Gardening can be a rewarding hobby, but some plants are more difficult to care for than others. In particular, fiddle leaf fig trees have developed a notorious reputation for being temperamental and tricky to grow successfully indoors. However, with the right techniques and care, even novice gardeners can keep a fiddle leaf fig tree looking healthy and happy. This article provides expert tips for properly caring for fiddle leaf figs, troubleshooting common issues, and helping this prima donna of houseplants thrive.

Choosing the Right Fiddle Leaf Fig

The first step in growing a happy fiddle leaf fig is selecting the right plant specimen. Here are some tips for picking out a healthy fiddle leaf fig plant:

Inspect leaves – Choose a plant with broad, vibrant, deep green leaves. Avoid yellowing, brown spots, curling, or drooping leaves, which indicate stress.
Check for pests – Look closely for signs of insects like sticky residue, webs, or specks moving on the leaves. Choose pest-free plants.
Feel the soil – Opt for plants with moist but not sopping wet soil. Completely dried out soil indicates the plant has been neglected.
Examine the trunk – Pick plants with straight, upright trunks. Leaning trunks mean the plant was not rotated and needs retraining.
Buy mature plants – More established fiddle leaf figs with woody trunks are hardier than young seedlings which demand more care.

Selecting a healthy, vibrant fiddle leaf fig from the start gives your plant the best chance to adjust to your home’s environment.

Providing Proper Sunlight

Light is one of the most crucial elements in keeping fiddle leaf fig trees happy. This tropical plant thrives in bright, filtered light indoors. Here are light guidelines:

East or west windows – These spots provide gentle morning or afternoon direct sun. Use sheer curtains to filter the light.
South facing windows – Fiddle leaf figs love southern exposure but the direct sun is usually too intense. Filter it with sheer curtains.
North facing windows – These have low light so supplement with a grow light for a few hours daily.
No direct sun – Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves. Always filter the light.
Rotating – Turn the plant occasionally so all sides get adequate light exposure.
12-15 hours daily – Ensure the plant gets enough bright, filtered light throughout the day.

Give your fiddle leaf fig consistent access to the right amount of sunlight and it will reward you with vigorous growth.

Maintaining Ideal Temperatures

Warm temperatures are critical for fiddle leaf fig health. As a tropical plant, it thrives best at temps between 60-80°F and does poorly below 50°F. Follow these temperature guidelines:

Keep away from cold drafts from windows, doors, and air vents.
Use curtains to trap heat from sunlight during the day.
Move to the warmest room at night if needed.
Supplement with a space heater or grow lights for added warmth.
Maintain consistent temperatures – minimize fluctuations.
Provide extra humidity if dry heat is an issue.
Move outside once night temps stay above 50°F.

Monitor your fiddle leaf fig to ensure it’s staying in its ideal temp range. Signs of cold stress include dropped leaves, brown crispy leaves, slowed growth, and leaf curling.

Providing Consistent Watering

Fiddle leaf figs need thorough but infrequent watering to thrive. Use these best practices:

Water only when the top several inches of soil are dry.
Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the drainage holes.
Pour water evenly around the entire surface of the pot.
Remove any pooled water in the saucer so it’s not reabsorbed.
Maintain a consistent watering schedule year-round.
Water slightly less in winter during inactive growth.
Use room temperature filtered water if possible.
Ensure the pot and saucer drain well to avoid root rot.

Check the soil before watering rather than sticking to a fixed schedule. This guarantees your plant gets the moisture it needs when it needs it.

Providing Adequate Humidity

The tropical fiddle leaf fig prefers consistent humidity of 60-65%. Dry air can cause leaf tip browning and loss. Use these humidity tips:

Place on pebble trays or humidifier near the plant.
Mist the leaves daily using room temperature soft water.
Group plants together to raise local humidity.
Avoid dry heat sources like heating vents blowing directly on it.
Put a humidity gauge near the plant to monitor levels.
Take into the bathroom when showering to soak up steam.
Move outside in summer so it benefits from natural humidity.

Ensure your fiddle leaf fig gets the right humidity to prevent distressed dry leaves. If your climate is very arid, this may require extra effort.

Using the Proper Potting Mix

Fiddle leaf figs need a well-draining potting mix to avoid overly wet roots. Use:

A basic mix containing peat moss, bark fines, perlite or pumice.
A commercial citrus & cactus potting soil.
Add extra perlite or orchid bark for more drainage.
Pot in terra cotta containers to absorb excess moisture.
Repot every 2-3 years as the plant outgrows the pot.
Refresh one-third of the soil annually to replenish nutrients.

Avoid regular potting soil or anything with water retaining properties like moss or coir. Test the drainage before potting by watering a sample of the mix – it should drain freely.

