, move them a few feet into filtered light. Check for dryness and watering, as they may require more frequent watering than inside the house. When bringing the plants into the house, check for bugs and treat accordingly.

Florid Leaf Fig plants are known as “girls” and can be planted together in one pot. They release a hormone to protect each other due to their genetic makeup. Susan Henry, a Penn State Master Gardener from Adams County, shares her experience with her three “girls”: Lyddy the Figgy, Ritzels, and Bella. They purify the air, increase humidity, and give Susan confidence. The two plants maintain each other’s contentment, health, and happiness, creating a win-win situation.

Should I put coffee grounds in my fiddle leaf fig?

Fiddle leaf figs are not hard to keep alive, but they can go dormant and shed leaves during colder months, which can confuse new owners. They are not toxic to cats and dogs, as they can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting if they chew through a stem and eat the sap. To prevent this, it is recommended to keep the plant out of reach of pets or find a pet-friendly house plant. Coffee grounds, while not harmful, can impair the pH balance of the potting medium and cause excessive moisture retention, leading to root rot or mold formation. Despite their reputation, fiddle leaf figs can be a rewarding plant to grow in the right conditions.

What not to do with a fiddle leaf fig?

The fiddle leaf fig tree is a potentially problematic tree that should not be moved to a new location, overwatered, placed in direct sunlight, or placed near heat/air vents. Instead, use a pot with a drainage hole and let it fully drain on watering day. If you have any questions or concerns about the fiddle leaf fig, share them with your plant friends and followers. For more information on finding great houseplants online and how to get rid of any gnats that may come with these plants, visit the following resources.

Do fig leaf plants need a lot of sun?

Light is crucial for plant growth, as it allows plants to use carbon dioxide, water, and light for photosynthesis, resulting in increased plant mass. Fiddle leaf figs require moderately bright light for 6-8 hours a day, and if you don’t have a large window or live in a region with inconsistent sunlight, consider using a plant light. Fiddle leaf figs thrive in humid conditions, with an ideal humidity level of 65. To ensure healthy growth, use a humidifier or mist the soil regularly.

A good all-purpose fertilizer and well-draining soil are also essential. Watering the plant should be done when the top inch of the soil is dry, using room temperature water that doesn’t change the plant’s overall temperature. Ensure your pot has a good drainage system and watering fiddle leaf figs can be challenging, but with experience, you’ll become a pro.

Do fiddle leaf figs need to be by a window?

To ensure optimal health for a fiddle leaf fig, it is essential to situate the plant at a distance of several feet from windows. Ideally, the plant should be positioned with its longest axis facing south or east, and a gauzy curtain should be utilized to filter the sun’s light. It is optimal that the window be situated in close proximity to another window, thus preventing direct sun exposure.