How to Grow and Care for Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) sometimes gets a finicky reputation. It's not the easiest houseplant to grow, but its lovely large leaves and tree form make it worth a little effort and a good choice even for the beginning gardener. These small trees are well adapted to indoor temperatures and filtered light and are hardy enough to survive less-than-ideal conditions.

If you have a window that receives bright morning light you can grow this fig. Plant in quality soil, establish a consistent watering schedule and it grows reliably and fairly quickly to between six and ten feet tall with little fuss. Fiddle-leaf fig is toxic to people and pets.

Fiddle-Leaf Fig Care

• Place your plant near a window to receive filtered light.
• Plant in quality houseplant soil and repot young trees annually.
• Avoid overwatering and aim to keep soil moderately moist.
• Add support for the main stem.
• Rotate the pot every few days so all foliage faces the source of sunlight.
• Dust the leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks to boost photosynthesis.
• Trim damaged or dead leaves as they arise.

Light

Fiddle-leaf figs grow and look their best with bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves; especially exposure to hot afternoon sun. Plants adapt to low light but grow more slowly and may develop brown spots on lower leaves. Inadequate light can contribute to drainage issues so plan to adjust the watering schedule in low-light conditions.

Soil

Any quality indoor plant potting mix is suitable as long as it drains well. A peat based soil mixed with perlite or a 50/50 combination of cactus and houseplant potting soil provides good drainage.

Water

Fiddle-leaf figs like a moderate amount of moisture in the soil. If the plant doesn’t get enough water, leaves wilt and lose their bright green color. Too much water and it might drop leaves and succumb to root rot. During the growing season water your fiddle-leaf fig when the top inch of soil feels dry. Water slightly less often during winter.

These plants are sensitive to high salt levels in the soil. Salts can accumulate from clay pots, treated water, and fertilizers. Once a month, flush soil several times until water comes out of the bottom drainage holes to prevent salt build-up.

Temperature and Humidity

Average household temperatures kept at fairly steady levels between 60°F and 85°F suffice. Aim for humidity between 30 and 65 percent and leave some space around your plant for good air circulation. If you need to moisten dry winter air, mist daily or place the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water. A small humidifier is a third option.

Fertilizer 

Feed once a month during the growing season with a high-nitrogen plant food. An NPK 16-5-11 is a good choice with a ratio of three parts nitrogen to one part phosphorous. You can use water soluble pellets or liquid fertilizers for houseplants including formulas specific for fiddle-leaf fig. Water your plant well beforehand and discontinue fertilizer during winter months.

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Types of Fiddle-Leaf Fig

The main species, Ficus lyrata, is the most common fiddle-leaf fig grown, but several cultivars are available including: 

• Ficus lyrata ‘Bambino’: A dwarf variety that reaches just a few feet tall.
• Ficus lyrata ‘Compacta’: This variety grows to 5 feet tall and features smaller, denser leaves.
• ‘Variegata’Ficus lyrata: An uncommon variety with a showy mix of green and cream leaves. 

Pruning

Fiddle-leaf fig benefits from occasional, selective pruning. Do this in late spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. Use a sturdy, sharp, hand pruner and make cuts at a 45-degree angle between leaf nodes. Take care to avoid damaging a branch or the main trunk.

Some growers prefer a tree-like appearance with a branched canopy. Expert growers suggest waiting until your fiddle-leaf reaches 5 feet in height to begin this process. Then, top the main trunk above a leaf node to encourage branching. Once new branches form, additional cuts can be made to develop horizontal growth.

Removing dead leaves or trimming damaged ones can be done anytime. Dead leaves can often be gently pulled off. Brown edges can be trimmed if most of the leaf remains healthy and green. Follow the shape of the leaf to keep a more natural look.

Propagating Fiddle-Leaf Fig

It's easy to propagate fiddle-leaf fig with stem cuttings, rooted in either soil or water. The process is essentially the same with both mediums. To propagate in water you'll need a sturdy hand pruner, rooting hormone, and a clear glass container.

Propagate in Water

1. Use a pair of sharp shears to cut a branch with at least three leaf nodes. Make the cut at a 45 degree angle just above a node.
2. Pinch off bottom leaves keeping one or two at the top.
3. Dip the cutting in rooting hormone to cover the bottom nodes or add a propagation accelerator to room temperature water in a clean glass vase or jar.
4. Insert the cutting in water with nodes submerged and foliage above the water line. Top leaves can be cut in half to direct energy into root development.
5. Place in a warm spot to receive bright, indirect light.
6. Change water weekly. Roots appear in two to three weeks.
7. Continue to grow in water until several roots are 1 to 2 inches long.
8. Transplant the cutting in a 1-gallon pot with drainage holes.

Propagate in Soil

To root cuttings in soil, begin with steps 1 and 2 listed above. Dip the bottom in rooting hormone and insert it into a pot filled with well-draining potting soil. A pot at least 6 inches in diameter with drainage holes is usually sufficient.

Firm soil to keep the cutting upright and cover with a plastic bag. Place in a warm location with bright indirect light. After two weeks begin checking for root growth by tugging gently on the cutting. Resistance indicates success.

Potting and Repotting Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Plan to repot a young fiddle-leaf fig annually every spring. Select a sturdy container that is roughly 2 inches larger in diameter than the existing one. Gently loosen the plant from its current pot, lift it out while supporting its base, and place it in the new pot. Fill in around the plant with potting mix. 

If mature plants are too large to repot, remove the top several inches of soil each spring and replace it with fresh soil. 

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

The large, fiddle-shaped leaves on this fig let you know if problems arise. These plants don’t have serious pest or disease issues, but houseplants can attract spider mites, scale insects, and fungal diseases.

Watch for spots, dark patches, or white webbing on the leaves. Neem or horticultural oil often eradicates pests. Otherwise, treat with a fungicide or pesticide. Prevent problems with adequate air circulation and a good watering plan.

Common Problems With Fiddle-Leaf Fig

Fiddle leaf figs are hardy plants that thrive even in office environments with little attention. To get the best performance from yours, give it a little extra care and make adjustments at the first sign of leaf distress.

Bleached Leaves

If you see light brown or bleached spots on the top of the leaves, the plant may be getting too much direct sunlight. This is called leaf sunburn or leaf scorch. You can prune the leaf with sharp shears and relocate your plant to a spot with bright, filtered morning light.

Brown Spots on Leaves

Dark brown spots or browning edges are an indication of root rot due to overwatering or letting the plant sit in water. Check roots and remove any that are brown and mushy. Trim back spotted leaves and repot in fresh, dry soil. Adjust your watering schedule.

Temperature fluctuations also cause brown spots. Check for drafts and relocate to a spot with consistent temperatures if necessary.

Yellowing Leaves

If new leaves are yellowing, the plant may have a bacterial infection. This is tougher to correct but try removing affected leaves and repotting in fresh soil. Isolate it until it recovers.

Dropping Leaves

Leaf loss signals either a watering error or extreme temperature swings. Move the plant away from drafty areas. Reduce watering frequency to keep soil slightly moist instead of saturated.