Fertilizing For Healthy Growth

Fiddle leaf figs are heavy feeders and require regular fertilizer for lush growth. Follow these tips:

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during spring through fall.
Fertilize monthly at one quarter strength in winter.
Apply directly to the soil and water in thoroughly.
Watch for signs of fertilizer burn like dried leaf tips.
Supplement with compost or worm castings if needed.
Repot in fresh soil periodically to replenish nutrients.
Leach salts out with water monthly to prevent buildup.

Pick an organic fertilizer made for fruiting plants, trees, or citrus. Consistent light feeding keeps fiddle leaf figs vibrant and growing strongly.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even attentive gardeners may run into problems with their fiddle leaf figs. Here are some common issues and remedies:

Brown crispy leaves – This signals too little humidity. Increase misting, pebble trays, take into bathrooms when showering.

Leaf drop – Often caused by overwatering or temperatures too low. Let soil dry out more and keep above 60°F.

Spindly weak growth – Not enough light. Rotate more frequently or supplement with grow lights.

Leaf spots – Some bacterial or fungal disease. Improve airflow, treat with neem oil.

Insects – Mealybugs and spider mites are common. Wipe leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Yellow lower leaves – Normal aging process. Prune them off neatly. As long as newer leaves look healthy, plant is fine.

Leaning trunk – Needs more light on all sides. Gradually rotate plant for even sunlight exposure.

Brown leaf tips – Low humidity, over-fertilization, or salty water. Increase humidity, reduce fertilizer, and use purified water.

Pay attention to your plant’s signals to diagnose issues early before they escalate. Fiddle leaf figs often indicate their needs clearly through leaf response if you learn to read the signs.

Shaping and Training For Visual Appeal

Besides basic care, fiddle leaf figs need occasional pruning and shaping to look their best. Here are some tips:

Pin back drooping outer branches using small nails into the trunk.
Stake up tall thin trunks with bamboo sticks until thicker.
Remove any large leaves growing below the main canopy.
Prune crossing, damaged, or unattractive branches.
Pinch back tips to encourage bushier growth.
Rotate a quarter turn each week to encourage even growth on all sides.
Dust leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them clean and shiny.
Consider braiding or looping the trunks for a more interesting look.
Transplant into a decorative cachepot or planter to complement your decor.

With some simple training techniques, you can guide your fiddle leaf fig into a shapely, visually-pleasing tree that makes an attractive focal point in your living space.

Caring For Fiddle Leaf Figs: Frequently Asked Questions

Caring for fiddle leaf fig trees comes with many common questions for novice growers. Here are helpful answers to some frequently asked questions:

How often should I water my fiddle leaf fig?

Water whenever the top several inches of soil feel dry. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks in the growing season and monthly in winter.

What signs indicate my plant needs more humidity?

Dry air causes tip and edge browning, leaf loss, and leaf curling or folding. Increase humidity if you see these issues.

Can I grow my fiddle leaf fig outside?

Yes, in frost-free climates you can grow them outside year round in partial sun. Bring inside before temps drop below 50°F.

Should I mist my plant’s leaves?

Occasional misting provides humidity but avoid keeping leaves perpetually wet as that encourages diseases.

How much light does a fiddle leaf fig need?

They need bright filtered light for 12-15 hours daily. South and west windows are best and supplemented with sheer curtains.

What’s the ideal temperature range for fiddle leaf figs?

Daytime temps of 60-80°F are ideal. At night they tolerate 50-60°F. Avoid drafty spots and use a space heater if needed.

Why are the older leaves on my plant yellowing and falling off?

This is natural as leaves age. As long as the top leaves look healthy, the plant is fine. Just tidy up the lower leaves.

Should I rotate my fiddle leaf fig?

Yes, rotate a quarter turn each week to ensure even sunlight and growth on all sides.

By following the tips in this guide, even novice gardeners can master how to keep fiddle leaf figs healthy and thriving indoors. Pay close attention to your plant’s needs for light, humidity, water, and nutrients. With a little practice, this dramatic but demanding plant can become an easy and rewarding houseplant.

Conclusion

With their huge, vibrant leaves and statuesque forms, fiddle leaf fig trees can be an impressive focal point in any indoor garden. However, their tropical nature does make them more challenging to grow successfully than some houseplants. The key is providing the right cultivation conditions consistently over time. With bright filtered light, ample warmth and humidity, an appropriate potting mix, and proper watering, fiddle leaf figs can thrive and reward plant parents with their bold, sculptural beauty. Avoid stressors like overwatering, dry air, drafts, and inadequate sunlight and even novice gardeners can keep this prima donna looking healthy and happy. Follow the expert tips in this guide, pay attention to your plant’s signals, and you’ll master the art of growing glorious fiddle leaf figs indoors.

Expert Tips for Keeping This Notoriously Difficult Plant Happy