Learn about the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree. A low maintenance beauty that makes a statement in the home reaching a height of up to 10 feet.
Have you noticed this beautiful tropical houseplant that is tall and skinny with really large leaves? The fiddle leaf fig tree or Ficus Lyrata is becoming very popular in home decorating, and as I continue to set up my home office, I felt it really needed such dramatic beauty.
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Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree
I've been keeping an eye out for one at Home Depot and my local nurseries, but after a while, I decided to just order a Fiddleleaf Fig Tree
Packed well with peanuts and masking tape over the dirt, it looked un-phased from the trip.
The first thing I did after removing the masking tape, was to set it in the bathtub and give it a good drink of water. This plant, like so many others, likes to be watered thoroughly until you see water draining out the bottom. Never let it sit in water.
So while it was draining I took a damp cloth and wiped down the leaves. The newer ones on top really didn't need much, but some of the older leaves were pretty dusty.
For now, I have it on a side table next to a bright window in my office which faces southwest.
During the winter all the leaves from the maple tree outside the window are gone, allowing even more light to shine in the room. It is a South-East facing window so there should be plenty of bright light for this plant. However, the sun doesn't actually come through and shine on the plant.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Care Facts
Height: This tree can reach over 10 feet indoors. Don't worry they are pretty slow growing but it's something to think about.
Sun: Bright Indirect Sun. That means a bright window or room that doesn't actually have rays of sun coming through it and shining on the leaves. If it does you will need a sheer curtain to help filter the rays. Some say a west-facing exposure is best. Like any houseplant watch out for drafty areas or extra cold windows.
Water: Let it dry out. You can even wait until it wilts a bit. Then water well, until it comes out the bottom. Do not let it sit in water. I like to take mine to the bathroom, run lukewarm to cool water through it and then let it sit and drain a bit before moving it back. Sometimes I'll hit the leaves with the showerhead too. I typically water once a week during the spring through early fall then switch to every other week in late fall and during the winter.
Fertilize: I use a higher nitrogen fertilizer like Miracid about every other month except during winter.
Re-Potting: You can re-pot in the spring with a soil that drains well. I would only do this if the roots are going out of the drainage holes in the bottom. Like many houseplants, Fiddle Leaf Fig trees like to be a little pot bound so choose a pot that is only 1-2 inches wider than the root ball.
I placed the fiddle leaf fig in a decorative rope basket I made with a place saucer in the bottom to protect the basket and catch any extra water.
This way I won't have to disturb the plant until it's time to re-pot.
Here's a pic of the same tree a few years later. It now measures a little over 4 feet tall.
Take a look at this fiddle leaf fig growing in our vacation home rental last year in California. It was amazing and there was another one in the next room. I guess they love California sunshine.
Additional Fiddle Leaf Resources:
HGTV - The Fiddle Leaf Fig is Fashion Forward
Tips for the Fiddle Leaf (video)
If you keep an eye out you will find these in the local big box stores. They are usually pretty small but it's a start. And if you can't wait you can always buy them online.
I love the way this Fiddle Leaf Fig looks in our home. It's a keeper.
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Patti Gilmore
Hi Patti,
I have had this plant in my lobby at work for 15 years. I have had to transplant it a few times. All of a sudden a few months ago it got big brown spots on the older leaves. I have trimmed a lot of them off. What could be the problem?
Patti Estep
Patti, I have found that some of the older leaves at the bottom die off. Mine usually turn yellow first. I think that's pretty normal. My gut would also check for root rot or basically over-watering. You could gently turn over the plant and pull it out to check the roots. However, if you've had this plant for 15 years you probably have it on a good watering routine.
Sharon
Loved you caring story...
Ours started as a houseplant, ( we gave it to my mom & dad), Later he planted it outside. It grew so well that it had to be cut down( infringing on neighbors property).
But we left it at 3” tall because it was cheaper, then we were going to finish taking out the trunk.
Well, this little guy has decided to sprout up again.
It is beautiful.
The roots are huge.
Enjoy
Patti Estep
Wow. Sounds like it loves it there. How wonderful.
Judy
My fiddle leaf fig is now over ten feet tall and lovely. I am going to prune it next spring as long as it can wait that long. I plan to root the cuttings. I believe the secret to house plants is this. Set the pot with drainage holes on pot feet inside of a large saucer. This way the plant can get thoroughly watered but never sit in water. This may not look very appealing but since I have started all my houseplants this way I never have had sad plants and never had to worry about wet and ruined hardwood or carpet.
Patti Estep
That's wonderful Judy. Overwatering and not having good drainage is so important. Thanks for sharing your experience.
heather @ new house new home
Oooh, I want one!! Off to Amazon I go!
Doreen @ Hymns and Verses
Patti,
I got a large fiddle leaf fig early this spring! I love it and it did very well until very recently. I had been giving it a small drink every Friday, because that is what some websites said they liked. However, in the past few weeks, it has started to drop leaves and some of the leaf edges are turning brown! I'm in a panic. I wonder if I should give it a good thorough water like you said and see if that helps. I don't want to loose my fig!!!!
Patti
Hi Doreen,
I'm so sorry you are having problems with your fig. Since this is my first fiddle leaf fig I can only guess at what might be the problem. Everything I have read says that they hate to be over watered but a small drink once a week hardly seems like too much. However, is there enough drainage? Even a small amount left for the pot to sit in may cause a problem. I've also read that you should wait until the top leaves start to wilt before watering again. How does the top look? Is it still producing new growth? I do think it is normal for a few of the bottom leaves to shed. Look under the leaves for any pest issues too. Perhaps a little diluted fertilizer would give it a boost. Has anything else changed? Is the light different due to the time of year? Too much direct sunlight can also be an issue? I hope this is only temporary and that your fig perks up soon.
Emily
I live in Florida and I have kept my plant out side in full sun since I bought it a year ago and it is beautiful. I would like to transition it indoors. How can I do that without damaging it. Thanks.
Patti
Hi Emily,
This is my first tree so I am no expert. All I can tell you is that if its happy outside it may take a while for it to get used to new growing conditions. Florida is somewhat tropical and that is the natural habitat for this tree. If you bring it inside, to say an air conditioned home, it may be a shock. If it's not to big, try move around try moving it inside for a few hours every day then back outside. If that is not feasible, just find the best indirect sunny spot, away from any drafts and keep an eye on it. Even if it loses a few leaves in the transition phase, it may very well bounce right back. Hope that helps.
Patti