The fiddle-leaf fig (Ficus lyrata) is a trendy indoor plant featuring very large, accented veined, and glossy fiddle-shaped leaves that grow upright on a sleek trunk. A fiddle-leaf fig is perfect as a statement plant of a room if you can situate it in a decorative pot where the plant is allowed to grow to at least 6 feet tall; most specimens grow to around 10 feet tall when fully developed. (Usually takes more than 6 years) It’s a fairly fast grower when placed in the perfect growing conditions and can be potted at any point in the year. The indications when it’s time to repot your beloved fiddle-leaf fig are stagnant growth and its roots are growing out of the pot; root-bound. Keep in mind this beautiful plant is toxic to cats and dogs when ingested, so it is recommended to keep in a pot away from pets.

Light and Air

Fiddle-leaf figs are generally not difficult plants as long as you can get their growing conditions right. Well-circulated air is crucial for your indoor fiddle-leaf fig, however, avoid AC blowing directly on the plant. When grown as a houseplant indoor, fiddle-leaf fig requires bright, filtered sunlight of 4-6 hours a day preferably morning sun as hot afternoon sun will scorch the leaves on your beloved fiddle-leaf fig in no time.

Water and Soil

In general, fiddle-leaf figs like moist soil that are well drained; aerated potting mix. If the plant doesn’t get enough water, its leaves will wilt and lose their bright green color. And if it’s overwatered, the plant will drop its leaves and suffer from root rot. Water your fiddle-leaf fig when the top couple inches of soil feel dry, simply poke your fingers into the soil. Always water thoroughly to fully saturate the soil and let drain completely to avoid root rot and excessive salt build-up.

Temperature and Humidity

Fiddle-leaf figs suffer from extreme temperature fluctuations. A room that’s between 16 and 30 degrees Celsius is typically fine, though you must place the plant away from direct air-conditioning and heating vents as these can cause extreme temperature fluctuations. Humidity level between 30 and 65 percent is ideal. If you need to increase humidity, lightly mist your plant with clean water daily or every couple of days. You can also place it on a tray of pebbles or lava rocks filled with water, as long as the bottom of the pot isn’t soaking in water. Lastly, fiddle-leaf figs can greatly benefit from being in a room with a humidifier.

Tips

Another useful tip to achieve even foliage growth and avoiding the plant leaning towards the light source is to rotate your fiddle-leaf fig every few weeks so that all parts are facing the light source. Also, wipe your fiddle-leaf fig with damp cloth every two weeks. Not only does this shine your leaves and appear more attractive, but it also allows the leaves to absorb more sunlight for effective photosynthesis which encourage growth. Apply couple tablespoons of balanced pellet fertilizer on topsoil every two months or whenever new growths appear. Furthermore, you can trim off any damaged or dead leaves as they arise, not only because they no longer benefit the plant but it will also encourage new growths.