Fiddle Leaf Fig

Name: Fiddle Leaf Fig
Brand: Soltech
Availability: OutOfStock

SCENTIFIC NAME: Ficus lyrata

KNOWN AS: Fiddle, Fiddle Leaf, FLF, Fiddly Fig

CLIMATE (LOCATION): West Africa | Lowland Tropics

DESCRIPTION: The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a popular houseplant. People love them because they look like trees and their leaves are green and pretty.

hard difficulty & pet toxic

Fiddle Leaf Fig Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: Full Sun (Bright Direct Light) & High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Fiddle leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) likes bright, indirect light with a little bit of direct sunlight. This can be obtained from a south-facing window or with a LED grow light. If you notice leaves turning brown on the edges, this is a sign of too much light or not enough water. If you notice leaves yellowing, this signifies your fiddle-leaf fig is not getting enough light or too much water.

Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

Fiddle-leaf fig plants like to be watered regularly, but not excessively. Let the top inch of soil dry out before giving it a good drink of water. Make sure the water drains out of the bottom of the pot. Don't let the plant sit in water for too long, because that can cause the roots to rot. In drier places or during the winter, you may need to water your plants more often. It's important not to give fiddle-leaf figs too much water, since that can also hurt them. Check on the plant often and change how often you water it as needed.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 75º

Fiddle leaf fig plants like warm and consistent temperatures. They do best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 24 degrees Celsius), and they don't like cold drafts or temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). It is important to keep the plant away from air conditioning or heating vents, which can cause sudden changes in temperature. Also, you should put the plant in a room with a steady temperature and keep it away from cold windows or doors. If you keep the fiddle-leaf fig in the right temperature range, it will grow strong and healthy, making it a beautiful addition to any indoor space.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 50 - 60%; Moderate Humidity

The health of a fiddle leaf fig plant relies heavily on proper humidity. It's important to remember that fiddle leaf figs do best when the humidity is between 50% and 60%. If the air in your house is dry, you can use a humidifier to make the air around your plant more moist. You can also put your fiddle leaf fig with other plants to make a microclimate with more moisture. Misting the leaves of your fiddle leaf fig is another way to raise the humidity around it. This will help keep the leaves from drying out and keep them moist. Make sure to use water at room temperature and not to mist in the evening, as this can help mold grow. You can also use a pebble tray to increase humidity, in addition to misting. Just put pebbles in a tray and add water until it's just below the pebbles. Make sure the pot doesn't touch the water when you put your fiddle leaf fig on top of the pebbles. As the water dries up, it will make the air around your plant more humid. Make sure your fiddle leaf fig doesn't get exposed to sudden temperature changes or drafts, which can cause the leaves to fall off. Keep your plant away from doors and windows, and don't put it near heaters or air conditioners.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation

The fiddle leaf fig is commonly propagated through stem cuttings. To propagate a fiddle leaf fig using stem cuttings, choose a healthy stem with multiple leaves. Using clean and sharp pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node. Remove any lower leaves near the cut, leaving a few leaves at the top. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone (optional) to promote root development. Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring that at least one node is buried in the soil. Provide indirect light and maintain a warm and humid environment to encourage root growth. Keep the soil lightly moist, but avoid overwatering. With time and proper care, the cutting will develop roots and new growth. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the cutting into a larger pot or container filled with well-draining soil, and continue caring for it as you would for a mature fiddle leaf fig.

Toxicity

The fiddle leaf fig is toxic to humans and pets if ingested. The plant's sap contains a milky substance that can cause mild irritation and discomfort if ingested. If a person or pet ingests any part of the fiddle leaf fig, they may experience symptoms such as mouth and throat irritation, burning sensation, drooling, and potentially vomiting. While the fiddle leaf fig is considered mildly toxic, it's important to note that significant ingestions are relatively rare, and the plant's toxicity is generally not life-threatening. However, it's still recommended to keep the plant out of reach of young children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. If you have concerns about the fiddle leaf fig toxicity or if you suspect ingestion or exposure, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional, veterinarian, or a poison control center for personalized advice based on your specific circumstances. Monitor pets and contact a veterinarian if you suspect they have ingested a significant amount or are showing any unusual symptoms.

Repotting

Fiddle leaf figs like to have their roots in a small space, so choose a pot that is just a few inches bigger than the one they are in now. This will keep the soil from staying too wet, which can cause root rot. Make sure to use potting mix that is made for indoor plants and has good drainage. This will help keep your fiddle leaf fig from getting too much water and make sure it gets the nutrients it needs. Before you repot your fiddle leaf fig, give it a lot of water. This will help the roots move out of the old pot. Loosen the roots with your hands and get rid of any old soil or dead roots. Make sure the soil level is the same in the new pot as it was in the old pot when you move your fiddle leaf fig. Press down hard on the soil around the roots to make sure it stays in place.

Pruning

First of all, it's important to prune your fiddle leaf fig when it's actively growing, which is in the spring or summer. This will help your plant recover quickly and keep it from getting stressed. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts when you prune. Start by taking off any dead or yellowing leaves, as they can attract pests and diseases. Next, cut off any branches that cross or rub against each other. This will keep the plant from getting hurt. Cut off the tips of the stems to make them grow fuller. This will help your fiddle leaf fig grow new leaves and branches. Make sure to cut just above a leaf node, which is where a leaf connects to the stem. If the top of your fiddle leaf fig is getting too tall, you can cut it back to make it branch out. Just cut the stem just above a leaf node, and new branches will grow from that point.

Fertilizing

Fiddle leaf figs need to be fertilized often so they can keep growing and staying healthy. Fertilize your fiddle leaf fig with a balanced fertilizer that has equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the growing season, which usually lasts from early spring to early fall. Look for fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 3:1:2 or 3:1:3.

Soil

Getting the right soil for your fiddle leaf fig plant is important for its health and growth as a whole. Make sure to choose a soil mix that won't hold too much water and cause the roots to rot. A soil mix that includes peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand can help your fiddle leaf fig drain well and get enough air.