Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

You’ve probably heard the rumors about the Fiddle Leaf Fig: this stunning houseplant is impressive and can be hard to keep alive. Not all the stories are entirely accurate, but the Fiddle Leaf, also known as FLF, is particular about the care it receives. While this isn’t an easy-care houseplant, it still deserves a place on this site, and this tree is worth it. The FLF is not a good pick for a first-time plant owner or even someone with medium-level skills. If you have had success with other picky houseplants, like Prayer Plants or a Goldfish Plant, it may be time to challenge yourself with an FLF. Learn more about Fiddle Leaf Fig care and get the rundown on how to help this beauty thrive.

Ficus Lyrata Basics

The Fiddle Leaf Fig, or Ficus lyrata, hails from tropical areas in western Africa. This plant is a tree with a central trunk and fantastic foliage. The glossy, oval-shaped leaves are narrow at the top and broad near the bottom. The deeply veined leaves measure up to 15 inches long and 10 inches wide, making a significant impact. This tree can reach up to 40 feet tall in nature, but houseplants usually max out around 6 to 10 feet.

The FLF is particular about its care and environment but also resilient and tough. This plant can live in less-than-ideal conditions for a while, but eventually, it will decline if the conditions aren’t right. Not all Ficus plants have the same level of difficulty as the FLF, so always research a new plant, but know that other species in this genus are more forgiving.

Some of the more common FLF varieties include:

Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’
Ficus lyrata ‘Compacta’
Ficus lyrata ‘Variegata’

Fiddle Leaf Fig Sunlight Requirements

Give the FLF bright, indirect sunlight. The Fiddle Leaf Fig does best near a south- or east-facing window where it will soak up the morning sun but be protected from the harsh afternoon sun. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves. Sunburn appears as dark black or brown spots on the foliage, so be on the lookout if the plant is directly in front of a sunny window.

This plant can handle some medium light if it also receives bright sunlight. Low light is no good. Plants that don’t receive enough sunlight will not grow as fast and may have pale foliage.

Next Level Fiddle Leaf Fig Care

Rotate the plant a quarter turn weekly so each side has a turn facing the sunlight. Failing to rotate the plant will cause it to lean towards the light and grow unevenly. Take a moment to wipe the foliage with a damp cloth to remove dust and help the plant more efficiently conduct photosynthesis.

Ficus Lyrata Water Needs

Water the Fiddle Leaf Fig when the top inch of the potting soil is dry. This plant likes consistent dampness but doesn’t like overly wet or soggy conditions. Water the plant until water drains through the container. Letting the water drain ensures the entire root ball gets a drink and flushes out leftover minerals from the water. Hard water can leave mineral deposits in the soil, damaging the FLF. Rinsing the soil removes mineral buildup, protecting the plant.

Drooping foliage occurs when the plant is dehydrated, while yellow foliage can be a sign of overwatering. Factors like sunlight and humidity impact how quickly the soil dries and how often the plant needs water. Dormant plants need water when the top couple of inches of the potting mix is dry.

Best Soil for FLF

Give this houseplant moist, well-drained soil. Drainage is essential because too much moisture will lead to root rot. Rich soil or a product amended with a slow-release fertilizer is a good pick. Most potting soil mixes work well.

Temperature for Fiddle Leaf Fig

Temperature consistency is vital for proper Fiddle Leaf Fig care, but most household temperatures are fine. Anything between 60° and 85° F is good, but temperatures in the 70° F range are ideal. Keep the FLF away from heating and air conditioning vents because fluctuations can be problematic.

Summer Get Away

Some plant owners move their FLFs outside for the summer. The benefits of moving a Fiddle Leaf outside to a covered or screened porch include a boost in sunlight and humidity, which the plant will appreciate and will encourage growth. The disadvantage of moving the plant outside is that it may not acclimate, which could do more harm than good. The FLF will drop leaves when it is stressed, and moving the plant to a new spot can be enough to stress it out. Leaf drop is normal, but it’s also disappointing, so evaluate the situation and consider moving the plant back to its original location if the move doesn’t go well.

If you live in a consistently warm and humid area and the tree is going to a spot protected from direct sunlight, then go for it. If your Ficus lyrata is doing amazing indoors, it may be better to leave it where it is and keep it indoors exclusively.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Humidity Needs

While this plant is known for requiring increased humidity, the ideal humidity for Fiddle Leaf Fig care is between 30 and 60%, which is a big range, so you may need to fine-tune the moisture based on your home and climate. Kitchens and bathrooms are often good locations for a Fiddle Leaf Fig since these rooms typically have increased humidity.

Brown, dry patches develop around the border of the leaves when the humidity is too low. Combat low humidity with a pebble tray with water or a humidifier. Consider picking up a hygrometer to measure the humidity so you can adjust based on the measured dampness instead of waiting for the plant to show signs of dry air.

Too much humidity can be an issue and create an environment more conducive to mold and mildew, so don’t overdo it.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Fertilizer

Feed the FLF using a plant food high in nitrogen, so the numbers of the container should read 3-1-2 or something similar. There are a lot of fertilizers available specifically made for this plant. Follow the instructions for whatever product you use. A specially formulated fertilizer or a product high in nitrogen will support foliage growth.

Fertilize the Fiddle Leaf Fig every two to four weeks during the spring and summer. Do not feed dormant plants.

Does Fiddle Lyrata Bloom?

The Fiddle Leaf Fig does bloom but don’t expect your houseplant to set flowers. Plants grown outdoors or in a greenhouse often bloom, but the conditions in a home do not support flower growth.

Ficus Lyrata Pruning Tips

Trim dead or damaged growth using sharp, clean pruning shears. Cut crossed branches to create a more open structure. Maintain the size or encourage bushier growth by pruning the terminal branch or main stem. Trimming the main stem will stop the tree from growing in that direction, forcing the FLF to grow wider.

When to Repot Fiddle Leaf Fig

Repot the FLF each spring. Roots growing through the drainage holes or slowed growth are the usual signs that the plant is rootbound and needs a bigger container. Give the plant fresh soil and a pot that measures one to two inches larger when repotting.

The plant will eventually become too big for a new container, so keep it in the same container and remove as much of the old potting mix as possible, replacing it with fresh soil each spring.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Propagation

Propagate the FLF via stem cuttings. Cuttings should measure at least six inches long. Remove any lower foliage, keeping at least a couple of leaves. Place the cut end in water, move the cutting to a sunny spot, and wait. Roots will begin to grow in a few weeks. Transplant the cutting to soil when the roots measure a couple of inches long.

Is Fiddle Leaf Fig Pet Safe?

The Ficus lyrata is unsafe to have around pets, especially cats or dogs likely to sample the foliage. The sap of the FLF contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are mildly toxic but toxic nonetheless. Chewing or consuming a Fiddle Leaf Fig’s foliage, bark, or branches can irritate the mouth, tongue, and throat. The upright growth habit is not likely to entice pets but be careful if your animals have a history of inspecting or damaging houseplants.

Fiddle Leaf Fig Styling Tips

This houseplant is a natural focal point, so it will likely garner attention wherever you place it. It’s fairly easy to find small trees standing a couple of feet tall in most plant shops and grocery stores. This houseplant can grow tall with proper Fiddle Leaf Fig care, so have a spot with high ceilings, or be prepared to prune it to fit your space.

Use a large basket or woven container as a cover pot to create an organic look. Any container material is fine, but be aware that unglazed ceramic or terra cotta will dry out more quickly, so the plant may need water more often. Use a drip tray or saucer to contain excess moisture and protect your floors.